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Service update (12/21/24):

Please be advised, our Norwalk branch is currently closed as there is a water main break in the area. Customers have been notified and are being re-routed.

  • All appointment types EXCEPT those for Knowledge Tests: appointments will be honored in Bridgeport or Danbury
  • Knowledge Tests: appointments will be honored in Norwalk

We apologize for the inconvenience, as delays are expected.

 

Take the knowledge and vision tests

Everything you need to know to take the knowledge and vision tests

Take the knowledge and vision tests

Everything you need to know to take the knowledge and vision tests

Who needs to take these tests

In order to get a driver’s license, you must first get a learner’s permit. Here’s how to get your learner’s permit:

  • Pass the DMV vision test.
  • Pass the DMV knowledge test. The 25-question test is based on information in the Connecticut driver’s manuals. You’ll need to get at least 20 questions correct to pass.

These tests need to be taken in person and can only be scheduled at certain DMV locations.

 

Note: Anyone age 18 years or older needs to get an adult learner’s permit before obtaining a driver’s license. Adult learner’s permits are valid for two years. If you already have a driver’s license from another U.S. state or territory, Germany, Canada, or France, you can transfer your license to Connecticut without getting an adult learner’s permit.

 

Drive-only program
Undocumented individuals can apply for a drive-only license. Learn more.

Please note
All testing must be done in person. Make an appointment now.

Taking the road test

You can take your DMV road test (or “driving test”) if you have:

  • Taken and passed both the DMV vision and DMV knowledge tests
  • Had your learner’s permit for the required amount of time
  • Completed required driver training

Learn more about who’s eligible to take a road test, what it evaluates, and how to schedule a road test appointment.

Watch this video to help you prepare for your tests and learn more about safe driving.

Watch now

DMV vision and knowledge tests

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  • Taking the vision and knowledge tests
  • Scheduling an appointment
  • Required documents & fees

Taking the vision and knowledge tests

Please note:  All testing is offered by appointment only at select DMV locations. 

Before you’re able to take the knowledge test to get a learner’s permit, the vision. The minimum vision requirement for a Class D license—any motor vehicle that doesn’t require a commercial driver’s license—is 20/40 vision or better, with or without corrective lenses. The vision test also evaluates your peripheral vision (how far you can see to either side while looking straight ahead). To meet the vision requirements, a person must have 140 degrees of binocular peripheral visual field.

 

Languages offered for the knowledge test:  Albanian, Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, English, French, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

Applicants also have the option to request and complete in hard copy format a written knowledge test in these additional languages: Amharic Ethiopia, Armenian, Bosnian, Chinese Simplified, Croatian, Dari, German, Greek, Haitian Creole, Hindi, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Nepali, Pashto, Persian Farsi, Portuguese Brizil, Punjabi, Romanian, Somali, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, and Urdu.

 
FAQ: What if I fail the vision test?

You can reschedule your appointment immediately. If you fail the knowledge test, you will need to wait seven days and will need to pay $40 to reschedule your appointment to retake the knowledge test.

Read more

Scheduling an appointment

Testing is offered by appointment only at select DMV offices. The vision and knowledge tests are taken during the same appointment, and you will take the vision test first since you need to pass it before taking the knowledge test.

 

Make an appointment

Read more

Required documents & fees

You’ll need to bring the following items to your appointment before you’re able to take the DMV vision and DMV knowledge tests:


  1. Acceptable forms of identification, as defined by the document checklist (English version PDF | Spanish version PDF). Photocopies or faxed copies of any documents are not acceptable.
  2. Completed and signed application for a non-commercial learner’s permit or driver’s license (Form R-229). This can be printed after making your online appointment. If you need to reprint, you can access your form using your appointment PIN via DMV's online service and selecting "print receipt."
  3. $40 license exam fee
  4. Connecticut non-driver ID card, if applicable. This card must be surrendered when a learner's permit is issued.
  5. Glasses or contact lenses if needed for the vision test.
Read more

Knowledge test resources

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  • Additional resources to help you pass the test
  • Driver’s manual - audio versions

Additional resources to help you pass the test

Explore the linked content below to help you practice for—and pass—your knowledge test. Good luck!

  1. Download the Connecticut driver’s manual
  2. Learn more about the free DMV mobile app with practice test questions and answers from the real test. Download: Apple App Store | Google Play (for Android)
  3. Listen to episodes of the DMV Infocast podcast:
Read more

Driver’s manual - audio versions

For your convenience, the Connecticut driver’s manual is also available as an audio study tool in an MP3 audio format, available for download in both English and in Spanish (en español).

 

Note: The audio versions of the driver’s manual DO NOT include the most up-to-date information. Please refer to the written driver’s manuals for the most recent guidance and laws, including updates on driving & driving laws, pedestrian & bicycle safety, and teen driving laws in CT.

 

Audio manual (Recorded from November 2014 edition):

Read more