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Announcements:

◾ High School Students: Enter the CT DMV-Travelers Teen Safe Driving Video Contest! Make a short video and win prizes. Deadline is February 3, 2025. Details here.

◾ Our Stamford office is closed until further notice. Customers with existing appointments in Stamford may choose to have their appointments honored at our Norwalk location, or they can reschedule for a later date. We apologize for any inconveniences this may cause.

Our Putnam office will be closed on Saturday, January 4, 2025 and will reopen on Wednesday, January 8.  Customers with appointments can have their appointment honored at our Willimantic location on Jan. 4 or reschedule for next week at the Putnam office.  We apologize for any inconveniences this may cause.

Teen driver’s license information

Helpful information for teenagers and parents about how to get a license

Teen driver’s license information

Helpful information for teenagers and parents about how to get a license

Steps for learning how to drive in Connecticut

For teens and parents, we know that learning to drive is an exciting opportunity and a big responsibility. We’re here to help. Our resources aim to ignite powerful conversations and establish ground rules to encourage safe driving.

Step 1: Get a learner’s permit

Fees:

  • $40 testing fee (includes vision, knowledge, and road test)
  • $19 learner’s permit

Watch this video to help you prepare.

 

Step 2: Understand what training is required to get your learner’s permit

 

You can fulfill your training requirements through any of these options, or a combination of them.

 

 Commercial driving school                        High school (secondary) driver education  Home training (must be given by a Qualified Trainer**)  
30 hours of classroom training, which includes the safe driving practices course and two hours of parent training 30 hours of classroom training, which includes the safe driving practices course and two hours of parent training  22 hours of classroom type training, and an eight-hour safe driving practices course at a commercial/secondary school which includes two-hour parent/legal guardian training
40 hours practice driving* 40 hours practice driving* 40 hours practice driving*

 

*40 hours of practice driving behind-the-wheel may be given by any combination of commercial/secondary/parent instruction. Learner's permit holders can apply for a driver's license after they have held the permit for at least 120 or 180 days.  

**A Qualified Trainer, someone that’s eligible to train and sign a form under penalty of false statement attesting to your fulfillment of all driver education requirements: You must be 20 or older, have a driver’s license for at least four years with no suspensions during past four years, and can include spouse of married minor (under age 18) applicant, or parent, grandparent, foster parent, or legal guardian; or if you have no spouse, parent, grandparent, foster parent, or guardian who is qualified and available: stepparent, brother, sister, uncle or aunt, by blood or marriage.

 

Step 3: Pass the road test

 

Once you complete the driver training and hold your permit for at least 120 days (if completed commercial or secondary training) or 180 days (if completed training at home with a Qualified Trainer), you’re ready to take a road test—or “driving test.”

If your driving school offers the road test at their facility, they advise you of when you are eligible. Once you’re eligible, present the following documents to the DMV:

  • Your learner's permit. If you do not present the permit, you will not be tested.
  • A completed Application for Driver License (Form R-229). Your Qualified Trainer will need to sign the (Form R-229) verifying that you fulfilled all driver education/practice driving requirements.
  • A EDEC Driver Education Certificate that verifies the completion of your driver training. (The EDEC form is issued by a Connecticut licensed driving school and sent to DMV after you successfully complete the course).

Once you pass the road test, you must wait 48 hours before you go to the DMV Office with your passed Road Test Evaluation Report. 

If you fail the road test, you need to repay the $40 testing fee and wait at least 14 days to be retested.

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  • Drivers aged 16 and 17 who hold an out-of-state license

Drivers aged 16 and 17 who hold an out-of-state license

Please note: This service is only provided at a DMV hub office or at our Enfield office. 

Step 1: Identification and address verification
Refer to license requirements for new residents.   

Step 2: Driver training
Complete the eight-hour safe driving practices class at a commercial driving school or secondary school in Connecticut, including the two-hour parent/legal guardian training.

Step 3: Surrender your out-of-state license
When you surrender your out-of-state license and get a Connecticut driver license, provide this document:

  • A certificate of completion of safe driving practices class (EDEC)

Then complete these actions:

  • Pass a vision test. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring them to your appointment.
  • Pass a road test (or “driving test”)

Please be aware of the passenger restrictions and other laws for newly licensed drivers aged 16 and 17 in Connecticut.

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