Driver Training Program
Welcome to the Driver Training Program for Persons with
Disabilities. Prior to 2011, this program was a part of the Connecticut
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Since its beginning in August 1945 training Connecticut World
War II veterans, the program has expanded to include any qualified permanent
Connecticut resident who requires special equipment in order to operate a motor
vehicle. This is the only state-operated program of this type in the U.S. There
is no charge for this training.
Requirements
Getting Started
Evaluation and Training
Training Vehicles
Licensing
Special Adaptive Equipment
Limitations (Restrictions) On an Operator’s License
Resources
Requirements
You may be
eligible for the Driver Training Program (DTP) if you:
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Are a permanent Connecticut resident;
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Have a physical disability which requires special equipment to operate a motor vehicle;
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Received medical clearance from the DMV Driver Services Division
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Complied with the DMV identification, residency, vision screening, knowledge testing and driver education requirements; and
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Are able to independently transfer from your wheelchair (if you use one) to the driver’s seat of the DTP training vehicle. Or, we will provide the training in your own specially-equipped vehicle that has already been modified to accommodate your wheelchair. All vehicles used for training shall be properly registered, insured, and equipped with an instructor’s brake.
SPECIAL NOTE: If you need accommodations
OTHER THAN for a physical disability to obtain a driver’s
license, contact the DMV for assistance.
If you are a new (first time) or a current Connecticut license holder who meets the above requirements and you wish to participate in the program, contact the DMV Driver Services Division at (860) 263-5723 to obtain the required medical clearance. State that you are applying for driver training through the ADS Driver Training Program and would like to begin the medical review process.
You will be asked to provide information regarding your
disability, which will enable DMV to determine what medical forms to send you
for your treating doctor(s) to complete and return to DMV on your behalf, or you can download them here: Medical Form P-142M and Eye Care Form P-142OP The
DMV Driver Services Division will notify you by mail of its decision and/or if
additional medical reports are required from your doctor(s). Staff in the ADS Driver Training Program will receive a copy of this decision as well. If you have any questions regarding these forms or medical clearance, please contact the DMV Driver Services Division at (860) 263-5723.
Evaluation and Training
If your medical
review application to the DMV Driver Services Division is determined favorable,
your name goes on the list of eligible candidates for the ADS Driver Training
Program. When the first available opening occurs, a DTP Inspector will contact
you by telephone to arrange an appointment with you.
Initially,
the DTP Inspector will assess your driving abilities, and will work with you to determine the type of special adaptive
equipment required to meet your needs. The DTP Inspectorwill then provide
all aspects of skills training, including city, rural, secondary and
limited-access highway driving.
Training Vehicles
The vehicles DTP Inspector use for training are passenger motor vehicles equipped with:
- Hand Controls for operation of Gas and Brake pedals
- Spinner Knob Steering Control
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Left Foot Accelerator
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Right Hand Turn Signal Lever
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Instructor’s Dual Brake
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Automatic Transmission
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Power Steering, Brakes, Seats, Windows, backup/rear view cameras and Mirrors
In some cases where it is determined by the DTP or
referral from another driver assessment program that complex modifications are
required, we will provide the training in your own specially-equipped vehicle.
All vehicles used for training shall be properly registered,
insured, and equipped with an instructor’s brake.
Licensing
The DTP must certify all results of the driver assessment and/or training with the Department of Motor Vehicles Driver Services Division.Favorable: Once you have successfully demonstrated to the DTP Instructor that you possess the abilities to safely operate a motor vehicle and have complied with all requirements, you will be eligible for the DMV to issue you a license with the proper endorsements and/or restrictions deemed necessary (see categories below).
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Current License Holders requiring a change in license type and/or restrictions added or removed will receive a corrected license through the mail from the DMV.
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New Drivers - DMV will email an invoice to you. Upon payment of the photo-license fee, a temporary license will be mailed to you, followed by a permanent license.
Unfavorable: If you are unable to demonstrate
to the DTP sufficient skills to safely operate a motor vehicle, you
may apply for a CT Non-Driver Photo ID card.
- Current License Holders can choose to voluntarily surrender their operator’s license to the DTP for medical reasons and receive a CT Non-Driver Photo ID card at no charge through the mail from the DMV. Please note that if you choose not to surrender your license, the DMV may take action to withdraw your privilege to maintain an operator’s license.
- Unlicensed Drivers must pay the required fee for the CT Non-Driver Photo ID at a DMV Hub Office.
Special Adaptive Equipment
If you were trained using one of the DTP vehicles, the DTP will provide a prescription for the special adaptive equipment to be installed on your vehicle. The DTP will provide you with a list of vendors who supply and install adaptive equipment required for driving safely. The vendor you select must have knowledge of the contents of the prescription in order to install the equipment you require in your vehicle.Limitations (Restrictions) On an Operator’s License
A limited license may contain one or more of the following limitations (restrictions), which shall be noted on your license:
- B - Operation of a motor vehicle is permitted only when the person is using corrective lenses, not including telescopic lenses, as prescribed by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist;
- C - Operation of a motor vehicle is permitted only with a motor vehicle having special controls or equipment;
- D - Operation of a motor vehicle is permitted only while using a prosthetic aid;
- E - Operation of a motor vehicle is permitted only with a motor vehicle having an automatic transmission;
- F - Operation of a motor vehicle is permitted only with a motor vehicle equipped with external mirrors located on both the left and right sides of the vehicle to reflect to the vehicle operator a view of the highway of at least two hundred (200) feet to the rear;
- G - Operation of a motor vehicle is permitted only during the period of daylight beginning one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise and one-half (1/2) hour after sunset;
- R - Operation of a motor vehicle is permitted only on highways that are not limited access highways;
- U - Operation of a motor vehicle is permitted only when the person is using an operable hearing aid.
Completion of the driver training program alone does not entitle
you to operate a vehicle. Securing your operator’s license is the final step in
this process towards enabling you to drive. Once your limited (restricted)
license has been issued to you, you must drive only under the conditions
identified on your restricted license. You should not operate a vehicle that
does not comply with the limitations (restrictions) on your license.