Beware of fraudulent practices regarding the drive-only program
Criminals use clever schemes to defraud millions of people every year.
Now they are using the Connecticut drive-only license to try to get you to pay for things you may not even need.
Fraud prevention tips:
- Not all paid advertisements are accurate.
- You don’t need to pay anyone to help you apply for the drive-only license. There are clear instructions on the DMV website.
- Many public libraries and community organizations are happy to offer free advice on requirements.
- You can call the DMV call center and ask for help in English or Spanish:
- DMV's call center hours: Operators are on duty Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Call center phone numbers:
860-263-5700 (within the Hartford area or outside of Connecticut)
800-842-8222 (elsewhere in Connecticut)
- Most of the DMV web pages can be viewed with Google Translate, so you can read it in your own language.
- The only valid DMV payments you may need to make are for:
- DMV fees
- DMV-licensed commercial driving school for the eight-hour safe driving practices course
- A DMV-approved translator if your documents are not in English
- Remember:
- Do not pay more than $150 for the eight-hour safe driving practices course
- If you’re age 18 or older, you do not need on-the-road training hours
- If you have a learner’s permit, you must drive with a Qualified Trainer—but that can be your friend or family member
- Choose a driving school from this list of DMV-licensed commercial driving schools.
- There are DMV-licensed commercial driving school that teach the curriculum in a language other than English.
- Once you get a drive-only permit, at all times you must drive with a qualified trainer (this is someone who has had a Connecticut driver’s license for at least four years and has had no suspensions during that four-year period).
- You may also choose to pay a DMV-licensed commercial driving school for on-the-road driving lessons. Again, choose a driving school from our list of DMV-licensed driving schools.
- If you’re the victim of a scam related to the drive-only license, visit the following websites for assistance:
