Get a Learner’s Permit

SMISHING SCAM ALERT: We have been informed that some residents are receiving fraudulent text messages and phone calls. Please be advised that the CT DMV does NOT contact residents regarding motor vehicle related violations.

WALK-IN SERVICES: Walk-in services are not available at our Cheshire, Putnam, and Stamford locations. Additionally, none of our locations offer walk-in services on Saturdays. Residents should expect long wait times if they do not have an appointment. Our appointment system is updated in real time, with new appointments added regularly.

How can I get a learner’s permit?

The first step for a new driver to get a driver's license is to complete the Connecticut Work Zone Safety Cours e. Next step, get a learner's permit. To do this, the driver will need to pass a written knowledge test, based on the Connecticut driver’s manual, as well as a vision test.

Residents aged 16 and older can apply for a learner's permit, while those 18 and older can apply for an adult learner's permit.

With a learner's permit, drivers can start practicing behind the wheel.

If you already have a driver’s license from a different U.S. state or territory, Germany, Canada, or France, you can transfer your license to Connecticut without getting a learner’s permit. Out-of-state learner’s permits are not transferable.

Note: If your driver's license has been expired for two or more years, you’ll need to complete all testing requirements again. This includes obtaining a learner’s permit and successful completion of a road test. Learn more about getting a driver's license for the first time.

Schedule a test

Step-by-step guides

Select a link below for information on the different application processes for:

Preparing for your vision and knowledge tests

Additional information

Study resources

The knowledge test follows the Connecticut driver’s manual, and our practice tests are a great way to test what you've learned.

Practice Test One English | Spanish

Practice Test Two English | Spanish

Practice Test Three English | Spanish

Getting your permit in the mail

At the office, you will receive a paper learner’s permit for temporary use until your permanent permit arrives in the mail.

Track your permit to see when it will arrive.

Qualified Trainers

Qualified Trainers are eligible to train and sign a form under penalty of false statement attesting to the applicant’s fulfillment of all driver education requirements.

A Qualified Trainer must be 20 years of age or older and have held a driver license for at least four years with no suspensions during that four-year period. This person can include:

Spouse of married minor (under 18) applicant
Parent, grandparent, foster parent, or legal guardian
If applicant has no spouse, parent, grandparent, foster parent, or legal guardian who is qualified and available: stepparent, brother, sister, uncle or aunt, by blood or marriage.

A parent or legal guardian of a learner’s permit-holder age 16 or 17 is required to attend a two-hour training course with their child. Find a DMV-licensed driving school.

Hearing interpreter services

DMV provides hearing interpreter services by coordinating with hearing interpreter services. To provide these services and meet your request, please allow at least two weeks when scheduling your appointment date.

Once you schedule your appointment on our online system, please call the DMV call center at 860-263-5700 (within the Hartford area) or 1-800-842-8222 (in other areas or outside of Connecticut) to request a hearing interpreter.

Provide your appointment details and contact information. A hearing interpreter is then requested, and you will receive a notification once interpreter services are scheduled for you.

We make every effort to keep the scheduled appointment date, but sometimes we reschedule to meet hearing interpreter requests.

Get a learner’s permit