Connecticut Driver's License
Requirements
In Connecticut, driver's licenses are issued by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (CT DMV). The standard non-commercial credential is a Class D Driver's License. Connecticut operates one of the strictest Graduated Driver License (GDL) programs in the United States: applicants under 18 must complete EITHER a 30-hour Commercial Driving School program OR 22 hours of "Secondary School" Driver Ed PLUS additional parental-instruction hours. The Learner's Permit is available at 16 (16 years 0 months), with a 6-month holding period if Driver Ed is completed at a Commercial Driving School, or a 4-month holding period if completed at a Secondary School. Both paths require 40 hours of behind-the-wheel practice plus the parent attending a 2-hour state-mandated parent-training class. After the road test, the Provisional License (16- and 17-year-olds) imposes some of the harshest passenger restrictions in the country: no passengers other than parents/guardians/driving instructor for the first 6 months. Connecticut issues federally-compliant REAL ID licenses (the gold star) — required to board domestic flights starting May 7, 2025. Connecticut also issues a Drive Only License for residents without lawful-presence documentation. CT DMV operates 13 in-person hubs supplemented by AAA-branded service centers for renewals.
Requirements Overview
Must be a Connecticut resident. The DMV requires two documents proving Connecticut residency. New residents from another state must transfer their out-of-state license within 30 days of establishing residency. Connecticut issues a Drive Only License for qualifying residents without lawful-presence documentation under Public Act 13-89 (2013).
Required Documents
Bring original documents only — photocopies are not accepted. Verify the complete current list at the official Connecticut DMV website.
- Proof of identity and U.S. citizenship or lawful presence (U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, or valid permanent resident card)
- Social Security number — SSN card, W-2, 1099, or paystub showing the full SSN
- Proof of name change (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree) if applicable
- Two proofs of Connecticut residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease, mortgage, or current CT vehicle registration)
- Parental/guardian consent (Form 2DLR) signed in person at the DMV — required for applicants under 18
- For applicants under 18: state-approved Driver Education completion (Commercial Driving School or Secondary School)
- Parent attendance certificate from the 2-hour state-mandated parent-training class
- Vehicle for road test with valid CT registration and proof of insurance
Fees & Costs
Fees change frequently. Always verify the current fee at the official Connecticut DMV website before your visit.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to get your Connecticut driver's license. Steps may vary based on your age and residency status — always confirm with the official DMV.
Choose Your Driver Education Path
Connecticut offers two GDL paths for under-18 applicants. Path A: Complete 30 hours of classroom instruction at a state-licensed Commercial Driving School + 22 hours of behind-the-wheel + 8 hours of observation. Path B: Complete 22 hours at a Connecticut Secondary School + 22 hours of behind-the-wheel + 8 hours of observation. Both paths require the parent to complete a 2-hour state-mandated parent-training class.
Study the Connecticut Driver's Manual
Download the current Connecticut Driver's Manual from portal.ct.gov/DMV. The written knowledge test is 25 questions covering CT traffic laws, road signs, hurricane and snow-driving safety, and the state's Move Over law. You need 80% (20 correct) to pass.
Apply for a Learner's Permit at 16
Visit any CT DMV hub with your parent/guardian, required documents, Driver Ed enrollment proof, and $19 fee. Pass the vision test and the written knowledge test. The Learner's Permit allows driving only when supervised by a licensed driver age 20+ with at least 4 years of valid licensing experience.
Pro tip: Use AAA service centers for renewals (they handle all duplicate and renewal transactions); reserve DMV hubs for new licenses and complex transactions.
Log 40 Hours and Complete Parent Training
During the Learner's Permit period, log at least 40 hours of supervised driving practice. The supervising driver must be 20+ with at least 4 years of valid driving experience. The parent must complete the 2-hour state-mandated training class on Connecticut's GDL law BEFORE the road test — this is unique to Connecticut.
Hold Permit for 4 or 6 Months
Connecticut requires a 4-month Learner's Permit period if Driver Ed was completed at a Commercial Driving School, OR a 6-month period if completed at a Secondary School. The clock resets if the permit holder is convicted of any moving violation during the period.
Pass the Skills (Road) Test
Schedule the road test through ct.gov/dmv. Bring your Learner's Permit, signed driving log, parent training certificate, parent consent (Form 2DLR), Driver Ed certificate, vehicle insurance/registration, and a sober adult sponsor. The 15–25 minute test covers parallel parking, three-point turn, controlled intersections, lane changes, freeway merging, and basic city driving. The test fee is $40.
Pro tip: Smaller CT DMV hubs (Norwich, Willimantic, Putnam) typically have road-test appointments within 2–3 weeks; Hartford and Bridgeport can be 6–10 weeks out.
Receive the Provisional License at 16 or 17
Pay the $84 license fee. The Connecticut Provisional License (16- and 17-year-olds) has very strict restrictions: NO passengers other than parents/guardians/driving instructor for the first 6 months. For months 7–12: only immediate family members may be passengers. No driving 11pm–5am for the entire first year unless going to/from work or school. Cell phone use of any kind (even hands-free) is prohibited until age 18.
Upgrade to Full Class D at 18
On the 18th birthday, the Provisional License automatically becomes a full Class D Driver's License. Standard 8-year renewal cycle begins; restrictions lift completely. No additional test or office visit required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Connecticut's GDL combines several elements that no other state stacks together: (1) a mandatory 2-hour parent-training class before the road test, (2) a "no non-family passengers" rule for the first 6 months of the Provisional License (most states allow at least 1 non-family passenger), (3) a complete cell phone ban (even hands-free) until 18, and (4) a 4–6 month minimum Learner's Permit period AFTER Driver Education. The result: Connecticut consistently ranks in the top 5 states for low teen at-fault crash rates.
Ready to Apply?
Visit the official Connecticut DMV to start your application with the correct, up-to-date requirements.
This website is not affiliated with any government agency or DMV office. Information is for general guidance only. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official DMV website before taking action.