Free Connecticut Permit Practice Tests 2025

You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a learner’s permit in Connecticut. This age requirement applies to all first-time permit applicants regardless of prior driving experience.

To apply for a permit in Connecticut you must bring:

• Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
• Proof of Social Security Number (Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099)
• Two proofs of Connecticut residency (bank statements, utility bills, etc.)
• Completed R-229 application form signed by a parent/guardian if under 18
• Payment for the application fee

Yes. If you’re under 18, a parent or legal guardian must:

• Sign your permit application (form R-229)
• Give consent for you to get a learner’s permit
• Be with you at the DMV when you apply

The application process in Connecticut is as follows:

1. Complete the R-229 application form (available online or at DMV offices)
2. Gather all required documents
3. Schedule an appointment at a DMV office
4. Bring your documents and application to your appointment
5. Take the vision test
6. Take the knowledge test
7. Pay the application fee
8. Get your learner’s permit

If you’re under 18, a parent or guardian must also accompany you to sign the application.

Connecticut allows you to start the application process online by scheduling an appointment and downloading the R-229 application form. However, you must visit a DMV office in person to complete the application, submit your documents, take your vision test, and complete your knowledge test.

The Connecticut DMV charges a non-refundable application fee for a learner’s permit. This fee covers processing your application, the knowledge test, and issuing your permit. Check the Connecticut DMV website for current fee information.

To get your permit in Connecticut you must pass:

• A vision test to ensure you can see well enough to drive safely
• A knowledge test with multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices

The Connecticut permit knowledge test has 25 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 20 questions correctly (80%) to pass.

The Connecticut permit test covers:

• Traffic laws and regulations
• Road signs and signals
• Right-of-way rules
• Safe driving practices
• Penalties for violating traffic laws
• Alcohol and drug effects on driving
• Distracted driving laws

The best ways to prepare for your Connecticut permit test:

• Study the Connecticut Driver’s Manual thoroughly, available on our website at this link
• Take our free practice tests that simulate the actual permit test
• Review road signs and traffic laws multiple times
• Consider enrolling in a driver education course

If you fail the Connecticut permit test:

• You must wait at least 7 days before retaking the test
• You will need to pay the testing fee again for each additional attempt
• There is no limit to the number of retakes
• Use the waiting period to study and prepare further

With a Connecticut learner’s permit you can:

• Practice driving with a qualified instructor or a licensed driver who is at least 20 years old and has held a license for at least 4 years
• Gain experience to prepare for your road test
• Complete your required behind-the-wheel training hours

When driving with a permit in Connecticut you:

• Must be accompanied by a qualified licensed driver (at least 20 years old with 4+ years of driving experience)
• Cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. (unless for employment, school, religious activities or medical necessity)
• Cannot use cell phones or mobile electronic devices if you’re under 18
• Cannot have additional passengers except for your instructor or supervising driver (for the first 6 months)
• Must ensure all occupants wear seat belts

In Connecticut, the requirements depend on your age:
If you are under 18:

• Hold your learner’s permit for at least 180 days (6 months) before taking the road test
• Complete at least 40 hours of supervised driving practice
• Complete an approved driver education program

If you are 18 or older:

• Hold your learner’s permit for at least 90 days (3 months) before taking the road test
• No specific practice hour requirement, but practice enough to develop safe driving skills

Connecticut requires different driver education based on your age:

• If you are under 18: You must complete a Connecticut-approved driver education program before getting your license (not before getting your permit)
• If you are 18 or older: Driver education is not required, though it’s recommended to help you become a safer driver

In Connecticut, before you get your driver’s license, the requirements depend on your age:

• If you are under 18, you must complete:
  • A Connecticut-approved driver education program with 30 hours of classroom instruction
  • 40 hours of supervised driving practice
  • An 8-hour Safe Driving Practices course that includes a 2-hour parent/guardian component
• If you are 18 to 21: You must complete an 8-hour Safe Driving Practices course before getting your license
• If you are over 21: No formal driver education is required, though it’s still beneficial

You can find Connecticut-approved driver education programs by:

• Checking your high school’s offerings
• Visiting the Connecticut DMV website for a list of licensed driving schools
• Calling the Connecticut DMV Driver Education Section
• Looking for schools that display an official Connecticut DMV certification

The Connecticut road test will evaluate:

• Your ability to safely operate the vehicle
• Your ability to follow traffic laws and signs
• Basic maneuvers like turns, lane changes, and parking
• Awareness of other road users
• Good decision making in various traffic situations

Before you begin, the DMV examiner will check your vehicle’s safety features (lights, brakes, tires, registration, and insurance).

You can schedule your road test in Connecticut by:

• Using the DMV’s online appointment system
• Calling the DMV appointment line
• Visiting a DMV office in person

Be prepared to provide your learner’s permit number and personal information.

On the day of your road test in Connecticut, bring:

• Your valid learner’s permit
• A properly registered and insured vehicle
• Current registration and proof of insurance
• A licensed driver who is at least 20 years old with 4+ years of driving experience
• If under 18, proof of completed driver education

Common reasons for failing the Connecticut road test include:

• Not checking blind spots before changing lanes
• Rolling through stop signs instead of coming to a complete stop
• Driving too fast or too slow for conditions
• Improper lane positioning or lane changes
• Not yielding to pedestrians or other vehicles
• Lack of steering control
• Poor awareness of surroundings
• Inability to parallel park
• Failing to use turn signals properly

To convert your learner’s permit to a driver’s license in Connecticut:
If you are under 18:

• Hold your permit for at least 180 days (6 months)
• Complete a driver education program with 30 hours of classroom instruction
• Complete 40 hours of supervised driving practice
• Complete an 8-hour Safe Driving Practices course (including a 2-hour parent/guardian component)
• Pass the road test
• Pay the license fee

If you are 18 or older:

• Hold your permit for at least 90 days
• Practice driving with your permit
• Schedule and pass the road test
• Pay the license fee

Connecticut’s graduated licensing program has these stages:

• Learner’s Permit: Must be at least 16 years old and practice with a qualified supervisor. Valid until you pass the driving test.
• Limited License (for under 18): Comes with passenger restrictions for the first 6 months and nighttime driving restrictions for the first year.
• Full License: All restrictions are removed when you turn 18 or when the restricted periods end.
• Adults 18 and older can go directly from permit to full license after holding the permit for 90 days and passing the road test.

As a new driver under 18 in Connecticut, your license will have these restrictions:

• For the first 6 months, you may only drive with your parents or legal guardian (who must hold a valid driver’s license)
• No driving between midnight and 5 a.m. unless for employment, school, religious activities, or medical necessity
• No use of cell phones or mobile electronic devices, even with hands-free accessories

These restrictions apply until you have held your license for 12 months or until you turn 18, whichever comes first.

Connecticut does not recognize out-of-state permits for driving within the state. If you are moving to Connecticut with an out-of-state permit:

• You will need to apply for a Connecticut permit
• You may need to retake the knowledge test
• Any driving experience with your out-of-state permit may be credited toward Connecticut’s requirements (check with the DMV)

You can download a copy of the Connecticut Driver’s Manual here. Physical copies are also available at any DMV office.

Yes! We offer free Connecticut-specific practice tests that mimic the actual permit test. They are designed to help you study the material and get comfortable with the test format before your actual exam.

For more information about the Connecticut permit process:

• Visit the Connecticut DMV website at ct.gov/dmv
• Call the DMV at 860-263-5700 during business hours
• Visit your local DMV office
• For hearing impaired assistance, use the Connecticut Relay Service by dialing 711

If you lose your Connecticut permit:

• Apply for a duplicate at a DMV office
• Bring proof of your identity
• Pay the replacement fee
• If you’re under 18, a parent or guardian must accompany you

A parent or guardian who signed the application for a minor can cancel their teen’s permit or license by submitting a Request for Cancellation form to the DMV along with proof of their relationship to the minor.