What you need to get a Connecticut driver's license

Connecticut issues a standard driver's license through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). To get one, you must be at least 16 years old, pass a written knowledge test and a road test, and bring specific documents to prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number.

The process takes multiple visits: first to explore and take the written test, then to schedule and pass the road test, which typically happens weeks later. You cannot take the road test on the same day as your written test in Connecticut.

The standard license costs $126 and is valid for six years. If you are under 18, your license will have restrictions on when you can drive and how many passengers you can carry until you turn 18.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring a Social Security card or tax return, a birth certificate or passport, and proof of Connecticut residency such as a utility bill or lease to your DMV appointment.
  • Connecticut requires you to pass a written test before you can schedule a road test, and the road test must happen at least one week after you pass the written test.
  • The standard driver's license costs $126 and lasts six years; teen licenses cost the same but come with nighttime and passenger restrictions until age 18.
  • You can schedule your road test online through the Connecticut DMV website once you have passed your written test and received your learner's permit.
  • If you already hold a valid driver's license from another state, you may be able to transfer it without retaking the road test, though you must still pass Connecticut's written test.

Documents you must bring to the DMV

Connecticut requires six categories of documents. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for most items.

Proof of identity: A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or certified birth certificate. A school ID or work ID alone is not enough.

Proof of Social Security number: Your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return showing your full nine-digit number. A Social Security letter from the government also works.

Proof of Connecticut residency: A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current address. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. You cannot use a PO box address.

Proof of name change (if applicable): If your current name differs from your birth certificate, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.

Bring your Social Security card in person — you cannot mail it or use a photocopy. If you do not have a Social Security card, bring the original document you used to obtain it, such as your birth certificate and an employment authorization document.

The written test and learner's permit

After you submit your documents at the DMV, you will take a written knowledge test on a computer. The test covers Connecticut traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 80 percent of the questions correctly to pass.

If you pass, you receive a learner's permit on the spot. This permit allows you to drive only with a licensed adult 20 years or older in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive alone, and you must follow all traffic laws and speed limits.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you may need to pay the test fee again depending on the DMV location.

Once you have your learner's permit, you must hold it for at least one week before you can schedule a road test. Connecticut does not set a maximum time limit for how long you can hold a learner's permit, but it is valid for one year from the date issued.

Scheduling and passing the road test

You can schedule your road test online through the Connecticut DMV website or by calling your local DMV office. Road test appointments typically fill up weeks in advance, so schedule as soon as you are may be able to access.

The road test lasts about 20 minutes and takes place in your own vehicle or a vehicle provided by the testing center. You must bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle's registration. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, backing up, parking, and stopping at traffic signals and stop signs.

You must pass the road test to receive your driver's license. If you fail, you can retake it, but you must wait at least two weeks before scheduling another attempt. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test.

Once you pass, the DMV will issue your license when ready or mail it to you within 10 business days, depending on the office.

Costs and license validity

A standard Connecticut driver's license costs $126 and is valid for six years. The fee covers the written test, road test, and the license itself. If you renew before your license expires, the renewal fee is $126 for another six years.

If you are under 18 when you receive your license, the cost is the same, but your license will have restrictions. You cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. You also cannot carry more than one passenger under 20 years old unless a parent or guardian is in the vehicle.

These restrictions end automatically when you turn 18. You do not need to renew your license or visit the DMV to remove them.

Transferring a license from another state

If you already hold a valid driver's license from another state, you can transfer it to Connecticut without retaking the road test. You must still pass Connecticut's written knowledge test and bring the same documents listed above.

Bring your out-of-state license, your Social Security card, proof of residency, and your birth certificate or passport to the DMV. You will take the written test. If you pass, your Connecticut license will be issued, and your out-of-state license will be surrendered.

If your out-of-state license is expired, you may still transfer it, but you will need to pass both the written test and the road test. Check with your local DMV office before your appointment to confirm their policy on expired licenses.

Teen driver restrictions and graduated licensing

Connecticut's graduated licensing system is designed to reduce crash risk for new drivers under 18. When you first receive your license, you are subject to two main restrictions: a nighttime driving ban and a passenger limit.

You cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, a medical appointment, or a court-ordered event. You also cannot carry more than one passenger under 20 years old unless a parent, guardian, or licensed driver 20 or older is in the vehicle.

These restrictions are enforced by police and can result in a ticket if violated. Violations do not automatically suspend your license, but they add points to your driving record and can increase your insurance rates.

Once you turn 18, both restrictions end automatically. You do not need to visit the DMV or renew your license to remove them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the road test in a vehicle I do not own?

Yes. You can use a friend's or family member's vehicle, a rental car, or a vehicle provided by a driving school or DMV testing center. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The person who owns the vehicle does not need to be present during the test.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can retake it after waiting at least two weeks. There is no limit to how many times you can attempt the test. Each retake costs the same fee as the original test. You keep your learner's permit while you prepare to retake the test.

Do I need to take a written test if I transfer my license from another state?

Yes. Connecticut requires all new drivers to pass its written knowledge test, even if you already have a valid license from another state. You do not need to retake the road test if your out-of-state license is current and valid.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass the road test?

You may receive your license on the same day you pass the road test, or the DMV may mail it to you within 10 business days. Ask the examiner which option applies at your testing location. You can drive with your learner's permit until your physical license arrives.

Can I renew my license online or by mail?

Connecticut allows online renewal for licenses that are not expired and do not require a new photo. If your license is expired or you need a new photo, you must visit the DMV in person. Check the Connecticut DMV website to see if your license is may be able to access for online renewal.