Get your first driver's license in Connecticut

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A first-time Connecticut driver completes the Work Zone Safety Course, passes the vision and knowledge tests for a learner's permit, completes the required training and holding period, then passes the road test for a license.

Your situation

How old are you?
Online or in person
No, tests are in person · At least two visitsYou book the tests and pay the fees online, and the Work Zone Safety Course is online. The vision and knowledge tests must be taken in person. The DMV also offers an online upgrade from permit to license; the road test is still required. One for the vision and knowledge tests, one for the road test. Testing is by appointment only at select DMV offices; road tests are offered only at DMV hub offices.
Cost
$40 tests + $19 permit + $84 licenseThe $40 testing fee covers the vision, knowledge and road tests. Retaking a failed knowledge or road test costs another $40.
You leave with
Adult learner's permit, then a driver's licenseYou get a paper permit at the office; the permanent permit and later the license arrive by mail.

Your plan

  1. Gather your documents

    • Show accepted documents (bring 2)
      • U.S. or U.S. territory birth certificate (Primary)
      • U.S. passport or passport card (Primary)
      • Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship (Primary)
      • Permanent Resident Card or Employment Authorization Document (Primary)
      • Social Security card (Secondary; not laminated or metal)
      • Certified school transcript (Secondary; a school photo ID is not acceptable)
      • U.S. military ID or dependent card with photo (Secondary)
    • Show accepted documents (bring 2)
      • Bill from a bank, mortgage company, utility, credit card company, doctor or hospital
      • Bank statement
      • Preprinted pay stub
      • Official school records showing enrollment, or a report card
      • Residential mortgage, lease or rental contract (Dated within the previous 12 months)

  2. Take a free practice test

    Before the knowledge test, try our Connecticut Permit Practice Test: 25 questions like the real exam, based on the official handbook, with every answer explained.

    Start the Connecticut practice test

  3. Take the Work Zone Safety Course

    Complete the free online course and print your completion certificate. Bring it to the DMV before your knowledge test.

    Knowledge and vision tests (CT DMV) ↗

  4. Study the Connecticut driver's manual

    The DMV says its driver's manuals are the only source of information for all test questions. Practice tests are on the DMV's knowledge test page.

    Connecticut driver's manuals (CT DMV) ↗

  5. Book and pass the vision and knowledge tests

    Testing is by appointment only at select DMV offices. The vision test comes first: you need 20/40 vision or better, with or without corrective lenses. The knowledge test has 25 questions and you need at least 20 correct. You get a paper permit at the office; the permanent permit arrives by mail.

    Get a learner's permit (CT DMV) ↗

  6. Practice only with a qualified trainer

    Your trainer must be 20 or older and have held a license for at least four years with no suspension in that time.

  7. Take the eight-hour Safe Driving Practices Course

    Take it at a licensed driving school any time before the road test. The school sends your completion certificate (EDEC) to the DMV electronically.

    Adult learner's permit (CT DMV) ↗

  8. Hold the permit for 90 days

    The adult learner's permit must be held for at least 90 days before the road test.

  9. Schedule and pass the road test

    Book online and arrive 15 minutes early. Bring your permit, Form R-229, a registered and insured vehicle with its registration and proof of insurance, and a licensed driver to drive you there. Under 18, your Qualified Trainer must come and sign a form confirming your training and practice. The $84 license fee is prepaid.

    Take the road test (CT DMV) ↗

  10. Get your license

    Your license arrives by mail within 30 days. Keep your learner's permit until it arrives.

    Upgrade from a permit to a license (CT DMV) ↗

Common reasons people get turned away

  • No permit at the road test: without it you lose the appointment.
  • The test vehicle is unsafe or not registered and insured in the same name: cracked windows, defective lights or brakes, warning lights or worn tires cancel the test.
  • Failing the vision test: you must pass it before the knowledge test, so you have to reschedule.
  • Failing the knowledge test means a 7-day wait and another $40; failing the road test means at least 2 weeks and another $40.
  • Rescheduling less than three days ahead loses your prepaid fee.
  • Photocopies, notarized copies and damaged documents are not accepted.

Offices for permits, tests and first licenses

The Connecticut DMV says road testing is offered only at DMV hub offices, and permit knowledge and vision testing is by appointment only at specific DMV offices. Check each office's service list before you book, since not every office lists every test. Agency source.

23 offices where you can apply for a permit or first licenseSee them on a map, search by county or show the ones open now

Largest cities with them: Bridgeport (1) · Stamford (1) · Waterbury (1)

10 more offices where you may be able to apply for a permit or first license

Neither the office's service list nor the agency says these offices issue first driver's license. Call the office before you go.

Results show offices where you can apply for a permit or first license or may be able to, nearest first, each labelled.

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Sources · checked November 4, 2026

We wrote this plan ourselves from the official pages above on the date shown. Agencies change rules without notice: the official page always wins. DMV Decoded is independent and not a government agency; we don't book appointments or take payments.