What you need to bring to the DMV

Connecticut's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires specific documents before you can get your learner's permit. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number — all originals or certified copies, not photos or screenshots.

For identity, bring a passport, birth certificate, or state ID. For residency, a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works. For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must come with you and bring their own ID and proof of residency.

You will also need to fill out the process for a Driver's License or Permit (Form DL-43) before you arrive. You can read it from the Connecticut DMV website or pick one up at any DMV office. Bring it completed and signed — if you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign it too.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring original documents proving your identity, where you live, and your Social Security number; photocopies are not accepted.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must come with you to the DMV and bring their own ID and proof of residency.
  • Complete Form DL-43 before you go to the DMV, and have a parent or guardian sign it if you are under 18.
  • You will take a written test on road signs and driving rules at the DMV; study the Connecticut Driving Manual beforehand.
  • The permit costs money and is valid for two years; you can renew it if you have not yet taken your road test.

The written test and what it covers

Before the DMV issues your permit, you must pass a written test. The test has 25 questions about Connecticut traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 20 questions correctly to pass.

The Connecticut Driving Manual, available free on the DMV website, covers everything on the test. It includes sections on right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, seat belt laws, and what different road signs mean. Many people study the manual for a few days before taking the test and find it straightforward.

You can take the test on a computer at the DMV office. If you need the test in a language other than English, tell the DMV when you arrive — they offer tests in multiple languages. If you do not pass, you can retake it the same day or come back another time.

Where to go and how long it takes

Connecticut has DMV offices in multiple locations across the state. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Connecticut DMV website. Some offices are busier than others, so going early in the day or on a weekday usually means shorter wait times.

The whole process — paperwork, written test, and getting your permit — usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. Bring all your documents in one folder so you do not have to search for them while you are waiting.

If you cannot get to an office in person, Connecticut does not currently offer online permit applications. You must visit a DMV office in your county or a nearby county.

The cost and how long your permit lasts

Connecticut charges a fee for your learner's permit. The exact amount depends on how long you want the permit to be valid for — you can get a permit valid for one year or two years. The DMV website lists the current fees, which change occasionally.

Your permit is valid for the time period you choose. Once it expires, you can renew it at a DMV office if you have not yet taken your road test. You do not have to retake the written test to renew — you just pay the renewal fee and get a new permit.

What you can and cannot do with a learner's permit

A Connecticut learner's permit lets you practice driving, but with restrictions. You must have a licensed driver who is at least 20 years old sitting next to you in the front seat at all times. That person is responsible for supervising your driving.

You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in a true emergency. These rules exist to keep new drivers safe while they are learning.

Your permit is a step toward getting your full driver's license. After you have held your permit for a certain amount of time and practiced enough, you can schedule a road test with the DMV. The road test is where you show an examiner that you can drive safely in real conditions.

If you lose your permit or need to replace it

If your permit is lost, stolen, or damaged, go to any DMV office with your ID and proof of residency. You can get a replacement the same day. There is a fee for a replacement, which is usually less than the cost of a new permit.

If your address changes while you have a permit, you should update it at the DMV. Bring your new proof of residency and your current permit. The DMV will issue you a new permit with your updated address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my learner's permit if I am homeschooled?

Yes. Connecticut does not require you to be enrolled in a public or private school to get a learner's permit. You just need to meet the age requirement (which varies by state) and bring the required documents to the DMV.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it when ready at the same DMV office, or you can come back another day. There is usually a small fee each time you retake the test. Most people pass on the second or third try after studying the Connecticut Driving Manual more carefully.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a learner's permit?

Yes, Connecticut requires proof of your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, contact the Social Security Administration before you go to the DMV. You cannot get a permit without one.

Can my permit be used in other states?

A Connecticut learner's permit is recognized in most other states, but the rules about who can supervise you and when you can drive may be different. Check the rules in any state where you plan to drive before you get behind the wheel.

How long do I have to wait between getting my permit and taking the road test?

Connecticut requires you to hold your learner's permit for a minimum amount of time before you can take the road test. Check the current requirement on the Connecticut DMV website, as it may change. This waiting period gives you time to practice and build your skills.