DRIVERS LICENSE
DRIVER LICENSE

The following is summarized from the website of the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles: http://www.ct.gov/dmv/site/default.asp
All driver’s licenses and learner’s permits are issued through the DMV.

HOW TO OBTAIN A LEARNER’S PERMIT: Applicants need to be 16 years old before they can apply for a Learner’s Permit. A parent, court-appointed legal guardian, or spouse over the age of 18 must accompany the applicant or provide a notarized 2D Certificate of Parental Consent. (http://www.ct.gov/dmv/LIB/dmv/20/29/2-D.pdf) The applicant must also provide verification of their residence (such as a postmarked letter) and two forms of identification such as birth certificates, passports, or social security cards. Applicants will be required to pay a fee and take a knowledge and a vision examination. The Connecticut Driver's Manual for New Drivers (http://www.ct.gov/dmv/lib/dmv/20/29/ctdriver.pdf) should be studied prior to taking the test. After successfully completing the examination, a learner’s permit will allow the applicant to practice driving with a licensed driver who is at least 20 years old and has held a license for a minimum of 4 years OR a licensed driver instructor OR the permit holder's parents or legal guardians, at least one of whom must have a valid driver's license. Driving without a permit is a violation of State law and could extend the waiting time necessary to obtain a Connecticut driver’s license.
NOTE: As of August 1, 2008, learner's permit holders must have at least 40 hours of behind-the-wheel training before applying for their driver's license. Also, parents or legal guardians must complete a two-hour class on teen driving laws.

GRADUATED DRIVER'S LICENSE: Graduated licenses are required for 16 and 17 year old drivers.  During the first three months of licensure, the driver can only have one passenger in the vehicle who must be their parent or guardian, a licensed driving instructor, or a person who is age 20 or older and has had a license for at least four years.  For the next three months, drivers can transport multiple passengers, but only if they are immediate family members.
NOTE: As of August 1, 2008, the licensure period is increased to six months. There are additional laws with restrictions and penalties for 16 and 17 year old drivers. Details are posted on the DMV website: www.ct.gov/teendriving/lib/teendriving/handoutteen_lawssupplementfinal.pdf

HOW TO OBTAIN A CONN. DRIVER’S LICENSE: Applicants must schedule an appointment to take a driver’s license test. The following documents are needed at the time of the test:

1. Verification of Conn. address (appointment letter, utility bill, etc.)
2. Two forms of Identification (birth certificates, passports, etc.)
3. Proof of Legal Status for applicants who are not U.S. citizens (Certificate of Naturalization, Foreign Passport, etc. validated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services)
4. Social Security Number (or document from Social Security Administration stating applicant is ineligible for number)
5. Photograph - Passport size
6. Completed Application for Non-Commercial Drivers License (Form 229)

Applicants must pay a license fee and supply an insured and registered vehicle for the test. The examination consists of an eye test, a knowledge test, and a road test. A driver’s license is issued on successful completion of the tests. If the applicant does not pass the tests, they can re-schedule a new examination for a later date.

HOW NEW RESIDENTS OBTAIN A DRIVER’S LICENSE: New residents of Connecticut have 30 days to obtain a Conn. driver’s license. They must possess an out-of-state driver’s license that is currently valid or has not expired more than 60 days. At the time of application, the following documents must be presented:

1. Current out of state license to be surrendered at DMV office
2. Verification of Address (mortgage document, utility bill, etc.)
3. Two forms of Identification (birth certificate, passport, military ID, etc.)
4. Proof of Legal Status for applicants who are not U.S. citizens (Certificate of Naturalization, Foreign Passport, etc. validated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services)
5. Social Security Number (or document from Social Security Administration stating applicant is ineligible for number)
6. Completed Application for Non-Commercial Drivers License (Form 229)

Fees must be paid for the application and the driver’s license. A vision test must be taken at the time of application. If a driver’s license has expired for more than 60 days, an appointment must be scheduled to take all driver’s license examinations.

TO FIND PROVIDERS IN CONNECTICUT'S COMMUNITY RESOURCES DATABASE: Search by service name: Driver Licenses

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SOURCES: Conn. Dept. of Motor Vehicles website
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CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: June2008