Get a DMV Learner’s Permit for Adults

CDL HOLDERS: Beginning June 16, 2025, DMV will no longer accept a paper medical certificate. Your certificate will be sent electronically to DMV. Learn more here.

SMISHING SCAM ALERT: We have been informed that some residents are receiving fraudulent text messages and phone calls. Please be advised that the CT DMV does NOT contact residents regarding motor vehicle related violations.

REGISTRATION SERVICES: We offer appointments to reduce in-office wait times. Residents with an immediate need to register a vehicle may visit any office location, except for Putnam and Stamford. Residents without an appointment may experience longer wait times, as those with appointments will receive priority service. We will do our best to accommodate everyone. (HOURS: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday - 7:45 a.m. - 2:00 p.m./Thursday - 9:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) Before visiting the DMV, verify that services are available at your desired location.

SCHEDULED SITE MAINTENANCE: Some online services will be unavailable on Saturday, June 14th from 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

How to get an adult learner’s permit

If you are age 18 or older and want to drive, you need to get an adult learner’s permit—which will allow you to practice driving—in order to get a driver's license.

To be able to sign up to take the driving test, you need to:

Have held your adult learner’s permit for at least 90 days
Pass a vision and 25-question knowledge test (see languages offered for testing)
Take an eight-hour Safe Driving Practices Course

If you fail the vision test, you won’t be able to take the knowledge test. If you fail either the vision or knowledge test, you need to reschedule the tests online and pay the fees again.

Learner's permit testing is offered by appointment only at DMV offices. Please refer to the below tab about hearing interpreter services if you require hearing assistance.

Exemptions from 90-day wait requirement:

An adult learner's permit is still required, however you’re exempt from this 90-day practice driving requirement if you:

Are active-duty military stationed out of state (orders and military ID card required).
Previously held a Connecticut learner's permit or driver's license that can be verified in the DMV system.
Had a driver's license in the past. This includes individuals who have an out-of-state driver's license, US territory or out-of-country license. You need to provide an expired license or driving history from your previous state or country.

Transfer your license to Connecticut

Note: If you have a current Connecticut-issued, non-driver ID card, you can surrender and exchange it without bringing all of your identification documents to the DMV.

Required classroom training

Before taking the on-the-road skills test (driving test), you’re required to take an eight-hour Safe Driving Practices Course.

Before beginning the training course, please note:

You can take it at any time, but you must take it before taking the on-the-road skills test.
It can be taken through a licensed driving school.
Proof of course completion (EDEC, driver education certificate) will be issued by a Connecticut-licensed driving school and sent electronically to the DMV after successful completion of the training course.

If you had a Connecticut driver's license and it’s been expired for two years or more, you are not required to take the eight-hour Safe Driving Practices Course.

Prepare for your knowledge and vision test

Essential information

Fees

Your fees are paid online when your appointment is scheduled:

$40 testing fee – covers vision, knowledge, and road tests
$19 fee for your learner’s permit

Get your adult learner's permit:

Go online to make your learner's permit test appointment.
Collect all the required forms of identification as outlined in the required document checklist (English version PDF | Spanish version PDF).
If you are a non-U.S. citizen, please see additional information about getting a drive-only license.
Study for the learner's permit knowledge test.
Download the State of Connecticut driver's manual.
Download DMV mobile app for practice test questions to help you with your learner’s permit test.

Bring the following to your test appointment:

All of your original documents from the checklist linked above.
A copy of your appointment verification.
Your glasses or contact lenses if you need them to pass the vision test.

Make an appointment online to take the tests to get your adult learner’s permit.

After you get your adult learner’s permit:

Once you have your learner’s permit for 90 days, follow these steps to get your driver’s license:

The learner’s permit must be held for at least 90 days before you can take the on-the-road skills test—unless you fall under the exemptions listed under “Training requirements.”
When you drive with your permit, you must be accompanied by a qualified trainer. The trainer must be age 20 or older and licensed to operate a motor vehicle for at least four consecutive years with no suspensions during that four-year period.
Schedule your road test using DMV's online appointment system.

Hearing interpreter services

DMV provides hearing interpreter services by coordinating with hearing interpreter services. To provide these services and meet your request, please allow at least two weeks when scheduling your appointment date.

Once you schedule your appointment on our online system, please call the DMV Contact Center at 860-263-5700 (within the Hartford area) or 1-800-842-8222 (in other cities or outside of Connecticut) to request a hearing interpreter.

Provide your appointment details and contact information. A hearing interpreter is then requested, and you will receive a notification once interpreter services are scheduled for you.

We make every effort to keep the scheduled appointment date, but sometimes we reschedule to meet hearing interpreter requests.

Get an adult learner’s permit