Connecticut Online Driver Education and Connecticut Licensing Procedures

So you’ve taken your first step to become a new driver in Connecticut? Congratulations!

As you probably already know, driving is a valuable skill to know but it can also be extremely dangerous. Therefore, to help new teen drivers develop safe driving habits during their first few years behind the wheel, the State of Connecticut has implemented a graduated driver license program for Connecticut drivers who are between the ages of 15-18.

We’ve summarized a few things you’ll need to know as you go begin your process of becoming a licensed driver in Connecticut.

Connecticut Instruction Permit (aka--Learners Permit)

You have to be 16 years old before you can apply for a Connecticut instruction permit (aka "learner’s permit"). When you’re ready to take your test, please take the following items with you to the drivers license office:

• Instruction Permit Application
• Parental Consent Form (available from the CT DMV’s website)
• A piece of mail to verify your address
• A passport-sized photo
• A birth certificate
• One other form of proper ID (such as a school transcript)
• Your social security card
• Two (2) checks or money orders, for $40 (test fee) and $18 (permit fee) respectively.

After you’ve had your instruction permit for at least six (6) months, you will be eligible to take the road test for your first Connecticut driver’s license. (or 4 months if you’ve completed a state-approved drivers education class).You cannot drive alone with a CT Instruction Permit.

You must always be accompanied by either a licensed parent/guardian, a certified driving instructor, or an adult at least 20 years of age with a valid license for at least 4 years (with no suspensions). This person must be sitting next to you in the front passenger seat.

Your First Connecticut Driver's License

Before you can get your first Connecticut driver’s license, you will need to have done the following:

• Completed 40 hours of on-road practice as well as a state-approved drivers education course.
• Complete a 2-hour teen driving course with your parent/guardian.

When you’re ready to go for your Connecticut provisional driver license, you will need to take the following items to the local drivers license office:

• Your instruction permit (you’ll be surrendering it)
• A piece of mail to verify your address
• A valid passport-sized photo
• A birth certficate
• One other form of proper ID (such as a school transcript)
• Proof of auto insurance
• The license fee which will range from between $66 and $77.

If you pass the vision test, written test, and road test, you will be issued your provisional driver license.

Connecticut Provisional License Restrictions:

• First 6 months: You must drive with parents/guardians or a licensed driver over the age of 20.
• Second 6 months: You may drive with members of your immediate family.
• You may not drive a bus or any vehicle that requires a public passenger permit.
• No driving between 12 midnight and 5am unless going to or from an approved school or church activity or for emergencies.
• No cell phone use (except hands-free ones).

Be warned that Connecticut is not shy about suspending drivers licenses for drivers who are 16-17 years in age. You may lose your license if you engage in any of the following type of activities while driving:

• Use your cell phone while driving (that includes texting)
• Speeding
• Reckless Driving
• Street Racing

If your license is suspended you will need to pay a restoration fee of $125 to get it back after the suspension period is over.

Connecticut Auto Insurance & Financial Responsibility Laws

You must carry auto insurance coverage on any vehicle you drive in Connecticut. The minimum coverage requirements are as follows:

• $20,000—personal injury
• $40,000—total injury (death)
• $10,000—property damage

If you are found to be driving without the minimum mandatory insurance coverage, you can be fined. If you are involved in an accident and you didn’t have the required minimum coverage, you won’t be driving again any time soon!

Connecticut Drunk Driving Laws

Driving drunk is a major crime and is taken very seriously. Upon your FIRST conviction of a Connecticut DUI, you will face the following penalties:

• Your license will be suspended for 3 months
• You will pay a fine ranging between $500 to $1,000
• 100 hours of community service
• Completion of a state-approved DUI educational program

Further DUI violations will result in more severe penalties, including being sent to prison and revocation of your drivers license.

Connecticut Cell Phone & Text Messaging Laws

Connecticut law prohibits teen drivers from texting or using a cell phone while driving. Violation of this law carries a 30-day license suspension, court fees, and a $125 license restoration fee. The second offense will get your license suspended for six (6) months.

Connecticut Online Driver Education

Drivers under Age 18 must show proof that they’ve completed a state-approved drivers education course which includes at least 40 hours of behind-the-wheel training and 22 hours of home-based training. Please see the Connecticut DMV’s website for a list of state-approved drivers ed classes.