Connecticut DMV Permit Test FAQ

Passing score is 80% — that is 20 of 25 correct answers. You may miss up to 5 questions and still pass.

If you fail, you can schedule another knowledge test appointment with the Connecticut DMV. The current retake fee, waiting period, and any limit on attempts are set by DMV — confirm at portal.ct.gov/dmv before booking.

You must be at least 16. Pass a vision test (20/40 minimum, 100° peripheral if blind in one eye) and the 25-question knowledge test. All first-time drivers — regardless of age — must take the 8-hour Safe Driving Practices course at a Connecticut commercial driving school. The permit is valid until license issuance or 2 years, whichever comes first.

For 16- and 17-year-old licensed drivers: first 6 months — only a licensed instructor, parents/legal guardian, or one qualifying trainer (20+, 4+ years license). Months 7-12 — add immediate family. Curfew: 11 PM-5 AM (exceptions: employment, school, religious, medical, Safe Ride Program). No cell phone or mobile device — even hands-free. All restrictions automatically end at age 18.

Connecticut Zero Tolerance: any measurable BAC of 0.02% or higher for a driver under 21 triggers DUI penalties — both on public roads and private property. Failing the test = at least 45-day license suspension + IID for at least 1 year. Refusing the test = at least 45-day suspension + IID 1 year minimum.

Drivers 21 and older: 0.08% BAC. Drivers under 21: 0.02% Zero Tolerance. Failing the chemical test triggers at least a 45-day license suspension plus an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for 6 months (adults) or 1 year (under-21). Refusing triggers 45-day suspension plus IID for 1 year minimum.

Connecticut speed limits are posted area-by-area; the manual does not give a single statewide default for urban or rural roads. Speed limits are set for ideal conditions — slow down for rain, ice, fog, or heavy traffic. On a road with two or more lanes in your direction, drive in the right lane except when passing.

10 ft from a fire hydrant. 25 ft from a stop sign. 25 ft from a pedestrian safety zone. Wheels must be within 1 foot (12 inches) of the curb. Parking on a sidewalk or crosswalk, on the wrong side of the street, on a bridge, or in a tunnel is prohibited.

Failing the chemical test (BAC 0.08%+ for 21+ / 0.02%+ for under-21) triggers at least a 45-day license suspension plus IID for at least 6 months (adults) or 1 year (under-21). Refusing triggers at least 45-day suspension plus IID for 1 year minimum. Additional court-ordered fines, possible jail time, and probation apply under CGS § 14-227a — penalties scale by prior offenses.

Connecticut law requires continuous insurance coverage on every registered vehicle. If your insurance is canceled, the insurance company reports it to DMV. Failure to respond to a warning notice can result in suspension of your registration. Confirm current minimum liability amounts at portal.ct.gov/dmv.

Right on red: after coming to a complete stop, you may turn right unless a sign prohibits it or oncoming traffic blocks you. Always yield to pedestrians crossing the street. Left on red: permitted only when turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street after a complete stop, unless a sign prohibits it.

Connecticut DMV offers online, mail, and in-person renewal channels. Renewal frequency, in-person photo/vision requirements, and the address-change deadline are set by DMV — confirm at portal.ct.gov/dmv. You can update voter registration at the same time you renew.