The knowledge test trips up many first-time applicants. Here's exactly what to study and how to walk in prepared.
The Connecticut DMV knowledge test is 25 questions. You must score at least 80% to pass — meaning you need at least 20 correct and can miss up to 5.
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.
The knowledge test is given by appointment at Connecticut DMV branch offices. You can schedule the test online at portal.ct.gov/dmv after you have your required documents in hand.
All first-time drivers in Connecticut — regardless of age — must complete an 8-hour Safe Driving Practices course at a Connecticut commercial driving school before getting a license. 16- and 17-year-olds also need driver-education (commercial school, secondary school, or home training) and 40 hours of behind-the-wheel training; parents/guardians complete a separate 2-hour parent-training class.
Adults 21+: 0.08% BAC. Under 21: 0.02% Zero Tolerance — applies on public roads AND private property. Failing the chemical test = at least 45-day suspension + IID for at least 6 months (adults) or 1 year (under-21).
Refusing the chemical test = at least 45-day license suspension PLUS Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for at least 1 year. Refusal is NOT a free pass — penalties match or exceed failing.
Learner Permit at 16. Hold 120 days (commercial school) or 180 days (home). 16-17 license: 11 PM-5 AM curfew, no passengers in first 6 months except parents/instructor, immediate family added in months 7-12, no cell phone (any). Restrictions lift at 18.
Connecticut's 3-second rule under normal conditions; 4 seconds on wet/slippery roads or behind a motorcycle. Look at least 12 seconds ahead — about a city block in town, a quarter mile on the highway.
About 200 feet at 30 mph; about 400 feet at 50 mph. Stopping at 60 mph takes over three times the distance of 30 mph, not double. Speed limits are posted area-by-area for ideal conditions.
Signal at least 3 seconds before turning or changing lanes. Right on red is allowed after a complete stop unless prohibited by sign. Left on red is allowed only one-way street to one-way street, after a complete stop.
Stop for a Connecticut school bus with flashing red lights from any direction (same side, opposite, or approaching an intersection). Exception: divided highway with median or physical barrier separating roadways. Ice cream truck rule: stop at least 10 ft.
Wipers on = headlights on (Connecticut law). Also use headlights on rain/snow/fog days, at dusk, and into a setting sun. Dim high beams within about a one-block distance of an oncoming vehicle. Low beams in fog and heavy rain.
10 feet from a fire hydrant. 25 feet from a stop sign. 25 feet from a pedestrian safety zone. Wheels within 1 foot (12 inches) of the curb. No parking on a sidewalk, crosswalk, bridge, or in a tunnel.
Under 2 OR <30 lbs: rear-facing 5-point harness. Age 2-5 OR <40 lbs: forward- or rear-facing 5-pt harness. Age 5-8 OR 40-60 lbs: harness or booster. Rear-facing in front with active airbag is prohibited. Seat belt fine: $75.
Connecticut requires 80% (20 of 25 correct). Aim for 90%+ in practice — that gives you a comfortable margin on test day, and the simulator scores random questions you may not have seen during study.
Memorize BAC limits, distances, signal distance, following distances, and suspension periods. These specific numbers appear on virtually every Connecticut test.
The Weak Spots mode saves every question you got wrong. Replay it until you're hitting 90%+ before going to the DMV office.
Download the Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) at https://portal.ct.gov/dmv. Every question comes directly from this manual.
Connecticut's manual highlights stopping distances rather than statewide default speed limits: about 200 ft at 30 mph; about 400 ft at 50 mph. Stopping at 60 mph takes over three times the distance of 30 mph (p. 36).
Sign questions are visual — shape, color, and meaning all matter. Use the Road Signs Quiz mode to practice all signs before test day.
Free, no signup · Questions verified against the official state driver manual