Connecticut

What Connecticut asks of a teen driver before the first license, from the practice hours to the road test.

40hours

of supervised practice, no separate night hours

Permit
Learner’s Permit
License
Driver’s License
Practice can start at
16 years old

Depends on your answer

Is your child taking driver education at a high school or licensed driving school?

  • YesThe wait drops to 120 days once the school certifies 30 classroom hours and at least 8 hours behind the wheel.
  • Not yetHome training. The wait stays at 180 days.

Before the road test

  • 180 days on the permitThe permit is held 180 days, or 120 days after a high school or licensed driving school course.
  • Minimum age16 years old
  • Classroom training30 hours at a school, or 22 hours of home training plus the 8-hour safe driving course.
  • 8-hour safe driving courseIncludes 2 hours of parent training. A parent or guardian attends those 2 hours with the learner.
  • Work zone safety courseA free online course. The DMV asks for it before the learner’s permit.
  • Signed form R-229The qualified trainer or school instructor signs the training block on form R-229. Bring it to the road test.

Where this comes from

Moonroof checked these sources on October 9, 2026. Rules change, so check with the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles before booking the road test.