Updated for 2026

Connecticut CT DMV (Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles)

Comprehensive study guide for the 2026 driver's knowledge exam. Everything you need to know about laws, fees, and requirements.

Total Questions

25

Passing Score

20

Standard Fee

$40 (Test Fee) + $19 (Permit Fee)

Testing System

computerized touchscreen

Critical Failure Factors

A leading cause of failure in Connecticut is the confusion surrounding the very specific and strict passenger restrictions for 16 and 17-year-old drivers, as well as the unique requirement to stop exactly 10 feet from a school bus.

Legal Statutes & Driving Codes

Connecticut enforces some of the strictest 'Teen Safe Driving Laws' in the United States, enacted following tragic accidents in the early 2000s. These laws create a rigid Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) timeline that is heavily tested. For 16 and 17-year-old learners, the law dictates that for the entire duration of the permit, the ONLY passengers allowed in the vehicle are: a licensed driving instructor, or a parent/legal guardian who has held a license for at least 4 years and hasn't been suspended, or one person age 20 or older who has held a license for 4+ years. Once the teen gets their license, the restrictions continue: for the first 6 months, they still cannot drive any passengers except parents or a licensed instructor. Only after 6 months can they drive immediate family members. Driving with friends is essentially illegal for the first full year of licensure. Connecticut also enforces a strict curfew: drivers under 18 are prohibited from driving between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM, unless traveling for employment, school, religious activities, or medical necessity. Regarding alcohol, Connecticut has a 'Zero Tolerance' law (0.02% BAC for under 21), but it also mandates the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for ALL DUI convictions, even first offenses, for drivers of any age. This means anyone convicted of DUI must blow into a device to start their car. Another critical law is the 'Move Over Law'. Originally for police, it now requires drivers to slow down and move over a lane for ANY stationary vehicle on the highway displaying flashing lights, including tow trucks, maintenance vehicles, and even civilian cars with hazard lights on. Failure to move over is a serious infraction. Finally, regarding school buses: drivers must stop at least 10 feet away from a school bus displaying flashing red lights. This applies to traffic in both directions unless the highway is separated by a physical median or safety island.

Statistical Realities

Connecticut driving culture and testing requirements have several unique hurdles that separate it from neighboring states. A standout requirement for obtaining a license is the mandatory '8-Hour Safe Driving Practices Course'. Unlike Driver's Ed which is optional for adults in many states, in Connecticut, EVERY applicant, regardless of age (even if you are 40 years old), must complete this 8-hour course (often called the 'Drug and Alcohol' class) before they can schedule a road test. Furthermore, for teens (16/17), Connecticut mandates a unique '2-Hour Parent/Guardian Class'. A parent must actually sit in a classroom (or online session) with their teen for two hours to learn about the laws and dangers of teen driving; the teen cannot get a license without the parent completing this. Environmentally, Connecticut takes winter driving seriously with its 'Ice Missile' law. Drivers are legally required to remove all accumulated snow and ice from their vehicle (including the roof and hood) before driving. Failure to do so can result in a $75 fine even if no accident occurs, but if snow flies off your roof and causes injury or property damage, the fine can skyrocket to $1,000. Navigating the roads in CT also means dealing with 'Rotaries' (Roundabouts). The rule here is strict: traffic in the rotary has the right of way, and entering traffic must yield. While common in New England, this often confuses drivers from other regions. The test itself is short but high-pressure: 25 questions total. You must answer 20 correctly. Because the sample size is small, getting a few 'easy' questions wrong about signs can doom you. The test is available in multiple languages, but the terminology regarding the specific GDL passenger restrictions is technical and requires precise memorization. Also, be aware that CT uses a 'point system' where your license is suspended if you accumulate 10 points within 24 months. Speeding alone can add significant points, and attending a retraining program costs additional money.