DMV’s Easy Answers to Obtain a Learner’s Permit
for 16-and 17-Year-Olds
NEW PROCESS: You will not receive a permanent driver license or ID card while at a DMV or AAA office. It will arrive through the mail. You will keep your expiring license/ID and receive a temporary paper card. For more on this, please see Central Issuance.
All 16-and 17-year-olds must obtain a learner’s permit before a driver’s license.
DRIVE ONLY APPLICANTS: If you would like to apply for a Drive Only License (for undocumented individuals), please follow these instructions.
Learner's permit testing is offered by appointment only at the following DMV offices: Bridgeport, Cheshire, Danbury, Hamden, Norwalk, Old Saybrook, Waterbury, Wethersfield and Willimantic. Make your appointment here.
What to do:
- If you have a Connecticut-issued non-driver photo ID card, you have the option to exchange it without bringing all your identity documents to DMV. If you do not, please follow the instructions below.
- Study for the learner's permit knowledge test.
- PARENTS: Take a moment to review this helpful guide for working with your new teenage driver.
- Collect all documents required as acceptable forms of identification. See checklist in PDF.
- If you are a non-U.S. citizen, please see additional information.
- Use online service to schedule test appointment and make payment.
- Bring completed Application for Non-Commercial Learner's Permit and/or Driver’s License (form R-229).
- If your parent/legal guardian is not present at the time of the knowledge test, bring completed Certificate of Parental Consent (form 2-D).
- Glasses or contact lenses if needed for testing.
- Present required documents to DMV staff member.
- Pass a vision test and a 25-question knowledge test for the permit. See languages offered for testing.
- If you fail the vision test, you will not be able to proceed to the knowledge test and will be required to reschedule.
What it will cost:
- $40 for testing fee – covers vision, knowledge and road tests.
- $19 for learner’s permit.
Once you obtain a learner's permit:
- Follow the specific laws for 16-and 17-year-old drivers.
- See requirements for 16-and 17-year-olds to obtain a driver's license.
For more details, see additional information on 16-and 17-year-olds obtaining a learner's permit.