Connecticut Driver's License

Commercial Driver Licenses

Individuals must obtain a CT commercial driver's license (CDL) to operate commercial vehicles. CDLs are categorized into different classes based on the type of vehicle and its characteristics:

Class A

These licenses are required for operating combination vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the towed vehicle(s) exceed 10,000 pounds. For example, a driver hauling a large trailer with a heavy-duty truck would need a Class A license.

Class B

This class authorizes the operation of single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not exceeding 10,000 pounds GVWR. A driver operating a large bus or a single-unit truck, such as a box truck, would require a Class B license.

Class C

Class C CDLs are necessary for operating vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver). This includes vehicles with a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds used in transporting hazardous materials requiring placarding.

Non-Commercial Driver Licenses

Connecticut offers non-commercial driver licenses for everyday drivers. These licenses allow individuals to operate standard passenger vehicles and motorcycles, covering personal transportation, commuting, and recreational activities.

Class D

The Class D license is the most common license type in Connecticut. It allows for the operation of most non-commercial vehicles under 26,001 pounds, including cars, vans, small trucks, and mopeds. It is primarily intended for personal use, such as transportation, errands, and leisure activities.

Class M

A Class M license is specifically for operating motorcycles on public roads. This license is essential for motorcycle enthusiasts and those who rely on motorcycles for transportation.

In addition to the classes mentioned above, individuals at least 16 years old can obtain a learner's permit. This permit allows for supervised driving practice with a licensed driver in preparation for obtaining a Class D license. Learners must adhere to specific restrictions and requirements while holding a permit.

Learner's Permit / Class D License Eligibility and Documentation

Residents aged 16 and older are eligible to apply for a CT learner's permit, and those 18 and above can pursue an adult learner's permit.

To initiate this process, applicants must provide comprehensive documentation that establishes their identity, residency, and legal presence in the state.

This includes proof of identity, such as a passport or birth certificate, verification of their Social Security number through an SSN card or W-2 form, and evidence of Connecticut residency like a utility bill or bank statement.

For those not born in the U.S., the process involves an additional layer of verification; they must submit documentation that confirms their legal status in the country.

Note that this step may extend the application timeline, as verifying legal status with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can take ten days or more. In such cases, applicants are typically advised to return to the same DMV office once their immigration results have been approved.

Testing Requirements for Learner's Permit

In addition to meeting the age requirements, individuals must pass the knowledge and vision tests to obtain a learner's permit, Class D license, or any other license type.

Knowledge Test

The knowledge test in Connecticut consists of 25 questions, and applicants must achieve a minimum score of 80% (20 out of 25) to pass. The DMV website offers a test prep video and comprehensive materials to aid individuals in preparation.

Vision Test

Connecticut requires a vision test before issuing a driver's license to certify that drivers can see and react appropriately to road conditions and hazards.

The vision test evaluates:

• Acuity: Clarity of vision, with a minimum requirement of 20/40, with or without corrective lenses.
• Peripheral vision: The ability to see to the sides while looking straight ahead, requiring at least 140 degrees of binocular visual field.

For applicants blind in one eye, the other eye must have 20/40 vision and at least a 100-degree visual field. Monocular vision disqualifies individuals from certain special licenses or endorsements.

Key aspects of the vision for safe driving include:

• Side vision: Important for spotting vehicles and potential hazards on either side.
• Judging distances and speeds: Essential for maintaining safe distances and making accurate maneuvers.
• Night vision: Necessary for driving safely in low-light conditions and handling glare from headlights.

Regular eye check-ups are crucial, as vision can deteriorate gradually. If corrective lenses are needed for driving, they should be worn at all times to avoid citations.

Applying for a Class D Driver's License

After holding a learner's permit for the required time and completing the practice driving requirements, individuals can schedule a road test for a Class D license. If they pass, they will receive a temporary license, and their permanent license will be mailed to them within 20 days.

Driver Education Requirements

All 16 and 17-year-old applicants for a driver's license must complete a driver training program through one of the following:

• Licensed Commercial Driving School
• Secondary School Program (high school)
• Home Training Program plus an eight-hour course on safe driving practices (including two-hour parent training)

Applicants who complete driver education through a secondary school or commercial driving school have to wait 120 days to take the road test. Other applicants may take the road test 180 days after their learner's permit was issued.

Applicants aged 18 or older must obtain a learner's permit and hold it for at least 90 days before taking a road test. During this time, they must be supervised by a commercial driving school instructor, a secondary school instructor, or a qualified trainer.

Additionally, they must take an eight-hour course on safe driving practices and present a certificate ( CS-1 form) as proof of completion.

Road Test

In-person road test appointments can be conveniently scheduled online. Applicants must arrive 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment and bring a completed license application, their learner's permit, a registered and insured vehicle, and any other necessary documents.

The test evaluates the applicant's driving skills and adherence to traffic laws. If unsuccessful, the test can be rescheduled after a 72-hour waiting period.

Class D Driver's License Fees

A new Class D license costs $84, plus a non-refundable $40 examination fee, bringing the total cost to $124. Learner's permits and duplicate permits each cost $19. If an applicant fails the road test, they can retake it after a waiting period but must pay an additional $40 road test fee.

The CT DMV accepts various payment methods, including cash, checks, money orders, and major credit/debit cards.

For a comprehensive breakdown of all applicable costs, visit the "All Connecticut DMV Fees" page on the official Connecticut DMV website.

For more information on obtaining other types of driver's licenses in Connecticut, such as CDLs, refer to the official CT driver's manuals and relevant sections on the CT DMV website.

License Renewal

Drivers can renew their CT driver's license up to six months before its expiration date. If a license has already expired, renewing it may still be possible within two years of its expiration date, as per the state's policy on the validity period for expired licenses.

There are three main ways to renew a CT driver's license. Depending on specific needs and circumstances, individuals can choose to renew online, in person, or by mail/email.

Online Renewal

The CT DMV offers a convenient Online Renewal Services System for eligible drivers. This method allows eligible individuals to renew their licenses from the comfort of their homes, avoiding needing an in-person visit to a DMV office.

Eligibility

To be eligible for online renewal, drivers must meet specific criteria:

• The driver must be a U.S. citizen.
• The driver's current license must be valid and has been issued by the Connecticut DMV.
• The driver's name or address must have no changes since their last renewal.
• The driver's license must not be suspended, revoked, or expired for two or more years.
• Drivers who have an S, V, A, or F endorsement on their licenses cannot renew online.
• The driver must have a recent photo on file with the DMV.

Before starting the online renewal process, drivers should prepare their current driver's license, date of birth, Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card for payment.

Once the application is processed, the new driver's license will be mailed to the driver within 30 days. Drivers can continue to use their expiring license until the new one arrives, as long as there are no changes other than a potential address update.

Drivers who need to change their addresses can do so online at least one week before renewing their license.

Individuals not meeting these criteria must renew their license in person.

In-Person Renewal

For drivers who prefer to renew their license in person or are ineligible for online renewal, the CT DMV provides in-person renewal services at all DMV branch offices. Drivers whose licenses have not expired for over two years and are not currently suspended are eligible for in-person renewal.

To renew a driver's license in person, applicants must schedule an appointment online through the DMV website or by phone.

It is crucial to bring the necessary documents on the day of the appointment. This includes the current driver's license or, if unavailable, one form of acceptable identification. If the DMV does not have the driver's photo on file, two forms of identification are required.

Payment for the renewal fee is also necessary. Depending on the individual's circumstances, additional documentation may be required. This can include documents for REAL ID verification, proof of a name change, or military fee waiver eligibility.

Upon arrival at the DMV office, staff will process the renewal application, take a new photo if needed, and provide a temporary license. The new driver's license will be mailed to the address on file with the DMV within 30 days.

AAA offices also offer license renewal services as an alternative to DMV offices. In addition to the renewal fee, they may charge a convenience fee of up to $8 per transaction.

Renewal by Mail or Email

Renewal by mail or email is available for active-duty military, recent veterans, medically unable individuals, those out of state or country, and incarcerated individuals.

To renew by mail, applicants must complete Form B-350 and mail it with payment to the DMV. Similarly, to renew by email, applicants must email the completed B-350 form to DMV.CIU@ct.gov and follow the payment instructions in the subsequent email.

License Renewal Fees

The license renewal fees in Connecticut are as follows:

• Six-year driver's license renewal: $72
• Eight-year driver's license renewal: $96
• Two-year renewal (for drivers 65 or older): $24
• Additional fee for expired driver's license renewal: $25

License Replacement

Drivers must replace their licenses if lost, stolen, or damaged. This can be done online if they meet the same eligibility criteria as online renewal through the DMV Online Renewal Services System. Alternatively, they can schedule a DMV appointment or request a replacement by mail.

For in-person replacement, drivers must bring a completed application for a duplicate license ( Form 1-B). For mail-in replacement, they must send the form and payment to the CT DMV mailing address.

Regardless of the chosen method, the replacement fee for driver's licenses is $30.

For additional information on license renewal or replacing a driver's license in Connecticut, refer to the relevant sections on the CT DMV website.