Connecticut DMV road test: what to expect

What the examiner checks

• Knowledge of common driving phrases and commands
• Adjusting seat, mirrors, steering wheel and seat belt
• Operating equipment: wipers/washers, heater/defroster, parking brake, headlights/high beams, horn
• Response to traffic signs and signals, road markings, signaling, yielding right-of-way, response to emergency vehicles
• Turns, backing and parking
• Recognizing instrument panel warning lights
• Other maneuvers as directed by the agent or inspector

Your car

• Valid registration and proof of insurance (CT minimum $25,000/$50,000/$25,000)
• Not used if unsafe: cracked windshield, defective brake/signal light incl. third brake light, warning lights on (SRS, ABS), worn tires, missing lug nuts, defective seat belts/speedometer/brakes
• After-market tint needs a CT DMV tint compliance sticker

After you pass

Drivers under 18 (teen restrictions apply to 16- and 17-year-old drivers) get a provisional or junior license first. Its restrictions:

• First 6 months: no passengers except a licensed driving instructor, parents/legal guardian (at least one licensed), or one person at least 20 years old licensed 4+ consecutive years with no suspension in the last 4 years
• Months 7-12: may also carry members of the immediate family
• Curfew 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. except for employment, school, religious activities, medical necessity or as an assigned Safe Ride Program driver
• No cell phone or mobile electronic device use, even hands-free
• No more passengers than seat belts; no public passenger transportation or vanpool vehicles
• No passengers on a motorcycle for 6 months after a motorcycle endorsement
• Suspensions for teen violations: e.g. first GDL-restriction or cell phone conviction = 30-day suspension and $175 restoration fee; speeding 20+ mph over = 60-day suspension

How to prepare

• Practise in the car you'll take the test in, including parking and backing up.
• Drive the kinds of roads near the test site with your supervising driver: intersections, lane changes, school zones.
• Check the car the day before: lights, signals, horn, brakes, mirrors, tires, seat belts, and current registration and insurance documents.
• On the day, signal every turn and lane change, check mirrors and blind spots visibly, and come to full stops behind the line.