What to bring to the Connecticut DMV permit test
Bring the right documents and you can take the knowledge and vision tests on the same visit. The official requirements change from time to time, so check the DMV's own page before you go.
For the learner's permit and knowledge test
- Acceptable identification documents per the DMV document checklist (originals; no photocopies or faxes)
- Completed and signed Form R-229 application
- Certificate of Parental Consent (Form 2-D) if under 18 and a parent/guardian is not present
- Connecticut Work Zone Safety Course completion certificate (required from Jan. 1, 2026)
- $40 testing fee (prepaid when scheduling)
- Connecticut non-driver ID card if you have one (surrendered when the permit is issued)
- Glasses or contact lenses if needed for the vision test
Fees
- Testing fee (vision, knowledge and road test): $40
- Learner's permit: $19
- Driver's license (paid after passing road test): $84
- Knowledge or road test retest: $40
The vision test
At least 20/40, with or without glasses or contact lenses, for all license classes. You also need 140 degrees of peripheral vision with both eyes. If you are blind in one eye, the other eye must be at least 20/40 with a field of vision of 100 degrees or more.
Bring your glasses or contact lenses if you wear them to see clearly.
For the road test
- Road test appointment confirmation page
- Completed Form R-229 (qualified trainer must be present and sign for applicants under 18)
- Learner's permit
- Properly registered, insured, mechanically safe vehicle appropriate for the license class (no rental if you have no valid license; no IID unless required)
- Valid registration certificate and Connecticut insurance card
- Driver education certificate (EDEC), sent electronically by the driving school
After you pass: your permit
- Hold it for at least 16-17: 120 days if trained at a commercial driving school or high school program, 180 days with home training; 18+: 90 days (adult learner's permit; exemptions for prior license holders and out-of-state active-duty military) before the road test.
- Log 40 hours of supervised driving.
- Must be accompanied in the front passenger seat by a licensed driving instructor or a qualified trainer at least 20 years old who has held a license for 4 or more consecutive years with no suspension in the last 4 years
- 16-17-year-old permit holders: no passengers except the instructor/trainer (and others accompanying a driving-school instructor); parents or legal guardian may accompany the instructor
- No more passengers than seat belts
- No cell phone or mobile electronic device use at all, even hands-free
- May not operate a vehicle requiring a public passenger transportation permit or a vanpool vehicle
- Must carry the learner's permit while driving
Before you go
Take a practice test or two the day before, and the exam simulator to check you can pass in the real format. Bring originals, not photocopies, unless the DMV says copies are accepted.
Questions
How old do I need to be to take the Connecticut permit test?
16.
How much does the Connecticut permit test cost?
$40 testing fee (covers vision, knowledge and road test); $19 learner's permit fee.
Can I take the Connecticut permit test online?
Taken in person at a DMV office, by appointment only (scheduled and prepaid online). The vision test comes first in the same appointment, and you must pass it before the knowledge test. The test is based on the Connecticut Driver's Manual.
Do I need an appointment?
Check the DMV's website: requirements for appointments differ by office and change often. Bring every document on the list above so you don't have to come back.
Source: Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, checked 2026-10-27.