Licenses

                                                                                                                                                                      Remember that obtaining a driver’s license or permit is a privilege and not a right. A person 16 or 17 years old operating a motor vehicle with a valid youth permit needs to have a person 20 years or older and who has had their license for more than 4 years in the vehicle. A person 18+ years old operating a motor vehicle with a valid adult permit needs to have a person 20 years or older and who has had their license for more than 4 years in the vehicle.

                                                                                                                                                                       Requirements to Obtain a Permit:

• Must be at least 16 years old.
• Must pass a knowledge and vision test.

                                                                                                                                                                         Additional Considerations

• Adult learners permits are also available.
• If you already had a license from another U.S. State or territory, Germany, Canada or France, you can transfer your license to Connecticut without getting a permit.
• NOTE: If your driver’s license has been expired for two or more years, you will be required to complete all testing requirements again, to include obtaining a learner’s permit and completing a road test. 

TO access step by step guides tailored to you based on your age visit the Learner’s Permit Section of the Department of Motor Vehicles website.

                                                                                                                                                                          Requirements To Obtain a Driver’s License:

• Includes time with a driver’s permit, classroom and practical training. The number of hours of training and testing sites can be accessed here.

                                                                                                                                                                         Verified Licenses

Beginning May 3, 2023, the U.S. Federal Government will require anyone boarding an airplane for domestic travel or entering certain federal buildings to have a "verified" driver's license, state-issued ID card or be required to show additional proof of identification, such as a passport.  This verification is indicated on your license or ID card by a gold star in the top right corner.  This federal law is commonly referred to as "REAL ID."

Additional Resources:

- Department of Motor Vehicles, Learner's Permit Information

- Department of Motor Vehicles, License Information 

- Department of Motor Vehicles, Real ID/ Verified ID Information

- Welcoming Your New Driver, Connecticut Parent Overview Guide