What’s on the Connecticut permit test?

Connecticut’s written permit test is 25 questions, multiple choice, with a 80% passing bar - that’s about 20 right out of 25. Questions are pulled from the Connecticut driver handbook and cover traffic laws, road signs, right of way, signals, and a handful of Connecticut-specific rules. Connecticut’s test runs through the CT DMV; expect questions on roundabouts, which the state has invested in heavily.

Expect mostly recall questions: sign meanings, who goes first at a 4-way stop, what limits apply where. A handful of scenario questions test how you’d actually respond on the road.

The Connecticut handbook isn’t interchangeable with another state’s. Practicing on the right material - Connecticut-specific questions, Connecticut rules - is the difference between passing first try and not.

Sample questions (free, no signup)

Here are 6 practice questions in the Connecticut format. Tap each to reveal the answer and the explanation. Want unlimited? Get the app.

Question 1: What type of transmission restriction might appear on a limited driver’s license?

• Semi-automatic transmission only
• Manual transmission only
• Automatic transmission only

Correct answer: Automatic transmission only

Why: ‘In a motor vehicle having an automatic transmission’ as one of the possible restrictions that may be noted on a limited license document.

💡 Memory tip: Automatic only = no manual transmission on your license.

Question 2: For a limited license with daylight driving restrictions, when does the permitted driving period end?

• At sunset
• A half hour after sunset
• One hour after sunset

Correct answer: A half hour after sunset

Why: Under Connecticut law, a limited (learner’s permit) license with daylight driving restrictions permits driving during the period from a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset. Therefore, the permitted driving period ends a half hour after sunset.

💡 Memory tip: Sunset + 30 minutes = done for limited-license driving.

Question 3: Can 16- and 17-year-old licensed drivers use hands-free cell phones while driving?

• Yes, hands-free devices are allowed
• No, they cannot use any cell phone while driving
• Only for emergency calls

Correct answer: No, they cannot use any cell phone while driving

Why: 16- and 17-year-old licensed drivers may NOT use a cell phone (even if it is hands-free) or mobile electronic device while driving.

💡 Memory tip: If 16-17, zero cell phone use. hands-free still illegal.

Question 4: What types of specific laws does Connecticut have to protect people on the road?

• Only speeding and parking violations
• Speeding, driving too fast for conditions, reckless driving, and DUI
• Vehicle registration and insurance requirements only

Correct answer: Speeding, driving too fast for conditions, reckless driving, and DUI

Why: ‘Connecticut has specific laws, such as speeding, driving too fast for conditions, reckless driving, driving under the influence, and others that aim to protect all people on the road whether vehicle drivers, passengers or pedestrians.’

💡 Memory tip: CT’s Big 4: speeding, driving too fast for conditions, reckless, DUI.

Question 5: What can happen if you’re stopped by law enforcement while not wearing required corrective lenses?

• Nothing will happen if you can still see
• You will receive a warning only
• You may be issued a citation

Correct answer: You may be issued a citation

Why: In Connecticut, if your license has a corrective lenses restriction and you are stopped by law enforcement while not wearing your required corrective lenses, you may be issued a citation for violating the restriction on your license.

💡 Memory tip: Corrective-lenses restriction ignored? Citation issued; not a mere warning.

Question 6: What are the curfew hours for 16- and 17-year-old drivers?

• 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
• Midnight to 5 a.m.
• 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Correct answer: 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Why: Hour restrictions (curfew) for 16- and 17-year-old drivers are from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., unless traveling for employment, school, religious activities, medical necessity, or as an assigned driver in the Safe Ride Program.

💡 Memory tip: 11 p.m. = bedtime for teen drivers; 5 a.m. = wake-up time.

Connecticut-specific rules to know

Eight Connecticut-specific rules worth committing to memory before test day. These are the ones that catch first-time testers.

• Teen / provisional drivers - Parents to avoid having teens drive high performance vehicles or older model vehicles that lack improved safety technologies, as vehicle selection matters for teen safety.
• Insurance - Connecticut law requires continuous insurance coverage on any registered vehicle.
• Seat belts - A specific section on Connecticut Seatbelt Laws, indicating that seatbelt requirements are mandated by state law for vehicle occupants.
• Phone use - If an operator is under the age of 18, a conviction for violating the cell phone law will result in a license suspension.
• Accidents - Connecticut has a Zero-Tolerance Law for teens drinking and driving, meaning even one drink impairs a teen’s driving ability and increases crash risk.
• Seat belts & restraints - A 3-year-old child who weighs 35 pounds should be secured in a forward-facing car seat with a 5-point harness, as rear-facing seats are generally required only for children under age 2 or under 30…
• Driving rule - Some limited licenses require driving in a motor vehicle equipped with external mirrors on both sides to reflect a view of the highway at least 200 feet to the rear.
• License rules - A non-commercial driver’s license is known and designated as Class D, which allows operation of any motor vehicle except commercial vehicles.

How to schedule your Connecticut permit test

You can typically schedule your Connecticut permit test online through the official Connecticut DMV / motor-vehicle agency website. Bring proof of identity, residency, and (if under 18) the required parent/guardian documentation. Fees vary by jurisdiction - check your local DMV office for current pricing. Some states require completion of driver’s education before testing.

This page references rules from the Connecticut Driver’s Handbook. We are not affiliated with the Connecticut DMV.

Studying in a neighboring state?

Each state’s exam is different. If you’re studying for a different state, here are nearby ones: New York permit test practice, Massachusetts permit test practice, Rhode Island permit test practice.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the Connecticut permit test?

The Connecticut DMV permit test has 25 questions. You need to answer at least 80% correctly to pass.

What is the passing score for the Connecticut permit test?

You need 80% to pass - that’s roughly 20 out of 25 questions correct.

How old do I have to be to take the Connecticut permit test?

The minimum age in Connecticut is 16. Check your local DMV office for any additional requirements like a parent’s signature or driver’s education enrollment.

Can I retake the Connecticut permit test if I fail?

Yes. Most Connecticut DMV offices let you retake the test, often after a short waiting period. Some locations charge a small re-test fee. Check your local DMV office for the exact rules.

Is the DMV Ready app good for Connecticut?

Yes - Connecticut is fully supported. The app’s practice exams use the Connecticut format (25 questions, 80% pass), and questions are filtered to Connecticut-relevant material from the state handbook.

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Official source: For the latest Connecticut permit test rules, fees, and accepted identity documents, check the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) at portal.ct.gov/dmv. Requirements can change, so confirm current details on the state site before your visit.