Connecticut Online Driver Education and Connecticut Licensing Procedures
Congratulations on starting the process of applying for your Connecticut learner's permit or first Connecticut driver license. Connecticut has a graduated driver license program for Connecticut drivers ages 16-18, and there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure that applying for your Connecticut driving license goes as smoothly as possible. So let's get started.
Connecticut Instructional Permit or Connecticut Learner Permit
When you turn 16, you can finally apply for a Connecticut instructional permit, otherwise known as a Connecticut learner permit. In order to apply for your Connecticut learner's permit, you'll need the following:
After you have had your Connecticut learner permit for 6 months (or 4 months if you've taken a Connecticut approved driver education course), you're ready to apply for your Connecticut license exam.
Your First Connecticut Driver's License
In order to apply for your first Connecticut provisional driver license, you'll need to do the following:
- complete 40 hours of on-road practice as well as a driver education course
- complete a two hour teen driving course with your parent or guardian
- bring your learner's permit--to be surrendered
- A piece of mail or identification to verify your address
- A valid passport-sized photo
- A birth certificate
- One other form of proper identification
- Proof of car insurance
- The license fee of $66 to $77, depending on how many years the license is valid for.
Then you'll take a vision test
- Vision test, in which you must have 20/40 vision (with or without glasses)
- Written test, in which you must score at least an 80%
- The dreaded road test!
If you survive, then congratulations. You've just earned your first Connecticut driver license!
Connecticut Teen Driver License Restrictions and Penalties
There are several restrictions you need to keep in mind regarding your Connecticut learner's license or Connecticut driver's license.
Connecticut Permit Restrictions: With a Connecticut learner's permit, you cannot drive unless accompanied by:
- a licensed instructor
- a parent or guardian (who must have a driver's license)
- someone 20 or older with a valid license for at least four years (holding no suspensions).
Connecticut Provisional License Restrictions:
- first six months: you must drive with parents/guardians or licensed driver over 20
- second six months: you may drive with members of your immediate family
- you may not drive a bus or any vehicle that requires a public passenger permit
- you may not drive between midnight and 5AM unless going to an approved school or church activity, or for emergencies
- you may not drive while talking on a cell phone (no exception for hands-free).
If you're 16 or older and have your Connecticut provisional license you cannot drive a vehicle between 1:00AM and 5AM unless:
- You're accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or person over 21 who has at least 1 year of driving experience
- You're going to or from your workplace, a school sponsored or religious event
- You are driving because of an emergency
- You are an emancipated minor
Keep in mind that Connecticut carries a mandatory suspension for 16-17 year old drivers. Your Connecticut driver license may be suspended if you:
- use your cell phone while driving (texting or talking) - 30 day suspension
- speed - 60 day suspension
- drive recklessly - 6 month suspension
- street race - 6 month suspension
Each conviction carries a license restoration fee of $125.
Connecticut Auto Insurance Connecticut Financial Responsibility Laws
Once you receive your Connecticut drivers license, you're ready to drive--or are you? Any vehicle registered in Connecticut must be covered by liability insurance. The minimum coverage is $20,000 for personal injury and $40,000 for total injury, and $10,000 for property damage. If you are found to be driving without Connecticut mandatory liability insurance, you could be fined. If you are involved in an accident and cannot provide proof of insurance, your Connecticut learner's permit or Connecticut provisional license will be suspended.
Connecticut Drunk Driving, Cell Phone, and Text Messaging Laws
As a new Connecticut driver, it's important for you to learn the Connecticut drunk driving, cell phone, and text messaging laws. In Connecticut, the standard of DUI is lower for teens, and you only need to have a BAC of 0.02 (instead of 0.08) to be convicted. Upon your first conviction of a Connecticut DUI, you face the following penalties:
- your Connecticut license will be suspended for 3 months
- a $500 to $1000 fine
- 100 hour of community service
- mandatory alcohol education programs that adults face for DUI convict
And of course, further Connecticut DUI convictions will result in increased jail time, community service, fines, and Connecticut license suspension or even Connecticut license revocation.
Connecticut bans teen drivers from using a cell phone or text messaging while driving. Driving while using a cell phone carries a 30 day license suspension and a $125 license restoration fee plus court fines. A second conviction carries a 6 month suspension.
Connecticut Online Driver Education
Anyone younger than 18 must show proof of completion for a Connecticut approved driver's education course including at least 40 hours of behind the wheel training and 22 hours of home-based classroom training. If you take a Connecticut approved driver's education course, you will be able to take your license road test 2 months earlier. The Connecticut DMV maintains a list of the many Connecticut approved driver education courses .
