Who Needs a Learner Permit?

All 16/17 year olds must first obtain a learner permit before practice driving. People age 18 and over do not need a learner permit before practice driving.

How to Obtain a Learner Permit – 3 Easy Steps

Effective August 1, 2008, 16 and 17 year olds must pass a 25 question knowledge test before they can obtain a learner permit. We strongly suggest that you take some time and thoroughly study the Connecticut Driver’s Manual before you take this test. All the material on the test is in that manual, including information on the restrictions for 16 and 17 year olds.

Western Connecticut Driving Institute offers a knowledge test prep course for those who want the extra edge to pass the new 25 question knowledge test.

NOTE:  If you currently hold a non-driver ID, you must surrender it when you receive a learner permit.  The number on your non-driver ID is used as the learner permit number

Learner Permit knowledge testing is done on a walk-in basis at a full service branch office as follows:

Tue / Wed / Fri 8:00am to 3:00pm
Thurs 8:00am to 4:30pm
Sat 8:00am to 11:00am

Willimantic is closed on Wednesdays & Fridays.

Winsted is closed on Wednesday.

1. Once you have completed our permit test prep class and feel confident about your level of knowledge, you and your parent/legal guardian should bring the following to the DMV Branch Office:

o Non-laminated certified birth certificate with raised seal (hospital-issued are not acceptable) or valid passport and
o An additional identification document from the secondary document list of List of Acceptable Forms of Identification Documentation.
o Photograph – a recent passport size photograph without headwear or dark glasses. The photo will not be returned.
o $40 fee for vision, knowledge and road tests
o $18 fee for learner permit. Refer to acceptable forms of payment. If you are paying by check or money order, these must be made in 2 separate payments.

NOTES ABOUT IDENTITY DOCUMENTS:

- If your full legal name is different than that shown on your birth certificate or passport, you need to provide proof of your full legal name. Proof can include original or certified copy of a court order, marriage or civil union certificate, marriage or civil union dissolution or certificate of adoption.

- If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must show proof of your legal status in this country. Refer to List of Acceptable forms of Identification.

- Proof of Connecticut residency – a piece of postmarked mail that has been delivered to your home address, dated within 90 days or official school transcript with your current Connecticut address. (We cannot accept a Post Office box as proof of residency.)

- If parent/legal guardian is present, they must sign a Parental Consent Form (Form 2D) in the presence of a DMV agent/inspector giving their consent

- If parent/legal guardian is not present, a notarized Parental Consent (Form 2D) that can be downloaded from the DMV website. (Note about legal guardians: If you are accompanied by your legal guardian, you must bring certification of legal guardianship. )

- Social Security Number - In accordance with the Social Security Act 42 U.S.C 666 (a) (13), you must record your social security number on the Application for a Non-Commercial Driver License (Form R-229). If you are not eligible for a social security number, you must obtain a letter from the Social Security Administration stating your ineligibility. Bring this letter with you when you apply for your learner permit.

2. A DMV agent administers vision test and 25 question learner's permit test.

- Vision Test – Minimal vision is evaluated for at least 20/40 in the better eye with or without glasses or contact lenses. Peripheral vision (sight to either side while looking straight ahead) must be 140 degrees or 100 degrees for people with vision in one eye.

- Knowledge Test – In order to pass the 25 questions learner permit knowledge test, you must answer 20 questions correctly.

3. If you pass both tests:

· You pay $18 photo learner permit fee

· Your image and electronic signature are captured.

· You obtain your photo leaner's permit.

Now that you have your permit, you must undergo driver training before you can obtain a driver license. Please note that your learner permit may not be valid in all states. Please contact the state in which you plan to drive for verification.

If you fail the knowledge test, you must wait 7 days before re-taking the test. You must bring all your required documentation and parent or legal guardian and pay the $40 test fee again.

If you fail the vision test, you need to visit an eye care professional.