How To Get A Connecticut Driver’s License

Make yourself at home in the Constitution state! In this article, you will learn how to get your Connecticut driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, motorcycle license, and everything in between. Let’s jump right into how to get your driver’s license in Connecticut.

Types of Connecticut Driver’s Licenses

There is more than one type of Connecticut driver’s license. Review the description of each driver’s license in Connecticut to determine which driver’s license you need to obtain.

In the state of Connecticut, there are two categories of driver’s licenses, non-commercial and commercial.

Non-commercial Driver’s Licenses

Class D Driver’s Licenses

The standard Class D driver’s license in CT falls in the category of a non-commercial driver’s license. With a Class D license, you can operate sedans, pick-up trucks, and SUVs. You can also operate a motorcycle with a Class D driver’s license. However, you must obtain the M endorsement on your driver’s license.

Driver-Only Licenses

A Driver-Only license is similar to a Class D license, but this license is specifically for drivers who are at least 16 years of age and fall under one of the following categories:

Does not have a social security number
Undocumented
Can’t establish legal presence in the U.S.

The Drive Only program in Connecticut ensures that all individuals behind the wheel know and understand the state traffic rules and complete and pass the road test. This driving program is essential because it increases the overall safety on Connecticut’s highways and roads.

With a Drive-only license, you are only allowed to operate a motor vehicle. The Drive-only license can’t be used for federal identification or voting purposes.

Commercial Driver’s Licenses

In the state of Connecticut, you can obtain a Class A, Class B, or Class C commercial driver’s license.

Class A Driver’s Licenses

The Class A commercial driver’s license is the highest commercial driver’s license you can obtain in the state of Connecticut. Class A commercial driver’s licenses are required to operate a combination vehicle that has a minimum Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 lbs. You are also required to be towing a unit that weighs at least 10,000 lbs.

Vehicles that are included in the Class A category are semi-tractor-trailers, big rigs, or 18-wheelers. Double or triple trailers and tractor-trailer buses also fall into the Class A vehicle category.

Also with a Class A commercial driver’s license, you are allowed to operate Class B and Class C vehicles.

Class B Driver’s Licenses

A Class B commercial driver’s license is required to operate a single vehicle that has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of at least 26,001 lbs. If an individual is operating a combination vehicle, the vehicle must tow a unit that weighs less than 10,000 lbs.

Examples of Class B vehicles include straight trucks dump trucks with small trailers or segmented buses. Also, with a Class B commercial driver’s license, individuals can operate Class C commercial vehicles, but not the commercial vehicles that are considered Class A vehicles.

Class C Driver’s Licenses

A Class C commercial driver’s license allows individuals to operate any single vehicle that has a maximum weight of 26,000 lbs. This Class of commercial driver’s license can be used for one of the following reasons:

Transporting at least 16 passengers, including the driver
Transporting more than 10 passengers, including the driver, and the vehicle is used to take students who are younger than 21 years of age to or from school
Moving hazardous materials that require a placard for the vehicle

Now that you know about the types of driver’s licenses that are available in Connecticut, let’s discuss this state’s driver’s license requirements.

Connecticut Driver’s License Requirements

Before you make your way to your local Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (CT DMV) office, you must determine whether you are required to apply for a new CT driver’s license.

You must obtain a Connecticut driver’s license if:

You are a current resident of Connecticut who’s never been licensed
You are a new resident of Connecticut and want to apply for a CT driver’s license or transfer an out-of-state driver’s license
You intend on operating any of the non-commercial Class A, Class B, or Class C commercial vehicles listed above
You have legal presence in Connecticut and the U.S. (You will not be required to obtain a CT driver’s license if you have a diplomatic driver’s license that has been issued by the U.S. Department of State.)

You are not required to have a Connecticut driver’s license if:

You’re at least 18 years old and visiting Connecticut with a valid out-of-state driver’s license
You’re an active military member or dependent who is stationed in Connecticut, as long as you have a valid out-of-state driver’s license, and you haven’t established residency in CT
You operate farm vehicles off public highways
You ONLY operate registered off-highway vehicles and snowmobiles without accessing public roads (other than crossing the roads)

Applying for Your Connecticut Driver’s License

To apply for a CT driver’s license, you are required to visit a Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicle (CT DMV) office and complete and pass the road test. You must attain your CT learner’s permit for at least 90 days and pay the testing and driver’s license fees.

New Residents of Connecticut

As a new resident of CT, you must transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to Connecticut within 30 days of establishing residency in this state. You will be eligible to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license as long as your driver’s license has not expired for longer than 2 years.

To receive your CT driver’s license, you need to visit your local CT DMV branch and:

Submit your current out-of-state driver’s license
- If you don’t have your driver’s license, you must provide a certified copy of your driving history from your previous state
Submit a completed Application for a Non-Commercial Learner’s Permit and/or Driver’s License (Form R-229)
All required forms of identity and residency
Pass the vision test
Pay the following fees:
- Application fee: $40
- Driver’s license fee $84
- Municipality processing fee (if applicable): up to $8

Eligibility Requirements for a Driver’s License

To be eligible for a CT driver’s license, you need to have:

Attained a CT learner’s permit for at least 90 days. You will be exempt from this rule if you:
- Are stationed out of state on military duty and have proof of your military order or military ID card OR have attained a driver’s license before and can submit your expired license or driving abstract.
Completed a safe driving practices course, which can be completed at some commercial driving schools and secondary schools

The Connecticut Road Test

The CT DMV road test evaluates your ability to:

Follow traffic signs and other traffic laws
Reverse your vehicle
Park the vehicle

You will also be required to exhibit your knowledge and capacity to perform the basic driving skills and your ability to interact with other motorists on the road. If you fail the driving test, you must wait at least 14 days before you can retake the driving test.

The Written Exam in Connecticut

The Connecticut written exam consists of 25 questions, 20 questions of which you must answer correctly to pass the exam with a minimum passing score of 80%. The minimum age to apply to take the written exam is 16.

The Connecticut Vision Screening

The Connecticut vision screening evaluates your acuity (how clearly you can see). The minimum vision requirement for a Class D CT driver’s license is 20/40 or better, with or without corrective lenses. As far as peripheral vision (the distance you can see to either side while looking straight ahead) is concerned, to meet the state of Connecticut’s minimum requirements, you must have 140 degrees of binocular peripheral visual field.

If you fail the CT vision test, you will not be eligible to complete the knowledge test, and you must reschedule to re-take this test through the CT DMV website.

Acceptable Identification Documents in Connecticut

In Connecticut, there are different types of acceptable identification documents you can use when you’re applying for your CT driver’s license, such as your:

Birth certificate
Passport
Permanent resident card
Armed forces ID card
Certificate of Naturalization
Foreign passport with a valid I-94 (the expiration date of the I-94 must be at least 2 months from the date you visit the office).

Examples of true full-name verification documentation in Connecticut include:

A dissolution of marriage document that contains your legal name as a result of the court order
Adoption documents that contain your legal name as a result of the adoption
Name change documents that contain your legal name both before and after
Marriage certificate
Certificate of registration document that verifies the formation of a domestic partnership

Examples of acceptable residency documentation include:

Insurance documents
Resident utility bills (can include cell phone bills)
Connecticut vehicle or vessel title or registration
A record of a financial institution

Obtaining a Connecticut Driver’s License Under the Age of 18

If you are under the age of 18, there are certain rules and guidelines you need to follow to obtain your license.

Getting Your CT Driver’s License Under the Age of 18 as a New Resident

As new residents of Connecticut, teenagers who are 16 and 17 years old and currently have an out-of-state driver’s license, have 30 days after they establish residency in this state to transfer their license.

You must complete a Safe Driving Practices course. This course is 8 hours and includes a 2-hour parent/guardian training. Once you have completed the Safe Driving Practices course, you can visit your local CT DMV branch and:

Provide the Driver Education Certificate (Form CS-1) from your Safe Driving Practices course
Present your out-of-state driver’s license
Submit an Application for a Non-Commercial Learner Permit and/or Driver’s License (Form R-229) with payment for the application fee of $40.
If your parent, guardian, or spouse who is over 18 years old, can’t be present at the DMV, you must submit a notarized Certificate of Parental Consent (Form 2D).
Pass the vision exam
Pass the road test
Pay the CT license fee of $84

Be advised that AAA and your municipality may also charge a fee of up to $8 for the processing fee.

If you have a learner’s permit from a different state, you are required to provide the above documentation, including proof of classroom driver’s training and behind-the-wheel practice BEFORE you will be eligible to change your learner’s permit to a Connecticut driver’s license.

You must also have attained your permit for at least 120 days (if you completed driver’s training at a commercial or secondary school, or 180 days if you completed your driver’s training at home).

If you have yet to complete these requirements, you must complete the Connecticut GDL process.

The Connecticut GDL Program

The Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) program in Connecticut requires teenagers to complete the education and training process before they can earn their official CT driver’s license. In Connecticut, teenagers must first earn their CT learner’s permit, then a CT restricted license, before being eligible to obtain their full unrestricted Connecticut driver’s license.

Driver’s Education in Connecticut

The state of Connecticut requires teenagers to complete a driver’s training course between the time they earn a CT learner’s permit and a CT driver’s license. The length of the training hours depends on the method they choose to take their training course. You can complete your Connecticut driver’s training/driver’s education course through a commercial school, or your secondary or high school’s Driver’s Education program. You can also complete your driver’s training at home with your parent or guardian, or a combination of all three options.

The length requirements for the Driver’s Training course in Connecticut are as follows:

Commercial driving school: 30 hours of classroom training, plus 40 hours of behind-the-wheel practice
Secondary/high school driver’s education: 30 hours of classroom training, plus 40 hours of behind-the-wheel practice
Home training: 22 hours of classroom-like training, plus the Safe Driving Practices course which is 8 hours (includes the 2-hour parent or guardian training) and 40 hours of behind-the-wheel practice.

The commercial and secondary school courses each include the Safe Driving Practices course for 8 hours and 2-hour parent or guardian training with their curriculum. If you choose to take the driver’s training course at home, you must complete and submit a Driver’s Education Certificate (Form CS-1) from your Safe Driving Practices course.

Connecticut At-Home Driver’s Training

If you decide to complete your driver’s training at home, your trainer is required to meet the following stipulations:

Be at least 20 years old
Be your parent, guardian, grandparent, or spouse
If a parent or legal guardian is not present, the trainer must be a family member that is related to you by blood (such as an aunt, uncle, brother, or sister). Stepparents can also provide driver’s training.
Have attained a driver’s license for at least 4 years WITHOUT any suspensions

Your parent or guardian must accompany you to the 2-hour parent training BEFORE you can complete your driving test. If your parent or guardian is not able to accompany you, you will not be able to apply for your CT driver’s license until you are 18 years old.

Driver’s License Age Requirements in Connecticut

The driver’s license age requirements in Connecticut are as follows:

16 years old: eligible for a learner’s permit
16 years old and 120 days: eligible for a restricted driver’s license with driver’s training from a secondary or commercial school
16 years old and 180 days: eligible for a restricted driver’s license with at-home driver’s training
18 years old: eligible for a full Connecticut driver’s license after completing the required adult permit period

Meeting these age eligibility requirements for a Connecticut driver’s license is based on attaining a learner’s permit for the minimum number of days.

Getting a Connecticut Learner’s Permit

To receive a Connecticut learner’s permit, you must be at least 16 years old and pass the CT DMV written test. Once you have studied, you can visit your local CT DMV branch and complete the written exam.

To complete the CT DMV test, you must provide:

Proof of your
- Identity (2 documents (at least 1 document must be considered a “primary” source”)
- Social security number
- CT residency (2 documents from two sources that are different from each other)
If your parent, guardian, or spouse is over 18 years old, but not present at the CT DMV, you must submit a notarized Certificate of Parental Consent (Form 2D).
Submit an Application for Non-Commercial Learner’s Permit and/or Driver’s License (Form R-229)
Pass the vision exam
Pass the CT DMV written exam
Pay the $40 testing fee and $19 learner’s permit fee (your municipality may also charge a processing fee of up to $8

If you don’t. pass the knowledge exam on the first try, you are required to wait at least 7 days to retake this exam and pay the applicable testing fees again.

Learner’s Permit Driving Restrictions

With your Connecticut learner’s permit, you can only operate a motor vehicle with your parent, guardian, or qualified driving trainer who is at least 20 years old and has attained their driver’s license for at least 4 years.

You and the passengers in the vehicle must wear seat belts at all times, and you can’t use a cell phone or a handheld device at any point while you are behind the wheel of the vehicle.

Connecticut Adult Learner’s Permit

As of January 1, 2013, the state of Connecticut requires an adult learner’s permit for first-time drivers who are at least 18 years old, UNLESS you obtain a valid driver’s license from a different state. You must attain your permit for at least 90 days BEFORE you will be eligible to apply for a CT driver’s license.

Unlike teenage applicants, applicants who are older than 18 are NOT required to complete a classroom driver’s education course, provide any required parental consent forms, or have their parent or guardian complete the 2-hour parent training. You will be required to complete the 8 hours of the Safe Driving Practicing course.

Once you receive your adult learner’s permit and schedule an appointment to complete your driving exam, or head to your local CT DMV branch and:

Present proof of your:
- Identity (2 documents are required, 1 of which must be a “primary” document)
- Social security number
- CT residency (2 documents are required, which much be from 2 different sources)
Provide verification of U.S. citizenship or legal presence in the U.S.
Submit an Application for Non-Commercial Learner’s Permit and/or Driver’s License (Form R-229)
Take the vision test
Complete the CT DMV written test
Pay the $40 testing fee and the $19 permit fee (depending on where you live, you may be required to pay a processing fee of up to $8).

Your Connecticut permit will be valid for 2 years. With your learner’s permit, you are required to complete the Safe Driving Practices course of 8 hours. When you practice driving, your training must be at least 20 years old and have attained their driver’s license WITHOUT suspensions for at least 4 years.

After 90 days, you are eligible to apply for your official CT driver’s license. You will be exempt from the 90-day waiting period if:

You are active-duty military stationed out of state (you must provide your order and military ID)
You previously attained a learner’s permit that can be verified by the CT DMV
You held any form of driver’s license in the past (you must present your previous license to the DMV)

How to Get a Connecticut Driver’s License

Once you’ve attained your CT permit for 120 to 180 days, and you’ve completed the required driver training, you can head to your local CT DMV office to take the driving test. You can schedule an appointment to take the driving test by calling the DMV phone center at:

(860) 263-5700 (Hartford area and outside of CT)
(800) 842-8222 (all other areas of CT)

When you’re ready, bring the following items with you to your local CT DMV office:

Your learner’s permit
A completed Application for Non-Commercial Learner’s Permit and/or Driver’s License (Form R-229). Your driving trainer must sign the application.
A Driver’s Education Certificate (Form CS-1), that verifies the completion of driver’s training
A vehicle to complete your driving test, along with valid registration and proof of a valid CT auto insurance policy
Payment for the $40 exam fee and the $84 license fee (certain municipalities may also charge a processing fee of up to $8).

After you pass the CT DMV road test, you will be issued your restricted driver’s license. If you completed your exam at a commercial driving school, you are required to wait at least 48 hours before going to the DMV with your Road Test Evaluation Report and obtaining your CT driver’s license.

If you don’t pass the test on the first try, you can retake the test in 14 days. You are required to pay the $40 exam fee.

Provisional License Driving Restrictions in Connecticut

With your CT provisional license, you must adhere to the following driving restrictions:

For the first 6 months:
- You may only operate a motor vehicle with your parent or guardian, driving instructor, or qualified driving trainer who is at least 20 years old with 4 years of driving experience.
For the second 6 months:
- You may only operate a motor vehicle with the people mentioned above, as well as immediate family members.
Until you are at least 18 years old:
- You may not operate a motor vehicle from 11 PM to 5 PM UNLESS you are traveling to or from school, work, church, or because of an emergency.
- All passengers in the vehicle must wear a seatbelt at all times
- You may not operate a cell phone or hand-held device at any point while behind the wheel
- You may not drive any public service or vanpool vehicle.
Until you are at least 18 years old:
- You may not drive from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., unless traveling to or from school, work, church, or because of an emergency.
- All passengers in your vehicle must wear a seatbelt at all times.
- You may not operate a cell phone or hand-held device at any point while behind the wheel.
- You may not drive any public service or vanpool vehicle.

Getting Your Driver’s License as a New Resident of Connecticut

As a new resident of Connecticut, you must transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to Connecticut within 30 days of establishing residency in this state. You will be eligible for a license transfer as long as your driver’s license hasn’t expired for more than 2 years.

If you’re younger than 18 years old or have an out-of-state driver’s license that has expired for more than 2 years, you are required to follow the instructions provided in the Connecticut Driver’s Permit section of this content.

To receive a Connecticut driver’s license, you need to visit your local CT DMV office and:

Submit your current out-of-state driver’s license (if you don’t have your driver’s license, you must provide a certified copy of your driving history from your previous state).
Submit a completed Application for a Non-Commercial Learner Permit and/or Driver’s License (Form R-229)
Provide the required forms of identity and Connecticut residency (found here)
Pass the vision test
Pay the following fees:
- Application fee: $40
- Driver’s license fee: $84
- Municipality processing fee (if applicable): up to $8

Married, Divorced, or Name Change?

If you got married, divorced, or changed your name since applying for your driver’s license, you may be required to provide name change documentation, such as a marriage license to obtain a REAL ID-compliant Connecticut driver’s license or ID card in your true full name.

If the name on your identification document(s) is different from the name you provided on your application, you must submit documents that establish your true full name. Examples of documentation that establishes your true full name can include the following:

A marriage certificate
Adoption documents that contain the legal names as a result of the adoption
A name change document that contains the legal name of both before and after the name change
A certificate, declaration, or registration document that verifies the formation of a domestic partnership
A dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership document that contains the legal name as a result of the court action

Does the REAL ID Act Impact Residents of Connecticut?

On May 3, 2023, you will need a REAL ID or a valid U.S. passport to board a domestic flight. A REAL ID will also be required to enter military bases and most federal facilities. If you have a military ID, U.S. passport, passport card, or another form of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) approved identification, you can still use these documents to board an airplane.

Is Obtaining a REAL ID Mandatory in Connecticut?

The federal-compliant REAL ID or REAL Driver’s License is optional in Connecticut. If you provide valid documents of the above-listed TSA documents, you can pass TSA checkpoints at airport terminals nationwide and visit a secure federal building or military installation at any time.

Is It a Good Idea to Get a REAL ID?

A Connecticut REAL ID is good to have if:

You travel the country by plane
You visit military bases or federal buildings

A standard Connecticut driver’s license or ID card is okay if:

You use a valid U.S. Passport for domestic travel
Do not travel the country by plane
Do not visit military bases or federal buildings

You don’t need a REAL-ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card to perform any of the following:

Operate a motor vehicle
Vote
Visit a hospital or receive life-saving services
Apply for or receive federal benefits (Social Security Administration (SSA), Veterans Affairs, etc.)
Enter a federal facility that does not require ID (such as a post office)

How Do You Prepare to Apply for a REAL ID Card in Connecticut?

To apply for a Connecticut REAL ID, you must visit your local CT DMV office or CT DMV express location and provide your:

Proof of identity (2 documents are required). At least 1 document must be a “primary” document, which can include:
- U.S. birth certificate
- U.S. passport
- U.S. Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
  - Secondary Documents include:
    - Social security card
    - Valid Connecticut or out-of-state driver’s license
    - Employment authorization card
Connecticut residency (2 documents are required), which can include a:
- Bank statement
- Pay stub
- Credit card, utility, or hospital bill
Lawful U.S. presence, which may include:
- U.S. passport
- I-94 form
- Refugee travel document
- Permanent resident card
Proof of social security number (SSN), which may include your:
- Social security card
- W-2 or 1099 tax form (within the last 5 years)
- Proof of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration
Payment for all applicable CT fees

REAL ID fees in Connecticut

There are no additional fees to upgrade your Connecticut driver’s license or photo ID to a REAL ID UNLESS you are NOT due for renewal. The renewal window opens 6 months before your current card expires. If you upgrade your ID outside of the 6-month window, you will have to pay $30, and your card will keep its current expiration date.

The Connecticut license and ID renewal fees are as follows (length of validity is randomly generated):

Driver’s license:
- 6 years: $72
- 8 years: $96
- 2 years: $24 (optional for drivers who are at least 65 years old)
Non-Driver ID:
- 6 years: $24
- 8 years: $96
CDL renewal:
- $70 (valid for 4 years)

Applying for a Commercial Driver’s License in Connecticut

To qualify for a Connecticut commercial driver’s license, you must:

Be at least 18 years old
Attain a valid, non-CDL Connecticut driver’s license
Show proof of lawful permanent residency (if you are NOT a U.S. citizen)
- Acceptable documentation includes:
  - Certificate of Citizenship
  - Naturalization certificate
  - Permanent resident (green) card

Drivers who are under 21 years of age will be restricted to operating a motor vehicle within Connecticut, which is known as intrastate driving.

Connecticut Commercial Learner’s Permit

Before you can receive a CDL in the state of Connecticut, you must obtain your commercial driver’s instruction permit.

When you’re ready to apply, you must schedule an appointment with your local CT DMV branch and provide:

Your CT driver’s license
Proof of your social security number. You can bring:
- Your social security card
- Your most recent W-2, showing your SSN
The proper medical forms
A completed Application for Commercial Driver’s License (Form R-229)
Proof of legal permanent residency
Payment for the following fees:
- Knowledge exam: $16
- Learner’s permit: $10
- Applicable endorsement fees

At your appointment, you will be asked to complete specific tasks, such as:

Submit a driving record check
Pass all written exams that are required for the type of CDL you want
Pass the written tests that are associated with any endorsements (if you are applying for endorsements)

Once you complete the above-listed steps, you will receive your Connecticut commercial learner’s permit. Congratulations! Be advised that your CLP will be valid for one year and can’t be renewed.

What Happens If I Fail My CDL Knowledge Test?

If you fail your written exams, don’t stress! You must retake the test and complete another Application for Commercial Driver’s License (Form R-229a) and repay the testing fee.

Connecticut CLP Restrictions

A commercial learner’s permit has its set of rules, which is similar to a regular CT driving permit. While you are driving with your CLP, you can ONLY operate commercial vehicles on public roads, and only while accompanied by a full CDL holder. Your Connecticut commercial learner’s permit will be valid for 1 year, but you must wait at least 14 days before you can complete your skills test and earn your full commercial driver’s license.

If you feel you’re not ready to complete your exam, when your CLP expires, you must retake the required knowledge test and pay the applicable fees.

Applying for a Connecticut CDL

When the waiting period of 14 days passes and you’re ready, you can turn your CLP into a CDL by completing the skills test. You must schedule an appointment with your local CT DMV office. If you need to cancel your appointment for any reason, you must reschedule your make-up test at least 7 business days in advance, or you will lose your testing fee.

You also need to arrange to take the test in the same type of vehicle you plan on driving with your CDL. If you don’t use the same type of vehicle, you may receive a restriction on your commercial driver’s license.

You need to bring the following to your appointment:

Your appointment confirmation letter
Your medical certification
A receipt from the DMV to show your fee has been paid
The goldenrod copies of your Application for a Commercial Driver’s License (Form R-229a)
Your commercial learner’s permit
Your Connecticut driver’s license
The current registration and insurance for the vehicle you will be taking the test in

Your skills test will consist of the following components:

Vehicle inspection
On-road testing
Basic vehicle control

Once you complete these steps, you will officially be a commercial driver’s license holder. Hooray!

CDL Fees in Connecticut

The Connecticut DMV charges the following for CDLs and related services:

General knowledge test fee: $16
- Air brakes exam: $5
- Combination vehicles exam: $5
Commercial learner’s permit fee: $10
- CLP renewal: $10
- Duplicate CLP: $20
Skills test fee: $30 (paid at the time of your knowledge test)
Endorsements: $5 each

CDL Medical Requirements

All CDL applicants in Connecticut must be deemed physically fit for the job before they can earn their CDL. Before scheduling your initial appointment with the CT DMV, you must have your medical paperwork completed. You will be required to schedule an appointment with an FMCSA-approved physician and have them help you complete a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Form MCSA-5876).

You will also have to explain to the state the type of driving you expect to do with your CDL using the self-certifying process. You can self-certify only using the CT DMV portal by clicking here. If you’re applying online, make sure you print the confirmation email and take it with you to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Federal Self-Certification Requirements

You must self-certify your type of vehicle operating with the CT DMV, which means you are required to self-certify one of the following driving categories:

Non-excepted interstate
Excepted interstate
Non-excepted intrastate
Excepted Intrastate

Applying for a Connecticut Motorcycle License

Obtaining a motorcycle permit is not mandatory in the state of Connecticut. A motorcycle permit, which is valid for 60 days, allows you to practice operating a motorcycle before applying for a motorcycle endorsement. If you choose to apply for a motorcycle permit, you are required to apply at one of the CT MDV offices and submit:

Proof of owning a valid Connecticut driver’s license
A notarized Certificate of Parental Consent (Form 2D) – if you are under 18 years old
A completed Non-Commercial Driver’s License Application (Form R-229)
Payment for the testing fee of $40 for the motorcycle vision and knowledge tests
Payment for the $16 permit fee (only required if you pass both exams. You may also have to pay $8 for the convenience fee).

If you fail the CT motorcycle knowledge test, you can retake the test the next business day. However, you will have to pay an additional $40 exam fee.

How to Get a Connecticut Motorcycle Learner’s Permit

The motorcycle learner’s permit is valid for only 60 days and has the following restrictions:

Valid only in Connecticut
Valid only during daylight hours
The motorcycle driver may NOT transport passengers
No driving on multiple-lane highways
Must wear adequate vision protection
Must wear adequate helmet/protective headgear

A Connecticut motorcycle learner’s permit may be renewed one time for an additional 60 days. To do so, you are required to visit a CT DMV office with your current permit, your driver’s license, the $16 fee, and your proper ID.

Once you obtain your CT motorcycle permit, you are required to complete a mandatory, DMV-approved motorcycle safety course. This course must be completed before you can apply for an endorsement.

How to Get a Motorcycle License in Connecticut

If you are applying for a motorcycle license in Connecticut and already have a motorcycle permit, you can visit any full-service CT DMV office with:

A valid Connecticut motorcycle permit
A valid Connecticut driver’s license
Proof of completing a DMV-approved motorcycle safety training course

Once you provide the above-listed documentation, the CT DMV will add an “M” endorsement to your driver’s license at no extra cost. There is no driving test required because the motorcycle safety training course includes the skills test.

If you are applying for a CT motorcycle license without already having a motorcycle permit, you must visit a CT DMV office and provide:

Proof of owning a valid Connecticut driver’s license
A notarized Certificate of Parental Consent (Form 2D) – if you are under 18 years old. This form can only be completed and signed by your parent, legal guardian, or spouse who is over 18 years old.
A completed Non-Commercial Driver’s License Application (Form R-229)
Payment for the testing fee for the motorcycle vision and knowledge tests of $40
Payment for the $16 permit fee (only required if you pass both exams. You may also have to pay the $8 municipality convenience fee.)

If you fail the exam, you can retake the test the next day, but you will be required to pay an additional $40 for the exam fee.

Once you pass the required CT exams, you must enroll in a CT DMV-approved motorcycle safety training course. After you complete the training course, you need to visit a full-service CT DMV to receive an “M” endorsement on your driver’s license for $30.

Restrictions

Individuals who are at least 18 years old and issued a motorcycle license are NOT allowed to transport passengers for the first 90 days of driving. New motorcycle drivers who are 16 to 17 years old are NOT allowed to carry passengers for the first 6 months.

Renewing a Motorcycle Endorsement in Connecticut

The motorcycle endorsement and your standard driver’s license are renewed simultaneously as part of your standard driver’s license renewal procedure.

Replacements

After you receive a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license, the two are considered the same and not separate entities. If your driver’s license with the motorcycle endorsement is stolen, lost, or damaged beyond recognition, you must follow the process for replacing a standard Connecticut driver’s license.

Transferring an Out-of-State Motorcycle License

If you currently have an out-of-state motorcycle license, you must transfer it to the state of Connecticut. You must submit the following credentials to your local CT DMV branch:

Present your current driver’s license
Submit an Application for a Non-Commercial Driver’s License
Pay a license fee and testing fee
Provide documentation proving your identity, social security number, CT residency, and legal presence in the U.S.
If you are younger than 18 years old, you must complete an 8-hour safe driving class
Complete and pass the CT vision and road test
Provide the certificate for completing the motorcycle safety class

Connecticut DMV Locations

There are multiple Department of Motor Vehicle locations in the state of Connecticut. At these DMV locations, you can start or complete the required processes and complete the necessary paperwork to receive your driver’s license, motorcycle license, or commercial driver’s license.

Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles – New Britain Branch
85 N Mountain Rd
New Britain, CT 06053
(860) 263-5700
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday (7:45 AM – 4 PM)
Thursday (9:15 AM – 5:30 PM)
Monday, Saturday, and Sunday (Closed)

Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles Testing Center
1625 Highland Ave
Cheshire, CT 06410
(860) 263-5700
Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday (Closed)
Wednesday and Thursday (10 AM – 7:15 PM)
Friday (8 AM – 4:15 PM)
Saturday (8 AM -12:30 PM)

Commercial Driver’s License Testing Center
101 Reserve Road
Hartford, CT 06114
(860) 263-5700
Call for business hours