Behind-the-Wheel Training in Connecticut

Connecticut Driver's Training

If you're a teenager applying for a new driver's license in Connecticut, you'll need to complete driver's training and supervised driving practice to satisfy the teen licensing requirements of the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

The time you spend behind the wheel with a driving trainer will help you practice safe driving skills and help you prepare for your road test. You'll be ready to get on the road with your unrestricted driver's license and take on the responsibilities of a new, young driver.

On this page you'll find information about the Connecticut DMV behind-the-wheel requirements and how to obtain your unrestricted driver's license.

Connecticut Behind-the-Wheel Requirements

If you are younger than 18 years old, you'll need to complete a total of 40 hours of supervised behind-the-wheel driving practice, which can be achieved with the combination of:

  • Professional driver's training during a Connecticut Driver's Ed program.
    AND
  • Practice with your qualified parent, grandparent, spouse, or legal guardian.

You can begin your behind-the-wheel requirements when you are at least 16 years old by obtaining your learner's permit and enrolling in a Driver's Ed course.

For more information, please visit our pages on those topics:

Driver's Training in Connecticut

While you are not required to complete driver's training with a driving instructor, doing so will reduce the amount of time you are required to hold your learner's permit from 120 days to 180 days.

Many professional driver's training schools and high school driver's education programs include at least 8 hours of behind-the-wheel training.

Once you complete the course, you will receive a completion certificate to verify that you've completed both the classroom and behind-the-wheel components.

NOTE: Some professional driving schools and high school driver's training programs are able to administer your CT DMV driving test.

Connecticut Behind-the-Wheel Practice

Whether you have completed the behind-the-wheel component of a driver's training course or not, you must complete 40 hours of supervised driving while you have your learner's permit. You must be accompanied by your:

  • Spouse.
  • Parent/legal guardian.
  • Grandparent.
  • Foster parent.
    OR
  • Stepparent, sibling, uncle, or aunt, if you don't have one of the supervisors above.

Your driving supervisor must be at least 20 years old, have held their driver's license for at least 4 years, and have had no suspensions in the past 4 years.

When you apply for your driver's license, your driving supervisor will need to sign your Application for a Non-Commercial Learner Permit and/or Driver License (Form R-229) to verify that you've completed this driving practice.

Next Steps - Getting Your Driver's License

You'll be able to take your driving test and obtain your driver's license after you:

  • Have held your learner's permit for at least 120 days, if you completed Driver’s Ed.
    OR
  • Have held your learner's permit for at least 180 days, if you completed all of your behind-the-wheel practice with a home trainer.

For more information, please visit our Applying for a New License (Teen Drivers) in Connecticut page.

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Forms

R-229
Application for Non-Commercial Learners Permit and or Drivers License
The Department of Motor Vehicles' application for a non-commercial Connecticut learner's permit OR driver's license.
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