DMV Driver Handbook in Connecticut

SUMMARY: Connecticut Driver Handbook

The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers a number of driving manuals to help you become a better driver. You can access the CT driver's manual, DMV handbook for motorcycles, and commercial driver's manual online. If you're interested in reading about the state's vehicle and traffic laws, see the Vehicle Code.

On this page you'll find the DMV handbooks and driving manuals that you need to get on the road in Connecticut, including CT DMV manuals for several types of driver's licenses and vehicles.

Connecticut Driver's Manual

The CT Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) provides online access to various driving manuals to help you learn how to drive safely.

The CT Driver's Manual (R-12) (also available in Spanish) is the DMV handbook you'll need when you apply for a learner's permit or driver's license.

You'll learn how to apply for a learner's permit and driver's license in the CT DMV driver's handbook, as well as the state's road rules and skills you need to get your license.

Topics in the driving manual include:

  • Rules of the road.
  • Cell phone and seat belt laws.
  • Traffic signs and signals.

The driver's handbook also covers additional safe driving topics such as drinking and driving.

Driving Manual for Parents

Also available is a Parents' Training Guide, an instructional driver's manual for parents of teen drivers that can be used as a supplement to the DMV handbook.

Visit the CT DMV website for a complete list of driving manuals and supplementary DMV handbooks, or keep reading for more information about the most requested CT DMV manuals.

Studying the DMV Manual

Reading the DMV handbook will help you pass both the written and road skills exam when applying for your CT driver's license.

The written knowledge test questions will ask you about information from the drivers handbook.

In addition, the driving manual explains the safe driving practices you must perform to pass your road test.

Be Prepared with an Online Practice Test!

An ideal complement to studying the CT DMV Driver's Manual is to prepare for the exam with an online practice test. These industry-leading study guides for driver's handbooks have been developed to help you pass the test on your first attempt. Our certified partner offers comprehensive practice tests for most types of vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles.

Motorcycle Manual in CT

The CT DMV Motorcycle Manual (R-217) is a must-read when applying for your motorcycle license. The motorcycle driver's handbook prepares you for the written exam you'll need to pass to get your motorcycle license.

You'll find information about operating a motorcycle in the DMV handbook, including :

  • Braking, turning, and shifting gears.
  • Carrying passengers safely.
  • How to avoid flying objects.

The motorcycle driving manual contains other helpful details, covering topics like:

  • Preparing to ride a motorcycle.
  • Helmets and protective clothing.

From beginning to end, the motorcycle driver's handbook covers all of the information you need to safely and legally operate a motorcycle in Connecticut.

Studying the Motorcycle Driving Manual

The CT motorcycle driver's manual explains how to apply for a CT motorcycle license, including information about the written test.

To prepare for the written exam, you'll need to read and learn the information in the motorcycle driver's handbook.

To better prepare yourself for your DMV exam, you can take an online motorcycle practice test.

NOTE: The Connecticut DMV also offers an audio supplement to the motorcycle driver's manual called “Sharing the Road with Motorcycles."

Commercial Driver's License Manual

Before taking the required exam to receive a commercial driver's license (CDL), you'll need to study the CT Commercial Driver's Manual (R-295).

The DMV handbook for commercial drivers covers information about operating commercial vehicles, including:

  • How to drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) safely.
  • Transporting cargo and passengers safely.
  • Using air brakes.
  • Safely transporting hazardous materials.
  • Operating school buses.

You'll also find licensing information in the commercial driver's manual, including:

The Connecticut commercial driving manual also includes a series of sample questions to help prepare you for the DMV written exam. For more study questions, you can take an online CDL practice test.

NOTE: Also available online is the Hazardous Materials Manual, a DMV handbook to prepare you for applying for the CDL hazardous materials endorsement.

Connecticut Vehicle Code

Browse through the CT Motor Vehicle Code to learn more about traffic laws, violations, and other rules of the road.

The Vehicle Code is made up of all of the laws related to driving and motor vehicles. It goes into more detail than a DMV handbook and uses legal terms and definitions to explain the rules and practices in the driving manual.

If you've recently received a traffic ticket in Connecticut, visit our Traffic Tickets page to learn how to respond.

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