The CT permit test cost is $59 in total for most people: a $40 testing fee plus a $19 learner's permit fee, according to the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The $40 covers your vision, knowledge and road tests, as long as you pass. If you fail the knowledge test, you wait seven days and pay $40 again to reschedule.
CT permit test cost, fee by fee
These amounts come from the Connecticut DMV's fee list and its learner's permit pages at portal.ct.gov/dmv.
| Fee | Amount | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Testing fee | $40 | Vision, knowledge and road tests |
| Learner's permit (Class D) | $19 | The permit itself |
| Rescheduling after a failed knowledge test | $40 | A new knowledge test appointment, after a 7-day wait |
| Failed road test | $40 | Paid again to retest |
| First regular license, later | $84 | The license itself, issued for 5 and a half to 7 years |
The DMV says you schedule and prepay the knowledge test online, so most of this money is paid before you walk in. Driving school or classroom training is a separate cost set by the provider.
A failed vision test also means a new appointment. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them.
CT permit test schedule: how booking works
The Connecticut DMV says learner's permit testing is by appointment only, at select DMV offices. On its teen page the DMV lists Bridgeport, Cheshire, Danbury, Enfield, Hamden, Norwalk, Old Saybrook, Waterbury, Wethersfield and Willimantic. Do not plan on walking in.
- Take the free online Connecticut Work Zone Safety Course. The DMV says new drivers must complete it before getting a learner's permit.
- Book your CT DMV written test appointment online and pay the $40 testing fee.
- Print and fill in Form R-229, the Application for Non-Commercial Learner's Permit and/or Driver's License. You can print it after booking.
- Gather original identity documents from the DMV checklist. Photocopies and faxed copies are not accepted.
- Go to your appointment, pass the vision test, then the knowledge test, and pay $19 for the permit.
What to bring to the CT DMV written test appointment
- Completed and signed Form R-229.
- Original identification from the DMV document checklist.
- Form 2-D, the Certificate of Parental Consent, if you are under 18 and a parent or guardian is not with you.
- Your Connecticut Work Zone Safety Course certificate.
- Any Connecticut non-driver ID you hold. It is surrendered when the permit is issued.
- Glasses or contacts if you need them for the vision test.
The test you are paying for
The DMV says the knowledge test has 25 questions based on the Connecticut driver's manual, and you need at least 20 correct to pass. That leaves room for five mistakes. The test is offered in several languages, including Spanish, Polish, Portuguese and Mandarin Chinese, and a hard-copy test is available on request in more.
Costs after the permit
Teens 16 and 17 need 40 hours of practice driving and classroom training, plus two hours of parent or guardian training. The permit must be held at least 120 days after a driving school or secondary school course, or 180 days after home training. Adults 18 and older take an eight-hour Safe Driving Practices course through a licensed driving school before the road test and hold the permit at least 90 days. Schools set their own prices for these courses.
Your $40 testing fee already covers the road test if you pass it the first time. The first regular license is $84.
FAQ
What is the CT permit test cost?
$40 for testing plus $19 for the learner's permit, so $59 in total if you pass the first time.
How do I check the CT permit test schedule?
Testing is by appointment only at select DMV offices. Book and prepay online through portal.ct.gov/dmv, where open dates and times are shown.
How do I make a CT DMV written test appointment?
Schedule online, pay the $40 testing fee, print Form R-229, and bring it with your original identity documents and Work Zone Safety Course certificate.
What happens if I fail the CT permit test?
You wait seven days and pay $40 to reschedule the knowledge test.
How many questions are on the CT permit test?
25, and you need at least 20 correct to pass.
