Connecticut’s Teen Driver’s License and Insurance Requirements

In Connecticut, teen drivers can legally drive but must comply with the state's graduated license program. This program requires teens to drive with specific restrictions before they may obtain a full driver's license.

What Is Connecticut's Graduated License Program?

Teen drivers who are at least 16 are eligible to participate in Connecticut's graduated driver's license program. This program is similar to other graduated license programs across the United States and helps limit high-risk driving situations for the teen driver while increasing parental involvement and supervision.

Connecticut's graduated driver's license program has three steps:

• Step one: Learner's permit.
• Step two: Driver's license with restrictions.
• Step three: Full driver's license.

Learner's Permit Requirements

A learner's permit allows teenagers to drive with adult supervision to gain experience before obtaining a driver's license.

How Do You Get a Learner's Permit in Connecticut?

The first step for a teen who wants to obtain a driver's license is to obtain a learner's permit. A 16- or 17-year-old can apply for a learner's permit (with the consent of a parent or guardian) at the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The teen also must pass a written exam and vision test at the DMV. (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-36 (2024).)

What Are the Driving Restrictions for a Learner's Permit?

Teens with a learner's permit may not drive without a licensed driving instructor, licensed parents, or an individual who is instructing the teen and is at least 20 years old. A teen with a learner's permit may not drive with passengers other than the instructor or the teen's parents. Young drivers also may not use a cell phone while driving with a learner's permit. (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-36 (2024).)

Driver's License With Restrictions

In Connecticut, teens have two routes for obtaining a driver's license—registered driver's education and self-study. Once the teen obtains a license, certain restrictions apply until the teen reaches the age of 18.

How Do You Get a Driver's License Through Driver's Education Classes?

Both public and private schools are permitted to host driver's education courses for youth. After obtaining a learner's permit, a teen driver can begin practicing with a licensed instructor. The applicant's parent or guardian is required to complete two hours of instruction concerning the rules and regulations for youth drivers. After 120 days with the permit, the youth may apply for a driver's license. Before obtaining a license, the teen driver must complete 40 hours of driving time, eight hours of driver's safety education, and the final driving test. (Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 14-36, 14-36e, 14-36-j (2024).)

How Do You Get a Driver's License Through Self-Study Driver's Education?

After obtaining a learner's permit, a teen driver can begin driving with a licensed instructor or an adult who is at least 20 years old and has possessed a driver's license for at least 4 years. The applicant's parent or guardian is required to complete two hours of instruction concerning the rules and regulations for youth drivers. After 180 days with the permit, the youth may apply for a driver's license with the DMV. To obtain the license, the youth must show completion of eight hours of driver's safety education, 40 hours of behind-the-wheel time, and pass the final driving test. (Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 14-36, 14-36j (2024).)

What Restrictions Does Connecticut Have for Underage Drivers?

Even after obtaining a driver's license, drivers until the age of 18 have specific rules applicable to only them:

• Youth drivers are not permitted to operate a vehicle between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., except for religious, school, or employment purposes.
• For the first six months of licensure, youth drivers may not have any passengers other than instructors or parents.
• For the second six months of licensure, youth drivers may not have any passengers other than instructors, parents, or immediate family members.

(Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-36g (2024).)

Any violation of these restrictions will result in the police officer immediately seizing the driver's license for 48 hours. After the 48 hours have passed, the driver can retrieve the license at the police station if accompanied by a parent or guardian. If found guilty of these infractions, the driver's license will be suspended for 30 days. For a second offense, the driver's license will be suspended for six months or until the age of 18, whichever is longer. (Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 14-36g, 14-36i (2024).)

What Are the Penalties for Traffic Violations by Underage Drivers?

Additionally, drivers under the age of 18 are subject to increased penalties for certain offenses.

Violations for reckless driving and street racing also include the normal fines, penalties, and possibly jail time, depending on the severity of the offense. (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-111 (2024).)

How Does a Teenager Get a Full Driver's License in Connecticut?

A teen driver who has completed the above steps and hasn't had any driving violations will have full driving privileges upon turning 18.

A teen who is 18 or 19 and who hasn't done the above steps must apply for an adult learner's permit at the DMV. A driver with an adult learner's permit may only drive with an instructor or person who is at least 20 and has had a driver's license for 4 years. After holding the adult learner's permit for 90 days, passing a vision test and knowledge test, and taking an 8-hour Safe Driving Practice Course through a licensed driving school, the teen may take a driving test to obtain a full license. (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-36 (2024).)

Do Permit Drivers Need Insurance in Connecticut?

Before any driver can operate a vehicle in Connecticut, the vehicle must be properly insured. In Connecticut, the mandatory insurance requirements are:

• Liability coverage. Must include at least $25,000 death or bodily injury per person, $50,000 death or bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 property damage per accident.
• Uninsured/Underinsured coverage. Must include at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.

(Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-112 (2024).)

If you're a parent or guardian of a teen driver, you might want to contact your insurance provider about their insurance requirements.