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Connecticut · Permit test

CT driver's ed: the three ways to train

Every 16- and 17-year-old needs driver training before a license, and you can start at 16. CT driver's ed comes from a commercial driving school, a high school program or home training with a qualified trainer, or a mix. All three paths add up to 30 hours of classroom work, 40 hours of practice driving and a 2-hour parent class. Which path you pick changes how soon you can take the road test.

Where to study

Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

Which CT driver's ed path fits you?

Driving schoolHigh schoolHome training
Classroom30 hours30 hours22 hours at home, plus the 8-hour course at a school
Safe Driving Practices courseIncludedIncluded8 hours at a driving school or high school
Parent class2 hours2 hours2 hours
Practice driving40 hours40 hours40 hours
Road test after120 days on the permit120 days on the permit180 days on the permit

To test at 120 days with the full 30 hours of class, you also need 8 hours behind the wheel with a Connecticut driving school.

The parent class

One parent or legal guardian takes a 2-hour class with the teen, on the laws for drivers under 18 and the dangers of teen driving. Driving schools and high schools include it in the 8-hour program. If no parent or guardian can attend, the DMV says the teen can't get a Connecticut license until 18.

Who can be your home trainer

A home trainer must be at least 20 and have held a license for four years with no suspension in that time. They sign a form at the road test saying you finished the training. In order, the DMV allows:

  • The spouse of a married minor.
  • A parent, grandparent, foster parent or legal guardian.
  • If none of those is available, a stepparent, brother, sister, uncle or aunt.
CT DMV: Home training log for parents ↗

Finding a driving school

The DMV's driving school directory searches by town or ZIP code, and you can filter for high school programs or schools that teach in more than one language. When you finish, the school sends your certificate to the DMV electronically. The manual recommends at least 100 hours of supervised practice before solo driving, more than the 40 the law asks for.

CT DMV: Driving school locations ↗Study options compared →
Sources: CT DMV · Connecticut Driver's Manual and 2 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

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