There are many ways that you can improve your life and take on more responsibility. One way to do this is by getting a driver’s license. If you have never had a driver’s license before, you can learn about the steps necessary to obtain one in the state of Connecticut. Alternatively, if your license has been suspended due to a driving infraction or driving-related crime, contact our office. We can give you more information about your license suspension and how to get your driver’s license reinstated.
Obtaining a Driver’s License
Getting a driver’s license in Connecticut is a fairly straightforward process. There are three basic steps. First, you should apply for a learner’s permit. Once you’ve had this permit for the required amount of time, you can take the road test. If you pass this test, you will receive a Connecticut driver’s license!
An adult needs to hold a learner’s permit for at least 90 days before they can take the road skills test. In addition, before taking the road test, you need to attend an eight hour safe driving course. You can take this course at any time before your road test, and you will need to show proof of completion of the course before your road skills test.
Obtaining a Learner’s Permit
If you are over the age of 18 and you want to get a Connecticut learner’s permit, you can work with the DMV to make this happen. You can make a learner’s permit test appointment online. Also make sure that you have and can provide the following personal information:
- Your full legal name.
- Two forms of identification. The easiest way to do this is by providing two “primary” documents, such as a U.S. Birth Certificate and a U.S. passport. However, there are also secondary forms of identification that you can provide, such as an employment authorization card, certified school transcript, military I.D., pistol permit, etc. Just keep in mind that at least one form of identification must be from the primary list.
- Social security number, proof of which can come from a social security card, 1099 form, or W-2 form.
- Proof of residency in Connecticut. You will need two pieces of mail from two sources to prove your address. The mail has to show your name and address, it must be dated within 90 days, and it has to be postmarked. Bills, bank statements, and voter registration are a few common examples of mail that you can use.
- If you were not born in the United States, you will need to verify your legal status through a passport, authorization card, permanent resident card, etc.
Once you show proof of identification and sign up for your learner’s permit test, it’s time to study! You could download an app with a practice test or the Connecticut Driver’s Manual to get started.
When you attend your test, make sure to bring all of your documentation listed above and a copy of your test appointment verification. If you use glasses or contact lenses, bring those as well because you will need to pass a vision test.
There is a $40 testing fee that covers each of the tests, as well as $19 fee for your actual learner’s permit.
Getting Your Driver’s License
Remember that you need to hold your learner’s permit for at least 90 days before you can take the driver’s license test. Keep your permit with you when you practice driving with an instructor. You can schedule a driver’s license test online when you are ready. There is an $84 fee to get a first time driver’s license.
Your Fresh Start
You can follow these steps to obtain your driver’s license. Having a license can open up possibilities of where you can work, where you can go to school, and where you can live. All of these things look great on a pardon application! For more information on getting a fresh start, contact my office.
