For Immediate Release

September 19, 2009

 Additional Test Starting Oct. 1 for
Teens Wanting a Driver's License

It's called the "DMV  Teen Final Exam"

WETHERSFIELD –  All 16 and 17-year-olds in the state seeking a driver’s license will need to pass beginning October 1 an additional second written test, which will be called the “DMV Final Exam.”

     In the last General Assembly session, the state legislature passed a law requiring the Department of Motor Vehicles to administer a second 25-question test. This “DMV Teen Final Exam” will be given by the DMV after the young driver has completed home or driving school training and has passed the DMV road skills test. The first 25-question test is administered by the DMV when the teen seeks a learner permit to start the licensing process.

     “The tests are designed to determine the level of knowledge young drivers have concerning the rules of the road and special teen driving laws. If they don’t pass this new second knowledge test, then they will need to study more before they get their driver’s license,” said DMV Commissioner Robert M. Ward.

     In August 2008 the state imposed tougher teen training and driving laws. This new legislatively required DMV Teen Final Exam will become part of that suite designed to increase safety awareness among teens and their parents.

     In addition to the new test, DMV will also add 170 new questions to its bank used for selecting test questions at random. The questions cover state laws regarding the operation of a motor vehicle and driver responsibilities explained in the Connecticut driver’s manual.

     DMV is revising that manual to provide a standardized approach to driver training, while taking into account the specific educational needs and requirements in each state. The work is being done in consultation with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators. AAMVA is a non-profit organization whose work includes studies on driver licensing issues facing state government.