Driver Training Requirements

You must be 16 years old before beginning driver education.

If you obtained a learner's permit, the following training may be combined to meet the requirements:

Home Training:  

The driving practice must be given by a Qualified Trainer. 

• Qualified Trainers (eligible to train and sign a form under penalty of false statement attesting to applicant’s fulfillment of all driver education requirements) must be 20 or older, held a driver license for at least 4 years with no suspensions during past 4 years and can include:
  • spouse of married minor applicant, or
  • parent, grandparent, foster parent or legal guardian, or
  • if applicant has no spouse, parent, grandparent, foster parent or guardian who is qualified & available:  stepparent, brother, sister, uncle or aunt, by blood or marriage

Parent/legal guardian must attend 2 hour parent training with 16-17 year old permit holder before the teen can be tested for a license. 

Two Hour Parent Training

Connecticut law requires that one parent or legal guardian be available and take a 2 hour parent training at a commercial driving school before a teen is eligible for a driver license.  If your parent or legal guardian is unable to attend the 2 hour parent training, you will not be eligible for a Connecticut driver license until you reach age 18.

Driver License Eligibility Date

When will I be eligible to take the road test to obtain my driver license?

      ·      If you attend a commercial or secondary school for:

• the entire 30 hours classroom portion of driver training including the 8-hour safe driving practices class (including the 2-hour parent training class) and
• receive a minimum of 8 hours practice driving (behind-the-wheel) from them

You must have a learner permit for at least 120 days before you are eligible to take the road test for your driver license.

• If you are home trained by :
  • receiving the equivalent of 22 hours of classroom training
  • attend a commercial or secondary school for the 8 hour safe driving practices class (including the 2 hour parent training) and
  • receive all of your practice driving (behind-the-wheel) from a qualified home trainer

You must have a learner permit for at least 180 days before you are eligible to take the test for your driver license.

Driver Education Certificate (form CS-1)  

A driver education certificate (form CS-1) will be issued by a CT licensed driving school after completion of the training course. The certificate will certify the completion of 30 hours of classroom and 8 hours behind-the- wheel driving; or 8 hours only of Safe Driving Practices course. (2 hours of parent training is included in these courses for 16 & 17 year old students)   

 

All applicants must present the CS1 certificate at the time of testing.