Free Connecticut DMV Cheat Sheet 2026

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Most-missed Connecticut DMV rules

These are the numbers and rules that trip up new drivers most often on the real Connecticut knowledge test. Every fact below comes from our free Connecticut DMV practice test question bank, which has 180 questions across 8 topics.

Speed limits

The manual says drivers must obey the slower posted limit near schools and notes children may be present even outside school hours.
The manual gives approximate stopping distances of about 200 feet at 30 mph and about 400 feet at 50 mph, showing how much distance increases with speed.
CGS 14-218a requires a traffic authority to conduct an engineering study before establishing or modifying a posted limit, weighing factors like pedestrian activity, land use, parking, and accident record.

Right of way

The manual states that at an uncontrolled intersection, drivers must yield to the vehicle approaching from the right.
The manual explains that at a four-way stop, the first vehicle to arrive goes first, but if arrivals are simultaneous, the vehicle on the right proceeds first.
The manual explains Connecticut treats every intersection as having an unmarked crosswalk, so drivers must yield to pedestrians there even without painted lines.
The manual states pedestrians with a guide dog or white cane have absolute right-of-way, and drivers should not honk at them.
The manual states left-turning drivers must yield to oncoming traffic going straight through the intersection.
The manual requires drivers entering a road from a driveway or alley to yield to vehicles already on the main roadway.
The manual instructs drivers not to enter an intersection unless they can get all the way through without becoming stuck and blocking cross traffic.
The manual requires drivers to yield to a bus that is signaling its intent to re-enter the flow of traffic.
The manual states a driver must yield to a vehicle being overtaken even if that vehicle is slowing down or stopping.
The manual states drivers must yield to traffic already circulating in a traffic circle or roundabout before entering.
The manual lists yielding to trains at crossings as one of Connecticut's core right-of-way rules.
Do not cut through or break up a funeral procession. Slow down, be patient, and let it pass. Cutting between the vehicles is unsafe and often illegal.
At an uncontrolled intersection, slow down and yield to any car already in the intersection or approaching from your right.
A left-turning vehicle must yield to oncoming through traffic and to pedestrians. Only turn when the gap is safe.
When entering a roundabout, yield to traffic already circulating and travel counterclockwise. Exit at your street; do not stop in the middle of the circle.
At a T-intersection, traffic on the road that ends must yield to traffic on the through road that continues.
A round green light allows a left turn but does not give you the right of way. Pull into the intersection, yield to oncoming through traffic and pedestrians, then turn when there is a safe gap.

Alcohol and DUI

CT's zero-tolerance law applies to drivers under 21 at just 0.02% BAC or more, on public roads or private property, far stricter than the adult standard.
The manual describes at least a 45-day suspension plus an ignition interlock device requirement of at least six months for a failed BAC test, longer for repeat offenses.
A first-offense DUI conviction in Connecticut carries a 45-day license suspension followed by a mandatory 1-year ignition interlock device (IID) requirement.
A second DUI conviction triggers a 45-day suspension (or until age 21, whichever is longer) plus a 3-year ignition interlock requirement, with restricted driving in year one.
A third or subsequent DUI conviction results in permanent license revocation, with a minimum 2-year wait before the driver may even request reconsideration.
For administrative suspensions, Connecticut's mandatory 45-day suspension does not begin immediately but starts 30 days after the arrest.
21+ drivers face 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years of IID for first, second, and third+ offenses respectively, while under-21 drivers face 1, 2, and 3 years for the same tiers.
Refusing a chemical sobriety test in Connecticut, regardless of age, carries a mandatory 1-year IID requirement on a first offense, rising to 2 years and 3 years for subsequent refusals.

Signals and markings

A driver turning left must yield the right-of-way to all oncoming traffic, including bicyclists, before completing the turn.
At uncontrolled intersections, drivers must yield to vehicles that are already in the intersection.
A steady red light always requires a complete stop before the intersection unless a sign specifically permits turning after stopping.
A flashing red signal functions like a stop sign, requiring drivers to come to a complete stop before proceeding when it is safe.
A red flashing light is treated like a stop sign: stop, then yield to vehicles already in or entering the intersection.
A steady yellow light warns that the right of way is ending and the signal is about to turn red.
A green arrow gives the protected right-of-way to proceed in that direction, though the driver must still yield to anyone already in the intersection.
A solid yellow line on your side of the center marking indicates passing is prohibited from that direction due to limited sight distance or other hazards.
A flashing red signal functions the same as a stop sign, requiring drivers to come to a complete stop before proceeding when safe.
Hand signals remain a legally valid backup to electric signals; a straight, extended left arm signals a left turn.
The truck apron is a raised, paved area only meant for large truck wheels; ordinary vehicles should never drive on it.
A flashing yellow signal warns drivers to slow down and proceed carefully, unlike a solid red which requires a full stop.
A steady yellow light warns the signal is about to turn red; drivers should stop safely if possible or proceed with caution if too close to stop.
A solid yellow line on your side of the centerline indicates no passing is permitted from your side of the road.
A dashed yellow line means passing is allowed when there is a safe gap in oncoming traffic, unlike a solid yellow line.
When a signal is dark or malfunctioning, drivers must treat the intersection as a four-way stop, coming to a full stop and yielding to the vehicle on the right if both arrive at the same time.
A yellow light signals that the light is about to change to red, and drivers should stop if they can do so safely rather than accelerate through it.
A broken yellow line on your side permits passing when safe, while a solid yellow line on your side prohibits passing, a standard center-line marking convention drivers must recognize.
A solid yellow line on your side of the centerline means you may not cross it to pass; passing is prohibited from that side.
A green arrow grants a protected right of way to complete that turn without yielding to opposing traffic.
A flashing yellow light means slow down, look, and proceed carefully. It does NOT require a full stop the way a red light or STOP sign does.
A flashing hand or countdown means do NOT start crossing. If you are already in the crosswalk, keep going and finish crossing safely.
A steady DON'T WALK hand prohibits starting to cross. Only a WALK signal or walking-person symbol allows you to begin crossing.
Always signal continuously through a turn or lane change even when you see no other cars, because pedestrians or cyclists may be near. Cancel the signal after you finish.
A green downward arrow means the lane is open for you to use. A red X above the lane means it is closed and you may not drive in it.
Double solid yellow lines separate opposing directions and prohibit passing. You may only cross them for a permitted left turn or a legal U-turn into an intersection or driveway.
A broken yellow line on your side of the lane allows passing when it is safe. The solid line on the opposite side means that direction may not pass.
White lines separate lanes going the same direction. A solid white line means stay in your lane and avoid changing lanes, while a broken white line lets you change lanes when safe.
A two-way center left-turn lane is only for preparing to turn left or merging into traffic. You may not use it to drive straight through or to pass.

Safe driving

The manual states 16- and 17-year-old drivers may not use any cell phone or mobile device while driving, including hands-free devices, which is stricter than the adult rule.
The manual describes a ban on hand-held device use for all drivers on public highways, while permitting hands-free use for adults, unlike the stricter teen rule.
The manual notes studded tires are permitted in some areas of Connecticut but restricted on certain roads because they can damage pavement.
The manual explains posted limits are for ideal conditions, and driving that speed in bad conditions can still be cited as too fast for conditions.
The Basic Speed Rule obligates drivers to reduce speed below the posted maximum in hazardous conditions.
The manual requires headlights to be on whenever visibility is under 1,000 feet.
On undivided roads, traffic in both directions must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign until it resumes moving.
Hydroplaning occurs when water accumulates faster than tire treads can disperse it, causing loss of contact with the road.
The manual warns that leaving a large vehicle's wind-sheltered draft can expose your car to a sudden crosswind push, requiring a steering correction.
Drivers must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights and remain stopped until the lights stop flashing, protecting children crossing.
A driver overtaking a bicyclist may not turn right unless it can be completed at a safe distance from the cyclist and at a reasonable, proper speed.
Because SMV-marked vehicles like tractors move slowly and may turn into fields or driveways, safe practice is to keep distance and watch for signals before passing.
Work zones require reduced speed and heightened alertness because of workers, equipment, and changing lane patterns.
Drivers in both directions on an undivided road must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights until it is safe to proceed.
Since entering roundabout traffic must yield to vehicles already circulating, slowing down and watching for a safe gap is the correct approach.
A safe following distance gives a driver time to react and stop without a collision if traffic ahead slows or stops.
Safe driving practice calls for maintaining enough distance behind the vehicle ahead to react and stop safely if it brakes suddenly.
Scanning further ahead gives drivers earlier warning of hazards, slowing traffic, or obstacles, allowing more time to react safely.
A minimum three-second following gap gives most drivers enough time to react and stop safely under normal conditions.
The manual teaches drivers not to swerve for animals, since swerving often causes worse crashes than a controlled collision or straight-line braking.
Children under 7 must use a child restraint system meeting 49 CFR 571.213 standards unless they are 57 inches or taller.
The manual requires yielding to pedestrians, cyclists, and others still clearing the intersection even if you'd otherwise have priority.
Rural highways through unfenced farm and ranch land require extra alertness for livestock and wildlife crossing the road.
The manual advises reducing speed for wet roads, reducing it further for packed snow, and slowing to a crawl on ice, since traction decreases as conditions worsen.
General right-of-way practice, reflected in the manual, is that the first vehicle to arrive and stop proceeds first; simultaneous arrivals yield to the right.
Because safety corridors have higher serious-crash rates, drivers are encouraged to use headlights on to improve visibility and safety.
Because posted speed limits assume ideal conditions, the handbook advises reducing speed in rain and other hazardous conditions.
Sudden braking or sharp steering after a blowout can cause loss of control; easing off the gas while steering straight is safer.
A time based following distance, counting seconds behind the vehicle ahead, adjusts naturally for speed and is the standard safe driving practice.
General safe-driving principles hold that adverse weather reduces traction and visibility, requiring lower speeds than posted limits allow in good conditions.
The manual requires dimming to low beams at least 300 feet before overtaking or following another vehicle.
Easing off the gas and holding a straight steering direction allows the tires to regain contact with the road surface safely.
With a tailgater, open up more space in front of you so you can brake gradually instead of suddenly. Do not brake to retaliate and do not race away.
Strong crosswinds can push your car out of its lane. Hold the wheel firmly with both hands, slow down, and be ready for sudden gusts.
Do not engage. Avoid eye contact, do not brake in retaliation, let them pass, and leave a safe distance between you and that car.
Horses and livestock spook easily. Slow down, do not honk or rev your engine, and pass very slowly with plenty of room so you do not startle them.
When you see a hazard developing ahead, cover the brake and plan an escape route so you can react faster if you have to stop.
In a skid, ease off the gas or brake and steer gently in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Slamming the brakes makes the skid worse.

Road signs

STOP (R1-1): full stop at the line or crosswalk even when empty; yield, then proceed.
YIELD (R1-2): give up the right-of-way; slow and be ready to stop.
DO NOT ENTER (R5-1): entry prohibited; common at freeway off-ramps and one-way streets.
WRONG WAY (R5-1a): you have entered opposing traffic. Pull over safely and turn around when possible.
ONE WAY (R6-1): all traffic flows in the arrow's direction.
NO U-TURN (R3-4): no U-turns at this location. This is not a no-left-turn sign (a different arrow shape) or a no-passing sign (a different shape and color entirely).
NO LEFT TURN (R3-2). A red circle-and-slash always bans the pictured movement.
NO RIGHT TURN (R3-1): no right turns, including on red. Going straight is still fine since the sign only bans the right-turn movement; parking is unrelated to this sign.
White/black = regulatory. Speed Limit is the legal max in ideal conditions; drive slower when conditions are bad (Basic Speed Law).
KEEP RIGHT (R4-7): a median or obstruction is ahead; keep to its right.
The crossbuck (R15-1) stands at the tracks and legally works like a YIELD sign: slow, look both ways, be ready to stop.
Advance warning (W10-1): tracks ahead. Slow down, look, and listen.
School (S1-1): school zone or crossing. Slow down and watch for children; obey the posted reduced school-zone speed limit, which varies by state.
Pedestrian crossing (W11-2): crossing ahead; slow and be ready to stop.
Signal ahead (W3-3): an intersection signal is coming, useful when it hides behind a curve.
Stop ahead (W3-1): a stop sign is coming (often obscured); start slowing now.
Merge (W4-1): traffic joins ahead. Adjust speed and position to let them in safely.
Lane ends (W4-2): merge early; zipper-merge when traffic is heavy.
Two-way traffic (W6-3): you are leaving a one-way road; keep right.
Divided highway begins (W6-1): directions separate around a median; always keep right of it.
Slippery when wet (W8-5): slickest in fresh rain. Slow down, keep distance, steer smoothly.
Curve (W1-2): slow BEFORE the curve; do not brake in the middle of it.
Turn (W1-1): sharper than a curve; slow down hard, follow the advisory plaque.
Winding road (W1-5): consecutive curves; hold a steady lower speed throughout.
Crossroad (W2-1): an intersection ahead with traffic entering from both sides. Hospital signs are blue with an H.
NO PASSING ZONE (W14-3): unique pennant shape, posted on the LEFT side, marks where passing becomes illegal.
The eight-sided shape is reserved exclusively for stop signs so drivers can recognize it even if the sign face is obscured.
Regulatory signs like stop and yield signs establish legally mandated driver actions, distinct from purely informational or warning signage.
A stop sign always requires a complete stop and yielding to cross traffic and pedestrians before proceeding, consistent with the manual's yield principle.
The eight-sided octagon shape is reserved exclusively for Stop signs so it can be recognized even from behind or in poor visibility.
The triangular yield sign shape signals drivers to give the right-of-way as needed to other traffic or pedestrians.
The downward-pointing red and white triangle is the standard yield sign, instructing drivers to slow and give way to traffic as needed, stopping only if required for safety.
The downward-pointing triangle is the standard yield sign shape, meaning drivers must slow and give the right of way if needed rather than always stopping.
School zone warning signs signal drivers to reduce speed and watch for children, consistent with the guide's emphasis on adjusting speed for conditions and hazards.
Diamond-shaped yellow signs are standard warning signs alerting drivers to hazards ahead, such as curves, merges, or intersections.
The handbook's statutory speeds apply only when no other limit is posted, meaning posted signage takes precedence.
The five-sided pentagon shape is used nationally to indicate school zones and school crossing warnings.
A downward-pointing triangle is the standard yield sign, instructing drivers to slow and give right of way to conflicting traffic.
White rectangular signs with black lettering are the standard shape and color used for regulatory information like speed limits or turn rules.
Warning signs (typically yellow, diamond shaped) inform drivers of hazards ahead like curves or crossings, distinct from regulatory signs that state legal requirements.
Warning signs alert drivers to hazards or changing conditions ahead, while regulatory signs like stop/yield signs impose legally required actions.
The manual specifically calls out School Crossing signs with children present as requiring reduced speed.
The yellow pennant-shaped sign marks the start of a no-passing zone. It usually appears along with a solid yellow line on the pavement.
A yellow diamond-shaped sign is a WARNING sign, alerting you to a hazard or change ahead such as a curve, intersection, or school, so you slow down.
A white rectangular sign with black lettering is a REGULATORY sign stating a law you must obey, such as speed or direction of travel.
An orange sign marks a construction or roadwork zone. Slow down and watch for workers and shifting lanes.
A blue sign points to driver services such as gas stations, food, lodging, or hospitals.
A green sign is a GUIDE sign, showing directions, distances, and the names of exits or places.
A red circle with a slash means the action shown is PROHIBITED, such as no turn or no U-turn at that spot.

Laws and paperwork

The manual lays out a specific violation table for GDL infractions like passenger and curfew restrictions, with escalating suspension periods for 16- and 17-year-olds.
Consistent with the manual's approach, it emphasizes rules and consequences like suspensions rather than listing precise fine amounts for most violations.
The manual states drivers must obey an officer's hand signals even when they conflict with the traffic signal.
A CT learner's permit holder may only have a parent, legal guardian, or qualified trainer as a vehicle occupant while driving; no other passengers are allowed at all.
CT 16-17 year old license holders face an 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew, with limited exceptions, ending automatically at the 18th birthday.
During the first 6 months, only licensed instructors, parents/guardians, or a person age 20+ with 4+ consecutive years of valid licensure (no suspension) may ride along; months 7-12 add immediate family.
CT teen motorcyclists ages 16-17 are barred from carrying any passenger for the first 6 months of licensure; motorcyclists 18+ face a 3-month restriction.
Connecticut exempts active volunteer emergency service members (fire, ambulance, medical) and Safe Ride program drivers from the standard teen curfew and passenger restrictions.
The CT DMV knowledge test consists of 25 multiple-choice questions and requires at least 20 correct answers (80%) to pass.
Connecticut's DMV vision test requires at least 20/40 visual acuity (with or without corrective lenses) and a binocular peripheral visual field of 140 degrees or better.
CT's law bans drivers under 18 from using ANY hands-free technology to talk or text, a stricter rule than for adult drivers who may use hands-free accessories.

Emergencies

The manual notes that if you're already in an intersection when an emergency vehicle approaches, you should proceed through it first before pulling over to stop.
The manual requires drivers to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights from either direction, unless a physical median or barrier separates the roadways.
The manual specifies the stop requirement does not apply when a physical median or other barrier separates the two roadways, unlike a simple painted line.
The manual instructs drivers to pull to the right edge and remain stopped until the emergency vehicle passes.
CT's Move Over Law requires drivers to slow down and, if safe, move over a lane not just for emergency vehicles but for ANY stationary vehicle on the roadside.
The law was originally enacted in 2009 to protect police, emergency responders and tow operators, then expanded in 2017 to cover every stationary vehicle.
Drivers must yield to emergency vehicles by moving to the right shoulder; on a divided highway of 4+ lanes, they should move over a lane away if it is safe to do so.
Pumping the brakes can rebuild some pressure, and downshifting uses engine braking to help slow the vehicle safely before using the parking brake carefully.
Move over laws generally require drivers to change lanes away from a stopped emergency or hazard vehicle when safe, or otherwise slow down.
The manual notes you only have right of way if the other vehicle isn't already in the intersection, meaning a vehicle already there should be allowed to clear first.
When a safe lane change isn't possible, drivers are generally expected to reduce speed and use caution passing the stopped vehicle.
Pumping the brakes can build pressure in some systems, and downshifting uses engine braking to help slow the vehicle safely.
Drivers must yield right-of-way to emergency vehicles operating with active lights and siren.
A move-over violation causing death carries a fine of up to $10,000 and a 1-year license suspension, compared to 90 days for bodily injury and 6 months for serious bodily injury.
Steering gently in the direction you want to go while easing off the accelerator helps regain control during a skid.
Drivers must yield to emergency vehicles by pulling to the right and stopping, while making sure not to block the intersection.
General emergency guidance for brake failure is to pump the brakes and use engine braking by downshifting to slow down safely.
Drivers must yield to emergency vehicles by pulling over to the right and stopping until the vehicle has passed.
Hazardous materials carriers must stop at every railroad crossing regardless of visible train activity, so drivers behind them should expect and safely wait through this stop.
Drivers must yield to emergency vehicles by moving to the right edge of the roadway, staying clear of intersections, until it passes.
The handbook states drivers must always yield right-of-way to emergency vehicles.
Move Over laws require drivers to move over or slow down for any stopped vehicle with warning lights activated, to protect people near the roadway.
If your car catches fire or smells like burning, pull over, shut off the engine, and get everyone away. Do not open the hot hood, since the rush of air will make the fire flare up.
If the gas pedal sticks, shift to Neutral to cut the power, then brake and steer to the shoulder. Only turn off the engine after you have fully stopped, so you do not lose power steering.

Signs

Sign shape and color carry meaning before you even read the words. A red octagon always means stop, a red-bordered triangle pointing down means yield, and yellow diamonds warn of a hazard ahead. For every sign image used in our practice test, with the exact meaning and explanation, see the full road sign glossary.

Keep studying

This cheat sheet is a summary, not a substitute for practice. Test yourself with the free Connecticut DMV practice test, which explains the reasoning behind every answer, or see Connecticut DMV facts and fees before test day.

Reviewed by Kevin Vu, CA DOI #4037122 · Last updated 2026-07-22

Connecticut DMV cheat sheet