The Connecticut permit test has 25 questions, and you need 20 correct (80%) to pass. Official source. Page updated 2026-10-19.
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Key Connecticut DMV rules and numbers
These are key rules and numbers from the Connecticut handbook, a few per topic so they fit on one printed page. We favor rules that state a specific number. Every fact below comes from our free Connecticut DMV practice test question bank, which has 500 questions across 9 topics, checked against the Connecticut handbook (last verified 2026-09-07).
Speed limits
- The manual estimates about 400 feet at 50 mph to react to something seen and bring the vehicle to a stop when pavement is dry and the tires and brakes are in good condition. (Handbook, p. 36)
- Anyone convicted of speeding, disobeying traffic control devices, using an improper lane, or endangering a highway worker in a work zone could face fines of up to $1,000. (Handbook, p. 15)
- After stopping, a driver may pass the ice cream truck at a reasonable speed, no faster than 5 mph, and must yield to any pedestrian crossing to or from the truck. (Handbook, p. 18)
- The manual emphasizes that school hours are not the only time children may be present, so drivers must obey the slower posted speed limit near a school or school crossing. (Handbook, p. 16)
- Posted speed limits assume ideal conditions. (Handbook, p. 36)
Right of way
- Connecticut law requires drivers approaching or overtaking an ice cream truck that shows flashing lights and extends its stop signal arm and crossing arm to stop at least 10 feet from the front or back of the truck. (Handbook, p. 18)
- At an intersection with no stop sign, yield sign, or oncoming traffic signal, the driver must yield to vehicles coming from the right. (Handbook, p. 36)
- When vehicles arrive simultaneously at a four-way stop, the vehicle on the right proceeds first. (Handbook, p. 36)
- Pedestrian right-of-way applies in marked and unmarked crosswalks. (Handbook, p. 36)
- A pedestrian using a guide dog or carrying a white cane has absolute right-of-way. (Handbook, p. 36)
Alcohol and DUI
- Connecticut defines the under-21 zero-tolerance threshold as .02 percent or more, and the rule applies on both public roads and private property. (Handbook, p. 33)
- Connecticut defines one alcohol drink as 1.5 oz. of 80-proof liquor, which is one shot glass, 12 oz. of beer, which is a regular size can, bottle, mug, or glass, or a 5 oz. glass of wine. (Handbook, p. 33)
- Regardless of age, refusing the chemical test brings a license suspension of at least 45 days. (Handbook, p. 33)
- In Connecticut, people under 21 could be considered impaired after only one drink. (Handbook, p. 33)
- The zero tolerance rule for drivers under 21 defines a measurable amount of alcohol as two hundredths of one percent (0.02) or more, and it applies on both public roads and private property. (Handbook, p. 33)
Signals and markings
- A flashing red signal has the same meaning as a stop sign. (Handbook, p. 45)
- A yellow arrow warns that the protected phase provided by a green arrow is ending. (Handbook, p. 45)
- A steady yellow light announces that the signal is about to change to red. (Handbook, p. 45)
- A green arrow allows a driver to turn in the arrow direction, but the movement still depends on the path being clear of oncoming or crossing traffic. (Handbook, p. 45)
- The flashing-red phase of a HAWK pedestrian signal means the system is about to deactivate, but it still requires a stop. (Handbook, p. 45)
Parking
- A pedestrian safety zone needs space around it, so Connecticut prohibits parking within 25 feet of one. (Handbook, p. 37)
- Connecticut prohibits parking within 25 feet of a stop sign, and the same 25 feet applies to a pedestrian safety zone. (Handbook, p. 37)
- The Connecticut manual lists 10 feet as the minimum distance from a fire hydrant, so 15 feet is not the Connecticut figure and 5 feet is too close. (Handbook, p. 37)
- The Connecticut no parking list includes parking more than one foot from the curb. (Handbook, p. 37)
- Setting the parking brake and leaving an automatic in park, or a manual in gear, keeps a parked vehicle from rolling if one system slips. (Handbook, p. 37)
Safe driving
- Connecticut uses about 400 feet as the distance illuminated ahead by high beams. (Handbook, p. 38)
- For a 16- or 17-year-old, Connecticut prohibits every type of cell phone or mobile electronic device while driving, and that includes hands-free equipment. (Handbook, p. 13)
- Connecticut permits studded tires from November 15 through April 30. (Handbook, p. 25)
- Approximately 40,000 people per year are injured as a result of motor vehicle crashes in work zones, and the manual adds that work zones on U.S. highways have become increasingly dangerous places for workers and drivers. (Handbook, p. 15)
- A truck and its tow vehicle may be as long as 65 feet, and it may take you more than half a mile of clear road to pass. (Handbook, p. 19)
Road signs
- An octagonal STOP sign requires a complete stop followed by yielding to approaching vehicles and pedestrians. (Handbook, p. 47)
- A triangular YIELD sign tells the driver to slow to a speed reasonable for the conditions and yield the right-of-way. (Handbook, p. 46)
- The DO NOT ENTER sign prohibits entry at a roadway opening where entering would put the driver in the wrong direction or otherwise violate the intended traffic flow. (Handbook, p. 47)
- A WRONG WAY sign identifies travel in an unauthorized direction, such as against traffic on a divided highway or ramp. (Handbook, p. 47)
- A ONE WAY sign controls the direction of travel on a one-way street or driveway. (Handbook, p. 48)
Laws and paperwork
- Applicants who do not complete driver education through a commercial driving school or secondary school must wait 180 days after the learner’s permit is issued before taking the driver’s exam. (Handbook, p. 6)
- To begin the road test you need your learner's permit, proof of completing the 8 hour safe driving course on form CS-1, the license fees, and a medical clearance letter if one was required. (Handbook, p. 7)
- A Connecticut vehicle may be required to have an emissions inspection at an authorized station, and if the vehicle does not pass you are given 60 days to have the problem fixed and the emissions rechecked. (Handbook, p. 11)
- Under section 14-100a of the Connecticut General Statutes, a driver who is 18 or older, and a passenger riding with that driver, commits an infraction and is fined $50 for a seat belt violation. (Handbook)
- The Connecticut knowledge test contains 25 questions, and an applicant needs 20 correct answers to pass. (Handbook, p. 5)
Emergencies
- A blue Emergency Notification System sign can be found at highway rail grade crossings and provides the public with a 24/7/365 telephone number to call to report problems or emergencies at that railroad location. (Handbook, p. 51)
- The emergency-vehicle rule requires a driver to pull to the right and stop, but the manual gives a specific instruction for a vehicle already in an intersection: drive through the intersection before pulling over. (Handbook, p. 37)
- A stopped school bus displaying flashing red lights requires a stop whether the bus is on your side, across the road, or at an approaching intersection. (Handbook, p. 37)
- The school-bus stopping duty has a narrow exception. (Handbook, p. 37)
- Connecticut requires a driver to yield to police vehicles, fire engines, ambulances, and other emergency vehicles using a siren, air horn, or red or blue flashing lights. (Handbook, p. 16)
Want the reasoning behind these rules? Study the handbook, chapter by chapter, in 24 short lessons quoted from the Connecticut manual.
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.