Key points
To get a learner's permit you must be at least 16 and pass a vision test and a 25 question knowledge test.
Source: Handbook p. 5
“You must be at least 16 years of age. • You must pass both a vision and a 25-question knowledge test.”
Connecticut Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 5You need 20 correct answers out of 25 to pass the knowledge test.
Source: Handbook p. 5
“The knowledge test consists of 25 questions and you need 20 correct answers to pass.”
Connecticut Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 5The permit is valid until you get a license or for 2 years, whichever comes first.
Source: Handbook p. 5
“The permit will be valid until you obtain a driver’s license or 2 years from the date it is issued (whichever comes first).”
Connecticut Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 5Vision must be at least 20/40, with or without glasses or contacts.
Source: Handbook p. 5
“The minimum vision requirements for all classes of license are at least 20/40 with or without glasses or contact lenses.”
Connecticut Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 5Anyone who never held a license must take an 8 hour Safe Driving Practices course before getting a license.
Source: Handbook p. 4
“to take an 8-hour Safe Driving Practices course at a Connecticut Commercial Driving School before he or she can obtain a license.”
Connecticut Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 4Drivers 18 or older must hold the permit at least 90 days before the road test.
Source: Handbook p. 7
“A person 18 years of age or older must obtain and hold a learner’s permit for at least 90 days prior to taking a road test.”
Connecticut Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 7An unlicensed driver cannot drive to the road test location alone.
Source: Handbook p. 7
“A non-licensed operator cannot drive to the test location alone.”
Connecticut Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 7You pay $84 for your license after you pass the road test.
Source: Handbook p. 7
“License Fees. You must pay $84 for a license after you pass the road test.”
Connecticut Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 7
Numbers to know
| Number | What it means | Manual |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | minimum age for a learner's permit | Handbook p. 5 |
| 25 | questions on the knowledge test | Handbook p. 5 |
| 20 | correct answers needed to pass | Handbook p. 5 |
| 2 years | maximum life of a learner's permit | Handbook p. 5 |
| 20/40 | minimum vision | Handbook p. 5 |
| 8 hours | Safe Driving Practices course for new drivers | Handbook p. 4 |
| 18 / 90 days | permit time before the road test for drivers 18 or older | Handbook p. 7 |
| $84 | license fee after passing the road test | Handbook p. 7 |
3 questions from the Connecticut practice test
1. What score is required to pass Connecticut's learner's permit knowledge test?
- 15 correct out of 20
- 20 correct out of 25
- 18 correct out of 25
- 23 correct out of 30
Show answer
20 correct out of 25. The Connecticut knowledge test contains 25 questions, and an applicant needs 20 correct answers to pass. That is an 80 percent threshold. The 18-of-25 choice understates the required score, while the 23-of-30 option changes both the test length and passing count. The manual also says the test must be passed before the learner's permit is issued. For a quick check, pair the test size of twenty-five with the passing count of twenty rather than estimating a percentage.
2. What minimum visual acuity does Connecticut list for all license classes, with or without corrective lenses?
- 20/30
- 20/70
- 20/50
- 20/40
Show answer
20/40. Connecticut lists at least 20/40 visual acuity for all license classes, and the requirement applies with or without glasses or contact lenses. The 20/20 option is a common assumption about perfect vision, but it is not the manual's licensing threshold. The weaker 20/50 and 20/70 figures fall below the stated minimum. The manual separately discusses visual-field requirements for some applicants, so do not replace the acuity figure with a field measurement when the question asks about how clearly the applicant must see.
3. What must a Connecticut applicant pay for a license after passing the road test?
- $84
- $150
- $25
- Nothing, the permit fee covers it
Show answer
$84. 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. You must pay $84 for a license after you pass the road test. Applicants who are 16 or 17 also need the parent training and driver education certification.
Practice this topic
Lock it in with laws and paperwork questions from the free Connecticut practice test. Every answer comes with a plain English explanation.
Source: the Connecticut Driver's Manual, Obtaining a Connecticut Driver's License. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.