Connecticut Driver’s License – Chapter 1 Study Guide

These flashcards summarize the essential facts, rules, and safety recommendations from Chapter 1: Obtaining a Connecticut Driver’s License.

What type of vehicle may be operated with a Connecticut Class D license?

Any non-commercial motor vehicle; it cannot be used to drive vehicles that require a commercial driver’s license unless additional endorsements are added.

What is the leading cause of death for 15- to 19-year-olds, and when do most teen crashes occur?

Motor-vehicle crashes; most occur during the first two years of licensure, with the first six months being the most dangerous.

Why are teenage drivers at higher risk even after completing driver training?

The brain region that assesses risk is not fully developed until the mid-20s, leaving teens with less experience, judgment, and maturity to detect hazards.

How does carrying teen passengers affect a teen driver’s crash risk?

Crash risk rises with each additional teen passenger in the vehicle.

Why should night driving be restricted for teens?

Fatal crashes are more likely at night and teens are especially vulnerable to drowsy driving.

What alcohol law applies to Connecticut drivers under 21?

Zero-Tolerance Law—any measurable alcohol in a driver under 21 is illegal; even one drink impairs driving ability.

Why is choosing the right vehicle important for teen drivers?

High-performance or older cars without modern safety technology increase crash risk; safer, newer vehicles are recommended.

Who must complete the 8-hour Safe Driving Practices course before obtaining a Connecticut license?

Anyone who has never held a Connecticut license or a valid out-of-state license, no matter their age.

What are the age and test requirements for a Connecticut learner’s permit?

Applicants must be at least 16 and pass both a vision test and a 25-question knowledge test.

How many correct answers are needed to pass the knowledge test?

20 out of 25 questions must be answered correctly.

What minimum vision standard must be met for a Connecticut license?

At least 20/40 visual acuity and adequate peripheral vision, with or without corrective lenses.

What must a driver do if their license indicates "corrective lenses"?

Wear the prescribed lenses whenever driving; failure to do so can result in a citation.

What passenger limits apply to 16- or 17-year-old learner’s-permit holders?

They may carry only a licensed instructor (and observers) or one qualified adult who is 20+, licensed 4+ consecutive years without suspension.

What driver-training options exist for 16- and 17-year-old applicants?

Licensed commercial driving school, secondary-school (high-school) program, or approved home-training program.

What is the parent-training requirement for 16- and 17-year-old permit holders?

A parent/guardian must complete two hours of instruction with the teen on under-18 driving laws and teen driving risks, usually within the 8-hour course.

After obtaining a learner’s permit, how long must teens wait before the road test?

If trained at a commercial or secondary school: 120 days; if home-trained: 180 days. All must log 40 hours of behind-the-wheel practice.

What are the qualifications for a Home-Training instructor?

Must be at least 20, have held an unrestricted license for 4+ consecutive years, and certify the teen’s required study and driving hours.

How long must applicants 18 or older hold a learner’s permit before the road test?

At least 90 days under the supervision of an approved instructor, plus completion of the 8-hour safety course.

Name three skills or actions evaluated during the Connecticut road test.

Examples: adjusting seat/mirrors, obeying traffic signs/signals, backing or parking, signaling, yielding right-of-way, and recognizing dashboard warning lights.

What is the licensing fee after passing the Connecticut road test?

$84.

What passenger rules apply to newly licensed 16- and 17-year-old drivers?

First 6 months: only instructor, parent/guardian, or one qualified adult (20+, licensed 4+ years). Months 7–12: immediate family members may be added.

What is the legal curfew for 16- and 17-year-old drivers, and what are common exceptions?

11 p.m.–5 a.m.; exceptions include work, school, religious activities, medical necessity, Safe Ride, or active EMS/fire service response.

Give two additional restrictions for 16- and 17-year-old drivers.

They may not exceed the number of seat belts with passengers, operate public-passenger or vanpool vehicles, or use any hand-held or hands-free mobile device while driving.

What happens if a 16- or 17-year-old is convicted of violating Connecticut’s cell-phone law while driving?

It counts as a moving violation, triggers a license suspension, and is applied toward mandatory operator-retraining program requirements.

How can a Connecticut resident register as an organ and tissue donor?

By selecting donor status when obtaining/renewing a license or ID, registering online at ct.gov/dmv, or mailing a DMV Change of Address form—no fee required.

What is the purpose of the Connecticut DMV Limited Licenses Program?

To issue restricted licenses to people whose physical abilities have changed, allowing them to drive safely under specific, monitored limitations.