Connecticut permit test numbers to know

Distances, speeds, limits, fines and deadlines are the questions people miss most, because they have to be memorized. Here are 48 Connecticut numbers, grouped and cited, with a free quiz and flashcards to lock them in.

Numbers quiz

12 questions a round from the 33 number questions in our Connecticut bank. Questions you miss come back more often in later rounds.

Free and unlimited. Your answers count toward your readiness and mistake review.

Numbers flashcards

33 cards: the question on the front, the number and its source on the back. Swipe right if you knew it.

Each deck starts with 20 free cards. Swipe right if you knew it, left to see it again.

See 3 of the cards
  • Alcohol & drugs

    Under Connecticut's zero-tolerance law, what blood alcohol content (BAC) can lead to penalties for a driver under 21?

    0.02% or more

    Drivers under 21 face penalties at a BAC of .02% or more, on public roads and on private property.

    State of Connecticut Driver's Manual, page 35

  • Fines, points & penalties

    A 17-year-old driver is convicted for the first time of violating the teen curfew. What is the DMV penalty?

    A 30-day suspension and a $175 restoration fee

    A first conviction for a graduated license violation, such as breaking the curfew or passenger limits, brings a 30-day suspension plus a $175 restoration fee and court fines.

    State of Connecticut Driver's Manual, page 36

  • Speed limits

    After stopping for an ice cream truck with its stop arm out, how fast may you drive past it?

    Up to 5 mph, yielding to pedestrians

    After stopping, you may pass the ice cream truck at a reasonable speed of up to 5 mph, and you must yield to anyone crossing to or from it.

    State of Connecticut Driver's Manual, page 20

Every Connecticut number, by topic

Official test facts and Connecticut laws come first in each group, then the numbers from our handbook questions. Tap a source to read the exact words it comes from.

Alcohol & drugs

5 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
$500-$1,000Drunk driving (DUI)Fine of $500-$1,000cga.ct.gov
Quote
For conviction of a first violation, (A) be fined not less than five hundred dollars or more than one thousand dollars, (B) be (i) imprisoned not more than six months, forty-eight consecutive hours of which may not be suspended or reduced in any manner
6 months, 48 hours, 100 hoursDrunk driving (DUI)Up to 6 months in jail with 48 hours that cannot be suspended (or a fully suspended sentence with probation and 100 hours of community service)cga.ct.gov
Quote
For conviction of a first violation, (A) be fined not less than five hundred dollars or more than one thousand dollars, (B) be (i) imprisoned not more than six months, forty-eight consecutive hours of which may not be suspended or reduced in any manner
0.02%Under Connecticut's zero-tolerance law, what blood alcohol content (BAC) can lead to penalties for a driver under 21?Answer: 0.02% or moreState of Connecticut Driver's Manual, page 35
Quote
defined as two hundredths of one percent (.02%) or more on both public roads and private property
45 daysIf you are arrested for drunk driving in Connecticut and fail the BAC test, how long will your license be suspended at minimum?Answer: 45 daysState of Connecticut Driver's Manual, page 35
Quote
If you fail this test, your operator's license will be suspended for at least 45 days.
Six monthsAn adult driver fails a BAC test after a first DUI arrest. For at least how long must they use an ignition interlock device after reinstatement?Answer: Six monthsState of Connecticut Driver's Manual, page 35
Quote
The IID will be required for at least six months or possibly more, depending on the number of prior offenses on your driving record.

Fines, points & penalties

10 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
$200, $375, $625Phone use$200 for a first violation, $375 for a second and $625 for a third or later violationcga.ct.gov
Quote
Any person who violates this section shall be fined two hundred dollars for a first violation, three hundred seventy-five dollars for a second violation and six hundred twenty-five dollars for a third or subsequent violation.
30 lb, five-pointSeat beltsUnder 2 or under 30 lb: rear-facing seat with a five-point harnesscga.ct.gov
Quote
Any person who transports a child under two years of age or weighing less than thirty pounds in a motor vehicle on the highways of this state shall provide and require the child to ride rear-facing in a child restraint system equipped with a five-point harness
40 lb, five-pointSeat beltsUnder 5 or under 40 lb: rear- or forward-facing seat with a five-point harnesscga.ct.gov
Quote
Any person who transports a child under eight years of age, but not under five years of age, or weighing less than sixty pounds, but not less than forty pounds,
$450School busesFine: $450 for a first offensecga.ct.gov
Quote
shall be fined four hundred fifty dollars for the first offense and for each subsequent offense, not less than five hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars
$25,000, $50,000InsuranceConnecticut requires liability insurance of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damagecga.ct.gov
Quote
of twenty-five thousand dollars, or by reason of personal injury to, or the death of, more than one person on account of any accident, of at least fifty thousand dollars, and for damage to property of at least twenty-five thousand dollars.
30-day, $175A 17-year-old driver is convicted for the first time of violating the teen curfew. What is the DMV penalty?Answer: A 30-day suspension and a $175 restoration feeState of Connecticut Driver's Manual, page 36
Quote
Driving curfew; Operating public service vehicle or vanpool; More passengers than seat belts; Carrying passengers on a motorcycle less than six months after obtaining a motorcycle endorsement; 30-Day Suspension $175 license restoration fee
$75In Connecticut, a 17-year-old driver and her passenger are both stopped without seat belts. What can happen?Answer: Each can be cited and fined $75State of Connecticut Driver's Manual, page 14
Quote
If either the driver or the passenger fails to wear the seat belt, each could be cited for a seat belt violation and fined $75.
5-pointWhat restraint does Connecticut require for a child under age 2 or weighing less than 30 pounds?Answer: A rear-facing seat with a 5-point harnessState of Connecticut Driver's Manual, page 14
Quote
Under age 2, or weighing less than 30 pounds, regardless of age Rear-facing-only car seat or rear facing convertible seat with a 5-point harness
$1,000In Connecticut, what is the maximum fine for speeding or endangering a highway worker in a work zone?Answer: Up to $1,000State of Connecticut Driver's Manual, page 17
Quote
could face fines of up to $1,000, can be assessed points against his or her driver
$25,000, $50,000What minimum liability coverage must Connecticut drivers carry for injuries to one person, injuries to everyone in one crash, and property damage?Answer: $25,000 / $50,000 / $25,000Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles website
Quote
of twenty-five thousand dollars, or by reason of personal injury to, or the death of, more than one person on account of any accident, of at least fifty thousand dollars, and for damage to property of at least twenty-five thousand dollars.

Speed limits

5 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
5 mphAfter stopping for an ice cream truck with its stop arm out, how fast may you drive past it?Answer: Up to 5 mph, yielding to pedestriansState of Connecticut Driver's Manual, page 20
Quote
After stopping, you may proceed past the truck at a reasonable speed, up to 5 mph
35 mphAbove about what speed do most tires begin to hydroplane on a wet road?Answer: 35 mphState of Connecticut Driver's Manual, page 27
Quote
When it is raining or the road is wet, most tires have good traction up to about 35 mph.
400 feet, 50 mphWith high beams on at night, about how far can you see, and about what speed lets you stop within that distance?Answer: About 400 feet; about 50 mphState of Connecticut Driver's Manual, page 40
Quote
Your high beam headlights will let you see about 400 feet ahead. You should drive at a speed that allows you to stop within this distance, or about 50 mph.
55 mphOn a Connecticut road other than a multiple-lane, limited-access highway, what is the highest speed state law ever allows?Answer: 55 mphConnecticut Department of Motor Vehicles website
Quote
at a rate of speed greater than fifty-five miles per hour upon any highway other than a highway specified in subdivision (1) of subsection (b) of section 14-218a
65 mphWhat is the highest speed limit Connecticut may set on a multiple-lane, limited-access highway such as an interstate?Answer: 65 mphConnecticut Department of Motor Vehicles website
Quote
the Office of the State Traffic Administration shall establish a speed limit not to exceed sixty-five miles per hour on each multiple lane, limited access highway.

Distances & following gaps

10 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
10 feetSchool busesStop at least 10 feet from a school bus showing flashing red lights, whether you are behind it or coming toward it, and wait until the lights stop flashingcga.ct.gov
Quote
shall immediately bring such vehicle to a stop not less than ten feet from the front when approaching and not less than ten feet from the rear when overtaking or following any registered school bus
3 to 4 secondsThe car ahead keeps drifting within its lane and changing speed, and the driver seems to be on a phone. What should you do?Answer: Give it room and keep a following distance of 3 to 4 secondsState of Connecticut Driver's Manual, page 29
Quote
Give a distracted driver plenty of room and maintain a safe following distance of 3 to 4 seconds.
3 feetWhat is the minimum distance Connecticut requires between your vehicle and a bicycle when you pass it?Answer: 3 feetState of Connecticut Driver's Manual, page 19
Quote
pass only when you are able to give a minimum of three feet distance between your vehicle and the bicycle
3 to 4 secondsHow much following distance does the Connecticut manual recommend behind a motorcycle on a dry road?Answer: 3 to 4 secondsState of Connecticut Driver's Manual, page 20
Quote
When following a motorcyclist, allow for a 3 to 4 second following distance or more in wet conditions.
10 feetAn ice cream truck ahead has its lights flashing and its stop arm extended. How far from the truck must you stop?Answer: At least 10 feetState of Connecticut Driver's Manual, page 20
Quote
to stop their vehicles at least 10 feet from the front or back of the truck
3 secondsUnder normal conditions, what following distance does the Connecticut manual recommend?Answer: At least 3 secondsState of Connecticut Driver's Manual, page 23
Quote
Repeat until you are following no closer than “three seconds.”
1600 feetAt 55 mph on a two-lane road, about how much clear distance do you need to pass safely?Answer: Over 1600 feetState of Connecticut Driver's Manual, page 25
Quote
That means you need over 1600 feet (about one-third of a mile) to pass safely.
three secondsHow far ahead should you try to signal before turning or changing lanes?Answer: At least three secondsState of Connecticut Driver's Manual, page 41
Quote
Try and signal at least three seconds before you make your move.
400 feetOn dry pavement, about how much distance can it take to react and stop from 50 mph?Answer: About 400 feetState of Connecticut Driver's Manual, page 38
Quote
At 50 mph, it can take you about 400 feet to react to something you see and bring your vehicle to a stop.
four secondsHow big a gap in traffic do you need to merge safely?Answer: About four secondsState of Connecticut Driver's Manual, page 22
Quote
Any time you want to merge with other traffic, you need an opening of about four seconds.

Parking

3 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
10 feetHow close to a fire hydrant may you park in Connecticut?Answer: No closer than 10 feetState of Connecticut Driver's Manual, page 39
Quote
Within 10 feet of a fire hydrant.
25 feetIn Connecticut, how close to a stop sign may you park?Answer: No closer than 25 feetState of Connecticut Driver's Manual, page 39
Quote
Within 25 feet of a stop sign.
1 footWhen parking parallel to a curb in Connecticut, what is the farthest your wheels may be from the curb?Answer: 1 footState of Connecticut Driver's Manual, page 39
Quote
More than one foot from the curb.

Ages, permits & the test

10 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
25Questions on the testportal.ct.gov
Quote
The 25-question test is based on information in the Connecticut driver's manuals. You'll need to get at least 20 questions correct to pass.
20 of 25Correct answers to passportal.ct.gov
Quote
The 25-question test is based on information in the Connecticut driver's manuals. You'll need to get at least 20 questions correct to pass.
80%Passing scorecga.ct.gov
Quote
An original operator's license shall expire within a period not exceeding seven years following the date of the operator's next birthday. The fee for such license shall be eighty-four dollars.
under 18Phone useDrivers under 18 may not use any hand-held or hands-free mobile phone or mobile electronic device while driving, except to report an emergency to police, fire, ambulance, a hospital or an emergency operatorcga.ct.gov
Quote
No person under eighteen years of age shall use any hand-held mobile telephone, including one with a hands-free accessory, or a mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle on a public highway
120 daysA 16-year-old completes driver education at a licensed commercial driving school. How long after the permit is issued must they wait before the road test?Answer: 120 daysState of Connecticut Driver's Manual, page 8
Quote
Applicants who successfully complete driver education through a commercial driving school or a secondary school must wait 120 days after the issuance of the learner
180 daysA 16-year-old is trained at home by a parent rather than through a commercial driving school or high school program. How long must they hold the permit before the road test?Answer: 180 daysState of Connecticut Driver's Manual, page 8
Quote
All other applicants must wait 180 days after the issuance of the learner
90 daysA 19-year-old gets a first learner's permit. How long must they hold it before taking the road test?Answer: At least 90 daysState of Connecticut Driver's Manual, page 9
Quote
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.
40 hoursHow many hours of behind-the-wheel, on-the-road training must a 16- or 17-year-old complete before getting a Connecticut license?Answer: At least 40 hoursState of Connecticut Driver's Manual, page 9
Quote
All applicants who are 16 or 17 years of age must have at least 40 hours of behind the-wheel, on-the-road training.
aged 16A 17-year-old licensed driver wants to use a hands-free phone while driving. Is this allowed?Answer: No; drivers aged 16 or 17 may not use any phone, even hands-freeState of Connecticut Driver's Manual, page 15
Quote
drivers who are 16 or 17 years of age are not permitted to use any type of cell phone or mobile electronic device, including a hands-free device
90 daysA 17-year-old is convicted a second time of using a cell phone while driving. How long is the license suspension?Answer: 90 daysState of Connecticut Driver's Manual, page 36
Quote
Text Messaging §14-296aa 30-Day Suspension $175 license restoration fee, court fines. 90-Day Suspension

Time limits & deadlines

2 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
$1,000CrashesPolice file the official report for crashes with injury, death or over $1,000 in property damagecga.ct.gov
Quote
In each motor vehicle accident in which any person is killed or injured or in which damage to the property of any one individual, including the operator, in excess of one thousand dollars is sustained,
60 daysA 16-year-old is convicted for the first time of driving 20 mph over the speed limit. What suspension follows?Answer: 60 daysState of Connecticut Driver's Manual, page 36
Quote
Speeding (20 mph over speed limit) §14-219 60-Day Suspension

Seat belts, lights & equipment

3 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
60 lbSeat beltsUnder 8 or under 60 lb: harnessed seat or a booster seat with a lap-and-shoulder beltcga.ct.gov
Quote
Any person who transports a child under eight years of age, but not under five years of age, or weighing less than sixty pounds, but not less than forty pounds,
Age 8 and 60 lbSeat beltsAge 8 and 60 lb or more: child seat or seat beltcga.ct.gov
Quote
Any person who transports a child under eight years of age, but not under five years of age, or weighing less than sixty pounds, but not less than forty pounds,
16 yearsWho must wear a helmet when riding a bicycle in Connecticut?Answer: Riders under 16 years oldState of Connecticut Driver's Manual, page 19
Quote
You are required to wear a helmet if you are under 16 years of age.

Memory tips

How to study them (our advice, not official rules):

  • Learn the number with its unit and its place. “15 feet from a hydrant” sticks; “15” on its own gets mixed up with 15 mph.
  • Say the answer before you look. Recalling the number yourself is harder than spotting it among four options, and it is what makes it stick.
  • Come back to the ones you miss. The quiz above brings missed questions back more often. Short rounds over several days beat one long session.

Questions about the numbers

What numbers do I need to know for the Connecticut permit test?

Mostly distances (how close you may park to a hydrant or crosswalk, when to signal, when to dim your high beams), speed limits, blood-alcohol limits, and the ages, hours and deadlines for your permit and license. This page lists 48 of them for Connecticut, each with its source.

Why focus on numbers?

A California DMV study of its own knowledge test found that many of the hardest questions “are numerical and have correct answers that must be learned by rote memorization.” Numbers are easy to mix up under pressure, so they are worth drilling on their own.

Where do these numbers come from?

Each one is quoted from the State of Connecticut Driver's Manual, Connecticut statutes or DMV pages. Our build checks that every number on this page appears word for word in the quote it cites.

Is the numbers drill free?

Yes. The table and the numbers quiz are free and unlimited, and so are the first 20 flashcards.

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