Road test (on-the-road skills test)

Connecticut Road Test (2026) What’s on the Driving Test, Scoring & Tips

A DMV inspector or license agent rides with you in a vehicle you provide and directs you through turns, backing, parking and other legal maneuvers on public roads, which can include limited-access highways. Before driving, the agent checks the vehicle, your grasp of common driving commands, and how you prepare to drive. Results are recorded on a Road Test Evaluation Report; DMV does not publish its point scale or test length.

Checked October 4, 2026 against official Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles sources. Tap a numbered chip to read the exact wording.

See the 10 maneuvers
Maneuvers in official sources
10
Score limit
Not published
Listed automatic failures
None listed

Who can take the Connecticut road test

16- and 17-year-olds must hold the learner's permit at least 120 days after commercial or secondary driving school training, or 180 days with home training, and complete 40 hours of behind-the-wheel practice, the 8-hour safe driving practices course and 2-hour parent training. Applicants 18 and older must hold the permit at least 90 days and complete the 8-hour safe driving course if never licensed. Tests are by appointment. Official source 1portal.ct.gov“Once you complete the driver training and hold your permit for at least 120 days (if completed commercial or secondary training) or 180 days (if completed training at home with a Qualified Trainer), you’re ready to take a road test—or “driving test.””Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 2portal.ct.gov“All applicants who are 16 or 17 years of age must have at least 40 hours of behind the-wheel, on-the-road training.”“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.”“All applicants 18 years of age or older who have not previously held a license in Connecticut or who do not hold a valid license issued by another state will be required to take an 8-hour course on safe driving practices”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

What to bring on test day

Tick things off as you pack. Saved on this device.

0 of 9 ready

SourcesOfficial source 3portal.ct.gov“The Road Test Appointment Confirmation Page (sent to you via email after successfully scheduling your appointment). This information can be accessed online using your PIN # at any time.”“A fully completed application for a non-commercial driver’s license (Form R-229).”“If you don’t have the permit and cannot get a duplicate, you’ll lose your appointment and will need to reschedule the test and pay another license exam fee.”“The required proof of insurance must be in the same name as on the registration, except for leased vehicles which may be in the name of the lessee.”“Your qualified trainer must be present at the DMV office and sign a form attesting that all driver education/practice driving requirements have been fulfilled.”“A non-licensed driver cannot drive to the test location unless accompanied by a licensed driver.”“If you are presenting an out-of-country license in a language other than English, you need to also provide translation by one of our approved translators”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Vehicle requirements

The examiner checks your car before you drive. If it fails, you usually can’t take the test that day.

  • Appropriate for the license class, with a valid registration certificate and proof of insurance
  • Out-of-state registered vehicles need an insurance declaration page meeting Connecticut minimums
  • After-market window tint needs a CT DMV tint compliance sticker
  • No ignition interlock device unless you are required to use one
  • No rental vehicle unless you hold a valid driver's license
  • No cracked or damaged windows or windshield
  • All brake and signal lights work, including the high-mount third brake light
  • No safety warning lights (such as SRS or ABS) lit on the dashboard
  • No worn or damaged tires or missing lug nuts
  • Working seat belts, speedometer and braking system, and no other defective equipment
SourcesOfficial source 3portal.ct.gov“If using a vehicle registered out of state, you’ll need to present the declaration page of your insurance policy that meets minimum Connecticut insurance requirements.”“Any vehicle with after-market tint needs to have a CT DMV tint compliance sticker affixed to it and the inspection report.”“NOT have an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installed if the testing applicant is not required by law to use an IID.”“If the vehicle you supply for the road test is a rental vehicle and you do not hold a valid driver's license, you cannot use this vehicle for your road test.”“Cracked or damaged windows/windshields Defective brake/signal light (includes high mount/third brake light) Safety warning indicator lights on the dashboard are activated (e.g., SRS, ABS, etc.) Worn or damaged tires Missing lug nuts Defective seatbelts Defective speedometer Defective braking system Any other defective equipment”“If the test vehicle is found to be in an unsafe operating condition, the road test will NOT be conducted, and you will need to reschedule.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

How the Connecticut road test is scored

Pass/fail, recorded on a Road Test Evaluation Report. DMV publishes what is evaluated but not a point scale, error limit or list of automatic failures. Official source 4portal.ct.gov“This guide is based on the errors recorded on previous Road Test Evaluation Reports; we hope that you will find it useful in avoiding mistakes on your own driving test.”“We expect applicants to be able to safely perform any legal maneuver that we ask and to recognize, understand and react properly to any road sign, marking or situation that is encountered during the skill test.”“We do not follow specific routes nor must we exclude any roadways (including limited access highways) during the course of a driving test.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Automatic failures

We found no official list of automatic failures for Connecticut. Treat any dangerous action, a crash, or breaking a traffic law as likely to fail the test.

Maneuvers on the Connecticut driving test

Steps and scoring come from Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles’s own materials, in their words where possible. Where a state publishes no steps, we say so rather than guess.

Preparing to drive and vehicle equipment

Always tested

How it’s scored

Before the drive the agent evaluates your knowledge of common driving phrases and commands, the vehicle's condition, and your ability to adjust the seat, mirrors and seat belt. You should be able to operate the wipers and washer, heater and defroster, parking brake, headlights and high beams, and horn, and recognize dashboard warning lights.

Steps

  1. Before getting in, look for nearby parked cars, people or objects that could affect pulling away
  2. Adjust the seat (and steering wheel if adjustable) so you sit upright and reach the pedals easily
  3. Make sure windows are clean and defogged; adjust inside and outside mirrors
  4. Fasten and adjust your seat belt
  5. Start the vehicle and recognize when it is running
  6. Apply the brake before shifting out of Park
SourcesOfficial source 2portal.ct.gov“Operation of vehicle equipment such as windshield wipers and washers, heater and defroster, parking brake, headlights and high beams, and the horn”“Prior to entering the test vehicle, observe nearby parked cars, people, or objects that could affect your ability to safely put the car in motion.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 3portal.ct.gov“Your knowledge of common driving phrases and commands The condition of the vehicle being used for the road test”“Your ability to properly adjust the seat, mirror, and seatbelt (“preparing to drive”)”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 4portal.ct.gov“Upon entering the vehicle you should adjust your seat (and steering wheel if adjustable) so that you are sitting erect behind the wheel with your feet able to easily operate the foot controls.”“You should fasten and adjust your safety restraints. We expect applicants to be able to start the vehicle and recognize when it is running.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Left turns

Always tested

How it’s scored

Turns are a listed basic skill. The examiner looks for turn signals every time, awareness of traffic and pedestrians, speed adjusted for the turn, and turning from and into the correct lane.

Steps

Not officially described by DMV.

SourcesOfficial source 3portal.ct.gov“Your proficiency in basic driving skills such as turns, backing up, and parking”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 4portal.ct.gov“You should be aware of other traffic and pedestrians as you make your turn and your speed should be adjusted for the turn.”“We expect you to know what lane you should turn into, drive in, and turn from.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Right turns

Always tested

How it’s scored

Same as left turns: signal, watch for traffic and pedestrians, adjust speed, and use the correct lanes.

Steps

Not officially described by DMV.

SourcesOfficial source 3portal.ct.gov“Your proficiency in basic driving skills such as turns, backing up, and parking”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 4portal.ct.gov“You should be aware of other traffic and pedestrians as you make your turn and your speed should be adjusted for the turn.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Traffic signs, signals and right of way

Always tested

How it’s scored

Evaluated on your response to traffic control signs, signaling, road markings and other motorists (yielding, emergency vehicles). Your vehicle must be fully stopped at stop signs and red lights, and you must know when to stop for a yellow signal.

Steps

Not officially described by DMV.

SourcesOfficial source 3portal.ct.gov“Your response to traffic control signs, signaling, road markings, and interaction with other motorists (e.g., yielding right-of-way, response to emergency vehicles, etc.)”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 4portal.ct.gov“We expect you to know when you must stop for a yellow traffic signal and when it is permissible not to stop. We expect you to know that when you are stopped at a stop sign or traffic light your vehicle is not moving.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Backing

How it’s scored

You must be able to safely control the car while backing. The road test evaluates 'backing and/or parking', so backing may not be scored separately on every test; DMV does not specify the backing maneuver.

Steps

Not officially described by DMV.

SourcesOfficial source 2portal.ct.gov“Backing and/or parking the vehicle • Proficiency in basic driving skills such as turns”“Backing. How to safely control your car while driving in reverse.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Driving into a perpendicular parking space

How it’s scored

You should be able to park in and exit any style of parking space, driving or backing into a perpendicular space from the left or right.

Steps

Not officially described by DMV.

SourcesOfficial source 4portal.ct.gov“A skilled driver should be able to park in and exit any style parking space. You should be able to drive or back into a perpendicular parking space from the left or right.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Backing into a perpendicular parking space

How it’s scored

As above: DMV expects you to be able to back into a perpendicular space from the left or right.

Steps

Not officially described by DMV.

SourcesOfficial source 4portal.ct.gov“A skilled driver should be able to park in and exit any style parking space. You should be able to drive or back into a perpendicular parking space from the left or right.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Parking at the curb (in front of, behind or between cars)

How it’s scored

The manual says to know how to park next to a curb in front of, behind or between cars. A DMV inspector in an official DMV audio guide warns applicants not to assume they won't have to parallel park.

Steps

Not officially described by DMV.

SourcesOfficial source 2portal.ct.gov“Parking. Park in and exit any style parking space as well as park next to a curb in front of, behind, or between cars and the proper way to park on a hill.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 5portal.ct.gov“don’t make a mistake when you’re coming for a test in assuming that because I’m going to this office I don’t have to parallel park, or I won’t have to back up.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Parking on a hill

How it’s scored

Listed in the manual among things to know before the test.

Steps

Not officially described by DMV.

SourcesOfficial source 2portal.ct.gov“Parking. Park in and exit any style parking space as well as park next to a curb in front of, behind, or between cars and the proper way to park on a hill.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Three-point turn (K-turn)

How it’s scored

Described in an official DMV audio guide: pull safely to the right curb, then turn around in the street when it is safe. Not listed on the current road test page.

Steps

  1. Pull safely to the curb on the right side of the road
  2. When it is safe, turn around in the street
SourcesOfficial source 5portal.ct.gov“So if you hear either a K-turn or a three-point turn, basically we’re asking you to safely pull to the curb, to the right side of the road. And when it’s safe, we ask you to turn around in the street.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Skills the examiner watches the whole time

  • Smooth starts and vehicle control

    Accelerate and shift smoothly and reach driving speed in a reasonable time. Official source 4portal.ct.gov“Drivers should accelerate and/or shift smoothly, maintaining good control of the vehicle. The car should be brought up to driving speed in a reasonable amount of time.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

  • Space cushion

    Keep a space cushion suited to speed, road and traffic. Official source 4portal.ct.gov“You should be able to maintain a “space cushion” from the vehicles around you that is appropriate for the speed, road and traffic conditions you are experiencing.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

  • Smooth stops

    Stop smoothly and safely in normal traffic. Official source 4portal.ct.gov“Under normal traffic situations, you should be able to bring your vehicle to a stop by smoothly and safely applying your brakes.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

  • Signals

    Use turn signals every time it is appropriate and be able to demonstrate hand signals. Official source 4portal.ct.gov“We expect you to use the turn signals every time it is appropriate and to be able to demonstrate hand signals.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

  • Speed

    Know and maintain an acceptable and proper speed. Official source 4portal.ct.gov“It is important to know what is an acceptable and proper speed and be able to maintain that speed.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

  • Right of way

    Know when and to whom to yield, and recognize when others yield to you. Official source 4portal.ct.gov“You should know when and to whom you must yield the right of way and recognize when it is being yielded to you.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

  • Following directions

    Follow the inspector's directions and perform maneuvers as asked. Official source 4portal.ct.gov“The inspector or agent will instruct you to follow certain directions or perform certain maneuvers in order to evaluate specific driving skills. You should be able to follow the directions you are given.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

  • Warning lights

    Recognize any warning lights on the instrument panel. Official source 2portal.ct.gov“Ability to recognize any warning lights that may be displayed on your instrument panel • Other driving maneuvers at the direction of the agent or inspector”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

If you fail the Connecticut road test

Pay another $40 testing fee and wait at least 14 days. Reschedule online within 72 hours of the failed test, for a date at least two weeks after it. No attempt limit is published. Official source 1portal.ct.gov“If you fail the road test you must wait a minimum of two weeks (14 days) before taking the road test again and must pay another $40 testing fee.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 3portal.ct.gov“If you fail your road test, you must go online to reschedule within 72 hours after your failed test. Your rescheduled test must be scheduled for at least 2 weeks after the initial test. To retake the test, you will need to pay another $40 testing fee.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Didn’t pass? What to do next, including the Connecticut permit (knowledge) test retake rules.

Waivers and third-party testing

No driver-education waiver of the road test was found. Some commercial driving schools host the road test at their facility and tell the student when they are eligible; the passed Road Test Evaluation Report is then taken to a DMV office after 48 hours. Official source 1portal.ct.gov“If your driving school offers the road test at their facility, they advise you of when you are eligible.”“Once you pass the road test, you must wait 48 hours before you go to the DMV Office with your passed Road Test Evaluation Report.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Connecticut road test questions

What is on the Connecticut road test?

A DMV inspector or license agent rides with you in a vehicle you provide and directs you through turns, backing, parking and other legal maneuvers on public roads, which can include limited-access highways. Before driving, the agent checks the vehicle, your grasp of common driving commands, and how you prepare to drive. Results are recorded on a Road Test Evaluation Report; DMV does not publish its point scale or test length. Maneuvers covered by official sources: Preparing to drive and vehicle equipment, Left turns, Right turns, Traffic signs, signals and right of way, Backing, Driving into a perpendicular parking space, Backing into a perpendicular parking space, Parking at the curb (in front of, behind or between cars), Parking on a hill, Three-point turn (K-turn).

How is the Connecticut driving test scored?

Pass/fail, recorded on a Road Test Evaluation Report. DMV publishes what is evaluated but not a point scale, error limit or list of automatic failures.

What do I need to bring to the Connecticut road test?

Road test appointment confirmation page; Completed application for a non-commercial driver's license (Form R-229); Learner's permit (without it you will not be tested); A properly registered and insured vehicle; Valid registration certificate and Connecticut insurance card, in the same name (lessee for leased vehicles); Driver education certificate (EDEC/CS-1), sent electronically by the driving school; Your qualified trainer, who must be present and sign that training requirements were met; A licensed driver to accompany you to the test location; and Translation of an out-of-country license not in English, if applicable.

What are the vehicle requirements for the Connecticut road test?

Appropriate for the license class, with a valid registration certificate and proof of insurance; Out-of-state registered vehicles need an insurance declaration page meeting Connecticut minimums; After-market window tint needs a CT DMV tint compliance sticker; No ignition interlock device unless you are required to use one; No rental vehicle unless you hold a valid driver's license; No cracked or damaged windows or windshield; All brake and signal lights work, including the high-mount third brake light; No safety warning lights (such as SRS or ABS) lit on the dashboard; No worn or damaged tires or missing lug nuts; and Working seat belts, speedometer and braking system, and no other defective equipment.

When can I take the Connecticut road test?

16- and 17-year-olds must hold the learner's permit at least 120 days after commercial or secondary driving school training, or 180 days with home training, and complete 40 hours of behind-the-wheel practice, the 8-hour safe driving practices course and 2-hour parent training. Applicants 18 and older must hold the permit at least 90 days and complete the 8-hour safe driving course if never licensed. Tests are by appointment.

What happens if I fail the Connecticut road test?

Pay another $40 testing fee and wait at least 14 days. Reschedule online within 72 hours of the failed test, for a date at least two weeks after it. No attempt limit is published.

Can the Connecticut road test be waived?

No driver-education waiver of the road test was found. Some commercial driving schools host the road test at their facility and tell the student when they are eligible; the passed Road Test Evaluation Report is then taken to a DMV office after 48 hours.

Notes from our check

No official score sheet is published. DMV's Road Test Evaluation Report is referenced but not posted, and no point scale, error limit or automatic-failure list is published, so automatic_failures is empty. DMV's 'Guide to Passing Your Driving Test' (form Z-17, Rev. 4/19) is based on errors recorded on those reports. The three-point turn and parallel-parking warnings come from a 2006 DMV audio transcript (New Drivers: How to Take the On-the-Road Skills Test), which also says the route and highway driving vary by office. The current road test page lists only 'turns, backing up, and parking' plus 'other driving maneuvers', so specific parking and backing maneuvers are required: null. The manual says an unsafe vehicle means rescheduling 'for no fee'; the road test page says only that you must reschedule. The road test page mentions applying 'for a waiver' as a route to eligibility but does not say what it waives. Teen sources differ on whether the driver education certificate is called CS-1 or EDEC.

Sources

Every fact above links to one of these official pages. Checked October 4, 2026.

portal.ct.gov

  1. teen drivers license
  2. drivers manual english (PDF)
  3. take road test
  4. passpdf (PDF)
  5. NewDriversOntheRoadpdf (PDF)

This guide summarizes official Connecticut sources for study. It is not the test itself, and only a DMV examiner (or a tester the state licenses) can pass or fail you. Rules change; confirm with Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles before test day.

Connecticut permit practice testsSupervised driving log