Schedule Your Connecticut Driver’s Test With The Next Street
You’ve put a lot of hard work into learning how to drive. Now it’s time for your driver’s license test! The Next Street makes your exam easier by letting you test in our car, at our location, and with our team beside you.
Need a few tips on preparing for the big day? Have questions about Connecticut’s license testing requirements? Get answers to all of that and more below.
Taking Your Driver’s License Test in Connecticut
License Test at The Next Street
Skip the DMV stress on test day. Book your driver’s test at The Next Street, and a DMV agent will come to one of our testing locations instead. Our Testing Host will be on-site to answer your last-minute questions, handle paperwork, and keep the morning calm.
Cost
$150 + DMV Fees
*Per DMV policy, students MUST complete at least one 2-hour driving lesson with The Next Street to be eligible to test at our locations.
Connecticut Upcoming Course Schedule at The Next Street
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Am I Eligible to Take My Connecticut Driver’s Test?
Before you can schedule your driver’s test in Connecticut, you’ll need to check off a few basic requirements.
- You must be at least 16 years old.
- You must hold a valid Connecticut learner’s permit for a minimum waiting period.
- The permit hold time depends on your age and which driver’s education course you took.
- If you plan to take your driver’s test at The Next Street, you must have completed at least one 2-hour driving lesson with us.
See which waiting period applies to your situation below:
|
YOUR AGE
|
DRIVER'S EDUCATION COURSE
|
PERMIT HOLD TIME
|
|---|---|---|
| Teens 16–17 |
8 Hour Safe Driving Course
|
180 days
|
| Teens 16–17 |
Full Driver’s Education Bundle (30 Hours)
|
120 days
|
| Adults 18 and over |
Not applicable (permit hold time is the same regardless of driver’s ed program)
|
90 days
|
Regardless of age, all applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Complete a Safe Driving Practices Course: This 8-hour course is offered through a licensed driving school.
- Hold a Learner’s Permit for the Mandatory Timeframe: 90, 120, or 180 days, depending on your situation.
- Take Supervised Driving Lessons: You must have at least 40 hours of documented and supervised driving practice. These may be completed with a licensed parent, guardian, or another qualified adult who is at least 20 years old and has been licensed for four consecutive years with no suspensions.
- Pass Vision, Knowledge, and Road Tests: You’ll need to pass each required exam before you can get your license. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, be sure to bring them with you on test day.
- Verify Your Identity and Residency: Bring the required documents to prove your identity, legal presence, and Connecticut residency.
- Pay All Required Fees: Be prepared to pay the necessary permit, testing, and licensing fees as part of the process.
To take your driver’s license test at The Next Street, you’ll need to complete at least two hours of driving lessons and all other course requirements at least five days before your scheduled test date.
An Important Note for Teenagers
If you’re 16 or 17, a parent or guardian must complete the two-hour parent training class. Without it, you won’t be eligible for a Connecticut license until you turn 18.
Take the Next Step Towards Becoming a Licensed Driver
The Next Street is your one-stop hub for driver’s education, driving lessons, and license testing. No matter what stage of the process you’re currently in, we can help you take that next step. And after that? Sweet freedom and the open road!
What to Bring on Test Day
Getting ready for test day and want to make sure you’ve covered all your bases? Have these items ready:
- Your Learner’s Permit: You can’t take your road test without a valid permit. If yours is lost, you’ll need to bring an additional form of ID and pay a fee to request a duplicate before exam day.
- A Completed Driver’s License Application: You can fill out the Form R-229 online or in person at the DMV.
- Your Road Test Appointment Confirmation: Bring your email confirmation with you to your license testing appointment.
Testing in your own vehicle? You’ll also need the vehicle registration and a Connecticut insurance card in the same name as the registration.
Testing with The Next Street? We provide the vehicle and everything that goes with it. Your driver’s education certificate is sent to the DMV electronically by TNS after you finish your course, so there’s nothing for you to carry. You won’t need to fill out a Form R-229 either.
Additional Documents You May Need
|
DOCUMENT
|
WHAT COUNTS
|
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity |
A valid passport, birth certificate, or permanent resident card
|
| Proof of Social Security Number |
Your Social Security card, W-2 form, or pay stub
|
| Two Proofs of Connecticut Residency |
Utility bills, bank statements, lease agreements, or other documents showing your name (or your parent/guardian’s name) and current address in Connecticut
|
| Parental Consent Form |
If you are under 18 years old, a completed parental consent form signed by your parent or legal guardian
|
| Safe Driving Practices Course Certificate |
If you’ve completed this course, bring the certificate of completion
|
Testing in Your Own Car: Vehicle and Insurance Requirements
If you choose to take your driver’s test in a personal vehicle rather than one of ours, the DMV examiner will inspect it right before the test begins. A car that doesn’t pass inspection means a canceled appointment and a rescheduled test.
Your Vehicle Must:
- Be registered with the Connecticut DMV
- Have a valid insurance policy
- Be in good working condition, with functioning headlights, brake lights, turn signals, horn, mirrors, and seatbelts
- Be clean and clear of clutter in the passenger area (or anything that could interfere with the test)
Double-check that you have your proof of insurance and registration in your car before arriving at your testing location. If you’d prefer not to worry about these things, testing at The Next Street means you can use one of our vehicles! They’re new, well-maintained, and have 5-star safety ratings to make test day simpler and smoother.
What to Expect on Test Day
The road test is the last step between you and your license. The examiner is checking whether you can operate a vehicle safely and predictably, not whether you’re perfect.
You’ll Be Evaluated on:
- Adjusting your seat, mirrors, and seatbelt before you start
- Responding correctly to signs, signals, road markings, and other drivers
- Yielding right of way, including to emergency vehicles
- Core skills like turns, backing up, and parking
- Following the examiner’s directions as given
A few tips that help? Get familiar with the car you’ll be testing in. Practice in the conditions you’ll actually face. Wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothes. Arrive early enough that you’re not walking in flustered. And don’t forget to breathe. Nerves are completely normal (they mean you care), and examiners have seen it plenty of times.
If You Don’t Pass, Here’s What Happens Next
If you don’t pass on your first try, we promise it’s not the end of the road. You only have to wait 2 weeks to retake your driver’s test, and Connecticut requires a $40 retesting fee. There’s also no limit on how many times you can retest as long as you stay eligible.
You’ll get an evaluation sheet showing exactly where you lost points, which is genuinely useful information for what to practice next. Your TNS instructor can help you address those specific driving skills—along with anything else that might still be challenging—so that you feel much more confident the next time around.
One thing to watch: If your learner’s permit expires before you pass your DMV road test, you’ll need to start the permit process over. Keep an eye on that date.
Want more practice before your next driver’s license road test? The Next Street offers “mock test” driving lessons through the Student Portal. Your instructor will pretend to be a DMV agent, share helpful feedback, and then spend the remaining time working on areas that need improvement.
Ready to Ace Your Road Test? Schedule with The Next Street Today!
The Next Street has been helping Connecticut drivers get their license since 2009. Test day might be the part everyone dreads, but we’ve built our entire process around making it as stress-free as possible. From expert driving lessons and convenient scheduling to supportive instructors who want nothing more than to see you succeed, The Next Street is the easiest road to your driver’s license.
Why Choose The Next Street?
- 17+ Years in Business: With us, Connecticut drivers can learn the rules of the road, build confidence behind the wheel, and work toward their licenses. Safe to say that after over 17 years, we know our way around driver’s ed.
- 20K+ New Drivers Every Year: Teaching people how to drive like a pro is kind of our thing. We’ve helped thousands of drivers across the state take the next step towards earning their license, and we’d love to do the same for you.
- 90% Driving Test Pass Rate: The numbers don’t lie. We work to help you feel ready and confident on test day, so that you walk away with a “pass” and the freedom to be your own chauffeur!
- Take Your Driver’s Ed Classes Virtually: Your convenience is our priority. The Next Street offers live virtual classes on Zoom with morning, afternoon, and evening class times.
- 65+ Convenient Locations: From Bloomfield and Greenwich to Hartford and Manchester, The Next Street has locations all over Connecticut to help you practice driving and eventually ace your road test.
- Super Friendly Staff: Not to brag or anything, but we have a pretty awesome staff. They’re extremely kind, empathetic, engaging during lessons, and here to support you at every step.
Your journey to safe and confident driving starts here. Let The Next Street help you achieve your driving goals!
How can I prepare for my road test?
A good way to prepare for your Connecticut road test is to get plenty of practice beforehand, including completing the 40 required driving hours and gaining experience in various road and traffic conditions. It can also help to review the Connecticut Driver’s Manual so that traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices are fresh in your mind.
Before test day, make sure you’re comfortable with the vehicle you’ll be using and know how to operate its basic controls. Wear comfortable shoes that allow you to drive safely, arrive early enough that you’re not rushed, and try to stay calm during the test. Listen carefully to the DMV examiner’s instructions and focus on driving safely.
When should I arrive for my license test?
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early. This gives you time to check in, hand over paperwork, and get settled before you drive.
Will I get my driver’s license the same day I test?
You’ll get your test results the same day. If you pass, the DMV or testing examiner will provide a temporary license (stamped document) for you to use until your permanent license arrives in the mail.
Can I reschedule or cancel my license test?
Yes. You can cancel or reschedule your Connecticut DMV road test online using the confirmation details or PIN from your original appointment. If you no longer have your PIN, you can use the scheduling system’s Retrieve PIN option or check your confirmation email. It’s best to make changes as early as possible to avoid issues with a missed appointment.
If you’re testing at The Next Street, you can cancel or reschedule your driver’s license test in Connecticut through our Student Portal. Any changes or cancellations must be made within 5 days of your original test date to avoid a $100 late cancellation fee ($60 to The Next Street and $40 for DMV fees).
Do I need my own car to take the CT driver’s test?
No. When you test with The Next Street, you’ll use one of our 5-Star Safety-Rated vehicles, which is guaranteed to meet every DMV requirement. You can use a personal vehicle if you’d prefer, but it has to pass the license examiner’s inspection first.
How much does a DMV road test cost in Connecticut?
Testing at The Next Street is $150, plus any additional DMV fees. Here are some other costs you should know about:
Learner’s permit: $19
Non-commercial driver’s license: $84 and issued for 5 ½ to 7 years
Drive-only license: $36 and issued for 3 years
Please note that DMV fees are subject to change. We recommend checking with the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles for the most up-to-date information.
Do I have to take driving lessons before I can test?
Yes. DMV policy requires at least one 2-hour driving lesson with The Next Street to test at one of our locations.
What are the most common reasons people fail their Connecticut road test?
Common mistakes on the Connecticut driving test include missing traffic signs or signals, forgetting to check blind spots, failing to use turn signals, rolling through stop signs, and driving too fast or too slowly. You’ll also want to yield when required and maintain steady control of the vehicle throughout the test.
The best approach is simple: Stay focused, follow the rules of the road, and show the DMV examiner that you can drive confidently and safely.
What are the restrictions for new drivers in Connecticut?
Connecticut takes the safety of its drivers and passengers very seriously. The main restrictions for new drivers include:
Passenger Restrictions for Teens Age 16–17: You can only have your parents (or legal guardians) and a licensed driving instructor, OR an adult 20+ years of age who holds a valid driver’s license, in the car for the first six months after receiving your driver’s license. From months 7 through 12, only immediate family members can ride with you. After that, you may have up to three passengers who are not family members until you turn 18.
Nighttime Driving Restrictions: For the first six months, you are also not allowed to drive between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. Once this deadline has passed, the restriction lifts for good.
Cell Phone Restrictions: All drivers under 18 are prohibited from using a cell phone or other electronic devices while driving—period. Hands-free usage is also banned.
Zero Tolerance for Alcohol and Drugs: Drivers under 21 face a license suspension (and other consequences) if they’re caught with any amount of illegal substances in their system.
Violating any of the above rules may result in fines, license suspension or revocation, and other penalties.