Connecticut (CT)

How many practice hours do you need in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, a learner driver must log 40 hours of supervised driving practice—including 0 at night—before applying for a license.

40
Total practice hours
None set
Night hours
16
Permit age
16 years 4 months
License age

Connecticut learner permit requirements

  • Minimum permit age: 16
  • Supervised practice required: 40 hours total, 0 at night
  • Permit hold period: 4–6 months
  • License eligibility age: 16 years 4 months
  • How hours are certified: Certificate of 40 hours of behind-the-wheel training signed by the instructor or parent.

Connecticut requires 40 hours of behind-the-wheel practice. The permit hold period is 4 months with a commercial driving school course, or 6 months with home training. Connecticut does not set a separate night-hours minimum, but night practice is still strongly recommended.

Requirements change and have exceptions. Always confirm the current rules with the Connecticut DMV before applying.

Connecticut's graduated licensing stages

1
Learner's permit · age 16

Drive only with a qualified trainer; complete 40 hours of practice plus the 8-hour safe-driving course.

2
16–17 license · age 16 years 4 months

Strict passenger and curfew rules apply for the first 12 months.

3
Full license · age 18

Teen restrictions are removed.

Driving restrictions for new Connecticut drivers

Night driving

For the first year, you can't drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. except for work, school, religious activities, or a medical emergency.

Passengers

For the first 6 months, only parents/guardians or a licensed driving instructor; for the next 6 months, immediate family only.

Phone use

Drivers under 18 may not use any mobile device, handheld or hands-free, while driving.

Log every Connecticut practice hour automatically

DriveMint tracks each supervised drive with GPS, separates day and night hours, and generates a DMV-ready report—so you can prove all 40 hours without a paper logbook.

Connecticut driving practice FAQs

How many driving hours do you need in Connecticut?+

Connecticut requires 40 hours of supervised driving practice, including 0 hours at night, before a teen can apply for a license.

Does Connecticut require night driving hours?+

Connecticut does not set a separate night-hours minimum within its 40-hour requirement, but night practice is strongly recommended before the 11 p.m. curfew takes effect.

How long is Connecticut's permit hold period?+

4 months if you train at a commercial driving school, or 6 months if a parent or guardian provides the training.

Requirements in other states

Compare practice hours in all 50 states side by side, or read what actually counts as a night driving hour.