Connecticut Road Signs & Driver Knowledge Test Exam Guide
At a glance
- Questions
- 25
- Passing score
- 80% (20 of 25 correct)
- Exam fee
- $0
- Governing body
- Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
The Connecticut road signs and driver knowledge test is the written exam every new driver must pass before getting a learner's permit. It is administered in person by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (CT DMV) at a DMV office, following a vision screening.
Overview
The knowledge test covers road sign recognition, right-of-way rules, and general safe-driving practices in a single combined exam — Connecticut does not run signs as a separate, standalone test. Every question is based on information in the Connecticut driver's manuals, so reviewing the manual alongside sign-recognition practice covers the full scope of the exam.
- Road sign shapes, colors, and meanings
- Right-of-way and traffic law rules
- Safe-driving practices and general vehicle operation
Cost and registration
The knowledge and vision test together carry a $40 license exam fee. If you don't pass on your first try, you'll need to wait 7 days and pay the $40 fee again to retest. Getting a learner's permit afterward carries its own separate $19 fee.
Exam format
The test consists of 25 questions, and you need at least 20 correct — an 80% score — to pass. It's taken in person at a DMV office, after the vision test, and drawn directly from the Connecticut driver's manuals.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the Connecticut DMV knowledge test and what is the passing score?
The Connecticut knowledge test has 25 questions, and you need to answer at least 20 correctly to pass, an 80% score. It is administered in person at a DMV office.
How much does the Connecticut knowledge test cost?
The license exam fee is $40, which covers both the vision test and the knowledge test taken at the same appointment. If you fail, retaking the knowledge test requires paying the $40 fee again.
What is the minimum age to get a learner's permit in Connecticut?
Teens can apply for a learner's permit at 16 years old, while adults can apply starting at 18. Both age groups take the same knowledge test to qualify.
How much supervised driving practice is required before the road test?
Connecticut mandates 40 hours of supervised practice driving. Teen drivers must also hold their permit for a set number of days depending on their training path before taking the road test.
How long must I hold my learner's permit before the road test?
Adult applicants must hold their permit for at least 90 days before taking the road test. Teens face different minimums: 120 days after commercial or secondary school training, or 180 days if trained at home by a qualified trainer.
What happens if I fail the knowledge test, and what does a learner's permit cost?
A failed attempt requires a 7-day wait and another $40 payment to retest. The learner's permit itself carries a separate $19 fee once you pass.
Sources
- 1.Learn about DMV's knowledge and vision test for drivers, motorcyclists | CT.gov — Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (CT DMV) (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
- 2.Get a driver's license for a teenager | CT.gov — Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (CT DMV) (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
- 3.Get a DMV Learner's Permit for Adults | CT.gov — Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (CT DMV) (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
Official sources
Every exam fact on this page traces to a primary document published by the body that administers the exam.
- Learn about DMV's knowledge and vision test for drivers, motorcyclists | CT.govConnecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (CT DMV)portal.ct.gov
- Get a driver's license for a teenager | CT.govConnecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (CT DMV)portal.ct.gov
- Get a DMV Learner's Permit for Adults | CT.govConnecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (CT DMV)portal.ct.gov
Last verified against the official exam content outline: