A Guide To Passing Your This guide is based on the errors recorded able to easily operate the foot controls. The
Driving Test on previous Road Test Evaluation Reports; we car windows should be clean and defogged.
hope that you will find it useful in avoiding mis- The inside and outside mirrors should be
The information contained herein is drawn takes on your own driving test. adjusted to give you a good view to the rear
from the experiences of the men and with minimized blind spots. You should
women who conduct the driving tests - the Test Vehicle fasten and adjust your safety restraints. We
Motor Vehicle inspectors and agents. expect applicants to be able to start the
Section 14-36(e) of the Connecticut General We test you in the vehicle that you provide; vehicle and recognize when it is running.
Statutes requires an applicant who has not you should be familiar with it. It may have no
held a Connecticut motor vehicle operator defective or missing equipment. Applicants Basic Driving Skills
license during the preceding two years to should be able to release or apply the
demonstrate that, “the applicant is a proper parking brake and recognize when it has The inspector will instruct you to follow
person to operate motor vehicles of the been applied. You should have learned to certain directions or perform certain maneu-
class for which they have applied, has operate the windshield wipers and washer, vers in order to evaluate specific driving
sufficient knowledge of the mechanism of the heater and defroster and know when to skills. You should be able to follow the
the motor vehicles to ensure their safe use them. Drivers should know how to turn directions you are given. The brake should
operation by themselves and has satisfac- on the headlights and recognize if the be applied before you shift the car into gear
tory knowledge of the laws concerning parking lights or high beams have been from the park (P) position. Drivers should
motor vehicles and the rules of the road.” selected. You should be able to operate the accelerate and/or shift smoothly, maintain-
horn and each of the other instruments ing good control of the vehicle. The car
We expect applicants to be able to safely without taking your eyes off the road. You should be brought up to driving speed in a
perform any legal maneuver that we ask and should recognize any warning lights that reasonable amount of time. You should be
to recognize, understand and react properly may be displayed on your instrument panel. able to maintain a “space cushion” from the
to any road sign, marking or situation that is vehicles around you that is appropriate for
encountered during the skill test. We do not Getting Ready To Drive the speed, road and traffic conditions you
follow specific routes nor must we exclude are experiencing. Under normal traffic
any roadways (including limited access Prior to entering the test vehicle, you should situations, you should be able to bring your
highways) during the course of a driving have observed nearby parked cars, people, vehicle to a stop by smoothly and safely
test. Driving is a skill and how well you have or objects that could affect your ability to
applying your brakes. We expect you to use
developed this skill will be the determining safely put the car in motion. Upon entering the turn signals every time it is appropriate
factor when the inspector evaluates your the vehicle you should adjust your seat (and
and to be able to demonstrate hand signals.
driving test. steering wheel if adjustable) so that you are You should be aware of other traffic and
sitting erect behind the wheel with your feet pedestrians as you make your turn and your
speed should be adjusted for the turn. You Laws for 16-and 17-year-old
Passing
should have had enough experience and
training to enable you to determine what
Drivers Your Driving
your best course of action should be in a Connecticut has laws for 16-and 17-year-old
particular driving situation. Drivers must be
alert to what is happening around them.
drivers. These teen driving laws apply to
both learner permit holders and newly
Test
licensed drivers. NOTE: 16- and 17-year-
Critical Driving Skills old drivers must obtain a learner permit
before earning a driver license. These laws
It is important to know what is an include passenger restrictions, a nighttime
acceptable and proper speed and be able driving curfew and no cellphone use while
to maintain that speed. We expect you to driivng (even with a hands-free device). You
know what lane you should turn into, drive in, can find detailed information on these laws
and turn from. You should know when and to on the Web at ct.gov/teendriving.
whom you must yield the right of way and
recognize when it is being yielded to you. Final Note
We expect you to know when you must stop
for a yellow traffic signal and when it is Passing your driving test does not automati-
permissible not to stop. We expect you to cally make you a good driver. If you continue M. Jodi Rell
know that when you are stopped at a stop to drive safely and carefully for the next few Governor
sign or traffic light your vehicle is not mov- years and treat this time as an advanced
ing. You should be able to safely control your learning experience, then you will have Robert M. Ward
car while backing. A skilled driver should be earned the title of good driver. Commissioner
able to park in and exit any style parking
space. You should be able to drive or back Good luck and safe driving!
into a perpendicular parking space from the
left or right. You must be able to park next to State of Connecticut
a curb in front of, behind, or between cars. Department of Motor Vehicles
You should know the proper way to park on 60 State Street
a hill. Wethersfield, CT 06161
ct.gov/dmv
Z-17 Rev. 8/08