How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Connecticut?

You must be at least 16 years old to get a learner's permit in Connecticut. You must hold your permit for at least 4 months before moving to the next stage.

What are the restrictions for an intermediate license in Connecticut?

Connecticut intermediate license holders must be at least 16.33 years old. There is a curfew from 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM.

When can you get a full unrestricted license in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, you can get a full unrestricted driver's license at age 18.

Connecticut Graduated Driver License (GDL) Laws

Last verified: 2026-03

Connecticut uses a graduated driver license (GDL) system to help new drivers build skills in stages. Here is a breakdown of each stage, the requirements, and the restrictions you need to know.

Stage 1

Learner's Permit

Minimum age

Stage 2

Intermediate License

16.33

Minimum age

Stage 3

Full License

Minimum age

Stage 1: Learner's Permit

Minimum age: 16
Holding period: 4 months
Supervised driving hours: 40 hours
Supervisor minimum age: 20 years old

Stage 2: Intermediate (Provisional) License

Minimum age: 16.33
Curfew hours: 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM
Passenger exceptions: No non-family passengers first 6 months; immediate family only second 6 months. Parents and driving instructor always permitted.
Cell phone use banned: Yes

Stage 3: Full Unrestricted License

Minimum age for full license

At this age, all GDL restrictions are removed and you can drive without limits on passengers, curfew, or supervision.

Penalties for GDL Violations

Violations result in a 48-hour license suspension for first offense; subsequent offenses carry longer suspensions and fines

Connecticut-Specific Information

Holding period is 4 months with driver education, 6 months without. Parent must complete a 2-hour safe driving practices course. Connecticut has among the strictest passenger restrictions in the first year.

Frequently Asked Questions

A graduated driver license (GDL) is a system that lets new drivers in Connecticut gain experience in stages. You start with a learner's permit, move to an intermediate license, and then earn a full unrestricted license. Each stage has its own rules and restrictions.

You can get your learner's permit in Connecticut at age 16. You must hold your permit for at least 4 months before moving to the intermediate license stage.

During the intermediate license stage, Connecticut restricts driving between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM. This curfew is in place until you get your full unrestricted license at age 18.

You can get your full unrestricted driver's license in Connecticut at age 18. At that point, all GDL restrictions on curfew, passengers, and supervision are removed.

Prefer to learn online?

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This information is based on nonprofit-research sources. Requirements can change. Visit your state's official DMV website for the most current information.