Connecticut: Alcohol and drugs Practice Test
How alcohol and drugs affect driving, blood alcohol limits, test refusal, the ignition interlock device and the penalties in Connecticut.
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Questions are original and based on the official manual "Connecticut Driver's Manual" (Revised March 2023), Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
All 30 questions in this practice test
Take the test above first, then use this list to study. Tap “Show answer” to see the correct answer and explanation.
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What does Connecticut have for teens drinking and driving?
- A one-drink limit for teens
- A warning-only policy for first offenses
- A Zero-Tolerance Law
- A curfew-based restriction only
Show answer
Correct answer: A Zero-Tolerance Law
The manual says Connecticut has a Zero-Tolerance Law for teens drinking and driving.
Source: Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 4 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 4)
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According to the manual, what does even one drink do to a teen driver?
- It has no effect on driving ability below the adult legal limit
- It impairs driving ability and increases the risk of a crash
- It slightly improves a teen’s reaction time on the road
- It affects driving ability only when teens drive at night
Show answer
Correct answer: It impairs driving ability and increases the risk of a crash
The manual says even one drink impairs a teen’s driving ability and increases the risk of a crash.
Source: Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 4 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 4)
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Before a trip, what does the manual say to do about sedating medications?
- Take them only after you have had a cup of coffee
- Take them only on trips that last under two hours
- Take half the usual dose on the day of the trip
- Avoid them; check your labels or ask your doctor
Show answer
Correct answer: Avoid them; check your labels or ask your doctor
Among the things to do before a trip, the manual lists avoiding alcohol and sedating medications, checking your labels or asking your doctor.
Source: Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 28 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 28)
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Why are new drivers more affected by alcohol than experienced drivers?
- They are still learning to drive
- They always drink more than experienced drivers
- They are not used to driving at night
- They have not yet been through retraining
Show answer
Correct answer: They are still learning to drive
The manual says new drivers are more affected by alcohol because they are still learning to drive.
Source: Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
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Which of these is a risk for people who drive after drinking?
- Lower insurance rates
- A permanent ban on owning a car
- Higher insurance rates
- Required sale of their vehicle
Show answer
Correct answer: Higher insurance rates
The manual lists heavy fines, higher insurance rates, loss of license and even jail sentences.
Source: Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
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Which part of the body does alcohol affect in a way that makes drinking and driving so dangerous?
- Only the areas of the brain that control hearing
- The areas of the brain that control judgment and skill
- Only the muscles used to steer the vehicle
- Only the eyes, and nothing else in the brain
Show answer
Correct answer: The areas of the brain that control judgment and skill
Alcohol affects the brain areas that control judgment and skill, which is why it is so dangerous.
Source: Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
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The manual compares the effect of alcohol on your judgment to a sunburn. What is the point of the comparison?
- It fades quickly if you rest in the shade
- It only shows up the next day
- It is harmless if you drink slowly
- By the time you feel it, it is already too late
Show answer
Correct answer: By the time you feel it, it is already too late
You do not know you have had too much until it is too late, just as with a sunburn.
Source: Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
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Which of these is an effect of alcohol on a driver?
- It slows reflexes and reaction time
- It sharpens vision at night
- It makes the driver more alert
- It speeds up reaction time
Show answer
Correct answer: It slows reflexes and reaction time
Alcohol slows your reflexes and reaction time, reduces clear vision and makes you less alert.
Source: Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
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As the amount of alcohol in your body increases, what will you have trouble judging?
- The color of traffic lights and the shapes of signs
- The time of day and the date on the calendar
- Distances, speeds, and other vehicles' movement
- The weight and size of your own vehicle
Show answer
Correct answer: Distances, speeds, and other vehicles' movement
More alcohol means worse judgment of distances, speeds and the movement of other vehicles.
Source: Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
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In Connecticut, after how much alcohol could people under 21 years old be considered impaired?
- Three drinks
- Only one drink
- Two drinks
- Four drinks
Show answer
Correct answer: Only one drink
The manual says people under 21 could be considered impaired after only one drink.
Source: Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
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How much 80-proof liquor counts as one alcohol drink?
- 3 oz. (two shot glasses)
- 5 oz. (a small glass)
- 12 oz. (a regular can)
- 1.5 oz. (one shot glass)
Show answer
Correct answer: 1.5 oz. (one shot glass)
One alcohol drink is 1.5 oz. of 80-proof liquor, which is one shot glass.
Source: Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
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How much beer counts as one alcohol drink?
- 12 oz. (a regular size can, bottle, mug, or glass)
- 1.5 oz. (one shot glass, straight or mixed)
- 5 oz. (a regular size can, bottle, or mug)
- 24 oz. (a large can, bottle, mug, or glass)
Show answer
Correct answer: 12 oz. (a regular size can, bottle, mug, or glass)
One alcohol drink is 12 oz. of beer.
Source: Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
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How much wine counts as one alcohol drink?
- A 1.5 oz. shot glass
- A 12 oz. glass
- A 5 oz. glass
- A 16 oz. glass
Show answer
Correct answer: A 5 oz. glass
One alcohol drink is a 5 oz. glass of wine.
Source: Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
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How does the manual say a specialty drink compares with normal drinks?
- It has less alcohol than a normal drink
- It can equal several normal drinks
- It always has the same alcohol as one beer
- It has no effect on driving ability
Show answer
Correct answer: It can equal several normal drinks
Specialty drinks can have more alcohol and are the same as having several normal drinks.
Source: Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
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What is the only thing that will sober you up?
- Coffee
- A cold shower
- Fresh air
- Time
Show answer
Correct answer: Time
The manual says coffee, fresh air, exercise and cold showers will not help; only time sobers you up.
Source: Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
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What does the manual suggest you arrange when going out where people will drink?
- Go with others and agree who will not drink
- Agree that everyone drinks only one drink
- Let the person who drinks the least drive
- Plan to drink coffee before driving home
Show answer
Correct answer: Go with others and agree who will not drink
The group agrees on a designated driver who will not drink, rotating among the group.
Source: Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
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Which of these drugs can make a person drowsy and affect driving?
- Only illegal drugs bought on the street
- Only medicines that are given by injection
- Drugs taken for headaches, colds, or allergies
- Only drugs bought from outside the U.S.
Show answer
Correct answer: Drugs taken for headaches, colds, or allergies
Many prescription and over-the-counter drugs, such as those for colds or allergies, can cause drowsiness.
Source: Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
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If you are driving, what should you do before you take a drug?
- Wait one hour after taking it, then drive
- Check the label for warnings about its effects
- Take half of the usual dose to be safe
- Drink coffee to offset any of its effects
Show answer
Correct answer: Check the label for warnings about its effects
The manual says to check the label for warnings about a drug's effects before you take it.
Source: Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
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If you are not sure whether it is safe to take a drug and drive, whom does the manual say to ask?
- The police
- Your insurance agent
- A driving instructor
- A doctor or pharmacist
Show answer
Correct answer: A doctor or pharmacist
The manual says to ask your doctor or pharmacist about any side effects.
Source: Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
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Why should you never drink alcohol while you are taking other drugs?
- The drugs could multiply the effects of alcohol
- The drugs would always cancel out the alcohol
- Alcohol would make the drugs wear off at once
- It would only matter if you drive at night
Show answer
Correct answer: The drugs could multiply the effects of alcohol
Other drugs could multiply alcohol's effects or have additional effects of their own.
Source: Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
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Who imposes the penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol in Connecticut?
- Only the police officer who made the arrest
- Only the driver's own insurance company
- The courts and the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles
- Only the state legislature in a yearly vote
Show answer
Correct answer: The courts and the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles
Penalties are imposed by the courts and the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.
Source: Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
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If you are arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, which test will you be asked to submit to?
- A written knowledge test only
- A blood, breath, or urine test
- A balance and walking test only
- A vision and hearing test only
Show answer
Correct answer: A blood, breath, or urine test
You will be asked to take a blood, breath, or urine test, which shows your BAC.
Source: Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
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If you fail the blood, breath, or urine test after a DUI arrest, your operator's license will be suspended for at least how long?
- 10 days
- 30 days
- 90 days
- 45 days
Show answer
Correct answer: 45 days
Failing the test means a suspension of at least 45 days.
Source: Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
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What must you install and maintain as a condition of reinstatement after failing a DUI test?
- An ignition interlock device (IID)
- A dashboard camera with a GPS
- A breath card kept in your wallet
- A GPS speed limiter on the engine
Show answer
Correct answer: An ignition interlock device (IID)
An ignition interlock device (IID) is required as a condition of reinstatement.
Source: Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
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After failing the test, for at least how long will the IID be required, depending on prior offenses?
- 30 days
- Three months
- Six months
- Two years
Show answer
Correct answer: Six months
The IID is required for at least six months, or longer depending on prior offenses.
Source: Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
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What blood alcohol level is "zero tolerance" for drivers under 21 years of age in Connecticut?
- Eight hundredths of one percent (.08%) or more
- Two hundredths of one percent (.02%) or more
- Four hundredths of one percent (.04%) or more
- One tenth of one percent (.10%) or more
Show answer
Correct answer: Two hundredths of one percent (.02%) or more
The law penalizes any measurable amount of alcohol, defined as .02% or more.
Source: Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
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Where does the zero tolerance law for drivers under 21 apply?
- Only on public roads and state highways
- Only on private property and parking lots
- Only on highways with a posted limit
- On both public roads and private property
Show answer
Correct answer: On both public roads and private property
The manual says zero tolerance applies on both public roads and private property.
Source: Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
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For a driver under 21 whose test result is .02 percent or higher, for at least how long will the IID be required?
- One year
- Six months
- 30 days
- Two years
Show answer
Correct answer: One year
Under-21 drivers at .02 percent or higher need an IID for at least one year, or longer depending on prior offenses.
Source: Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
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Regardless of age, what happens if you refuse to take a test after a DUI arrest?
- Nothing happens until you have a court hearing
- You pay a fine but you keep your license
- Your license is suspended for at least 45 days
- Your license is suspended for at least 10 days
Show answer
Correct answer: Your license is suspended for at least 45 days
Refusing a test means a suspension of at least 45 days, regardless of age.
Source: Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
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If you refuse to take a test after a DUI arrest, the IID will be required for at least how long?
- Six months
- One year
- Three months
- 30 days
Show answer
Correct answer: One year
After a refusal, the IID is required for at least one year.
Source: Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)