Connecticut: Cheat Sheet

The most frequently tested facts and numbers, condensed onto one page — free to print or save.

Independent educational site · not affiliated with any government agency or DMV

Driving Test Practiceofficialdrivingtest.com

Licensing basics

The manual states you must be at least 16 years of age to obtain a learner’s permit.
The knowledge test has 25 questions and 20 correct answers are needed to pass.
The minimum for all license classes is at least 20/40, with or without glasses or contact lenses.
The hour restriction for these drivers runs from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., with listed exceptions.

Seat belts and child safety

The manual says that in Connecticut it is illegal to drive or to be a passenger without wearing a safety belt.
The manual says that each could be cited for a seat belt violation and fined $75.
The manual says state law requires children under 16 to be secured in proper child restraint and safety systems.

Distracted driving and fitness

State law prohibits hand-held use even when the vehicle is temporarily stopped because of traffic, road conditions or a traffic control sign or signal.
Drivers who are 16 or 17 may not use any type of cell phone or mobile electronic device, hands-free included.
The manual defines a distraction as anything that takes your attention away from driving, and says distractions may occur anytime and anywhere.

Insurance

The manual states that Connecticut law requires continuous insurance coverage on any registered vehicle.

Speed and following distance

The manual says safer drivers tend to look at least 12 seconds ahead.
Under the four-second sight-distance rule, reaching the object before you finish counting means you need to slow down because you are going too fast for your sight-distance.
The manual says to repeat until you are following no closer than three seconds.
The manual says to reduce your speed by about 10 mph on a wet road.
The manual says to cut your speed in half on packed snow.
The manual says studded tires are permitted in Connecticut from November 15th through April 30th.
The manual says stopping at 60 mph takes over three times the distance needed at 30 mph.

Traffic signals

A right turn at a red light is allowed after stopping unless a traffic sign prohibits it.
State law requires a driver to stop as though the intersection was controlled by a stop sign.
A yellow light means the light is about to change to red and you must stop if it is safe to do so.
A flashing red light means the same as a stop sign: a full stop, then proceed when it is safe.
A flashing yellow light means slow down and proceed with caution.
A red arrow means you must stop and you cannot go in the direction of the arrow.
A solid red HAWK signal means pedestrians are in the crosswalk and motorists must stop.

Emergency vehicles and work zones

Distracted driving fines are doubled for anyone convicted of illegally using a hand-held cellphone or mobile electronic device in a work zone.
You must pull over to the right edge of the road, or as near to the right as possible, and stop your vehicle.
Drivers must move their vehicle over one lane whenever it is safe to do so.
You must stop for a stopped school bus with flashing red lights on either side of the road or at an intersection ahead.

Sharing the road

The manual states that drivers must allow for three feet of distance when passing vulnerable users.
The manual says fines are doubled for failure to yield right-of-way to a bicyclist.
Drivers must stop their vehicles at least 10 feet from the front or back of the truck.
The manual says that if you can’t see the driver’s face in his side view mirror, he can’t see you.

Pedestrians

The manual says to stop and yield to students who are crossing or if a crossing guard signals you to do so.
Drivers must yield at all times to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks.
The manual gives absolute right-of-way to pedestrians with a guide dog or white cane.

Highway driving and merging

On such a road, except to pass, you should stay in the right lane.
The manual says to try to enter at the same speed that traffic is moving.

Right-of-way and turning

You must turn your head and look to see vehicles in your blind spot.
The manual says to obey an officer's signals even when they contradict the signal.
Left-turning drivers must yield to oncoming vehicles going straight.
Without signs or signals, drivers yield to vehicles coming from the right.
The first driver to arrive goes first, after coming to a complete stop.
When vehicles arrive together at a four-way stop, the vehicle on the right goes first.
Vehicles already on the main road have the right-of-way.
Entering traffic yields to traffic already circulating.

Alcohol and drugs

One alcohol drink is 12 oz. of beer.
The manual says coffee, fresh air, exercise and cold showers will not help; only time sobers you up.
Failing the test means a suspension of at least 45 days.
The law penalizes any measurable amount of alcohol, defined as .02% or more.

Penalties and your driving record

A first GDL violation brings a 30-day suspension.
Anyone 24 or younger with two or more moving or suspension violations must complete retraining.

Railroad crossings

The manual says you must yield the right-of-way to trains crossing the roadway.
The manual says to stop when the lights begin to flash and before the gate lowers.
The manual says not to attempt to drive around the lowered gate.

Parking rules

On a hill you turn your wheels sharply towards the side of the road or the curb.
You may not park within 25 feet of a stop sign.
You may not park within 10 feet of a fire hydrant.

Signals and vehicle controls

The manual says that if you turn on your wipers, you must turn on your headlights, and it adds “It’s the law.”
The manual tells you to dim high beams whenever you come within about a one-block distance of an oncoming vehicle.
The manual says to try to signal at least three seconds before you make your move.

Emergencies

Pumping the brake pedal several times will often build up enough brake pressure to allow you to stop.
The manual says to stay off the brake because until the vehicle slows, your brakes will not work and could cause you to skid more.
The manual says you must report the accident to police if there is an injury, a death or property damage.

Pavement markings

A solid white lane line means you should stay in your lane unless a special situation requires a lane change.
Dashed yellow lines separate single lanes of opposing traffic, and passing is allowed.
Passing is permitted on the side of the broken line, but not on the side of the solid line.
A red “X” means you cannot use the lane.
A double solid white line prohibits lane changing.

Sign shapes and colors

The octagon (eight-sided) shape always means stop.
The pentagon shape marks school zones and warns about school crossings.
The pennant marks the beginning of a no-passing zone.
Yellow is used for warning signs, which tell you of road conditions and dangers ahead.
Orange is also used for warning signs, and these signs alert you to dangers from construction and maintenance projects.

Road signs

You must come to a full and complete stop at a stop sign or stop line, if one is present.
A square sign with a white horizontal line inside a red ball means you cannot enter.
The WRONG WAY sign identifies a one-way street, an expressway ramp or the wrong direction or side of a divided highway; do not drive past it.
You must always go only in the direction of the arrow on a ONE WAY sign.
The Signal Ahead sign means traffic signals are ahead; slow down and prepare to stop.
The School Zone sign means to slow down, watch out for children crossing or playing, be ready to stop and obey crossing guards.