Connecticut DMV Permit Test cheat sheet
Connecticut DMV Permit Test · Keep the key ideas within reach.
Connecticut Driving Laws and Rules of the Road
Connecticut's basic speed limit is 55 mph on most highways unless posted otherwise; posted limits override the statutory default.
State law requires seat belts for the driver and all passengers; children under 8 years and under 60 pounds must use a child restraint system.
A driver must carry a valid license, registration, and proof of insurance while operating a vehicle in Connecticut.
Right-of-way at an uncontrolled intersection belongs to the vehicle that arrives first; if two arrive simultaneously, yield to the vehicle on the right.
Drivers must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk and to any pedestrian who has stepped into the roadway.
A left turn on red is permitted only from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after a full stop and yielding.
Connecticut law requires headlights from sunset to sunrise and whenever visibility is reduced, such as in rain, fog, or snow.
Turn signals must be given at least 100 feet before a turn and before any lane change.
Passing on the right is allowed when the vehicle ahead is making a left turn or when multiple lanes travel in the same direction.
Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings
Red octagon means stop; red inverted triangle means yield; both require slowing or stopping as appropriate.
Yellow diamond signs are warnings; orange diamond signs indicate construction or work zones; fluorescent yellow-green marks pedestrian and school zones.
A flashing red signal is treated as a stop sign; a flashing yellow signal means proceed with caution and do not stop unless needed.
A steady yellow light means the signal is about to turn red; stop if it can be done safely, otherwise clear the intersection.
A solid white line between lanes means lane changes are discouraged; a double solid white line prohibits crossing.
A broken yellow line separates traffic moving in opposite directions and permits passing when safe.
A solid yellow line on your side means no passing; a double solid yellow line prohibits passing in both directions.
White markings generally separate traffic moving in the same direction; yellow markings separate traffic moving in opposite directions.
A green arrow means you may proceed in the direction of the arrow if the way is clear, and oncoming traffic is stopped.
Safe Driving Practices and Defensive Driving
Use the three-second following rule in good conditions; increase to four or more seconds in rain, snow, or darkness.
The legal blood alcohol concentration limit for drivers 21 and older is 0.08 percent; Connecticut's 'operating under the influence' law covers impairment by alcohol, drugs, or both.
For drivers under 21, any measurable blood alcohol content of 0.02 percent or higher can result in license suspension under zero-tolerance rules.
Scan 12 to 15 seconds ahead of the vehicle to identify hazards before they become emergencies.
If a vehicle begins to skid, ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction the rear of the vehicle is sliding.
Use low-beam headlights in fog, rain, and snow; high beams reflect off precipitation and reduce visibility.
A driver must not drive so slowly as to impede the normal flow of traffic; minimum speed limits may be posted.
When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren, pull to the right edge of the road and stop until it passes.
If you miss an exit, continue to the next exit; backing up on a highway or limited-access road is prohibited.
Sharing the Road, Special Situations, and Vehicle Safety
Connecticut's Move Over law requires drivers to slow down and move over a lane, when safe, for stopped emergency, tow, and highway maintenance vehicles.
When passing a bicyclist, drivers must leave a safe distance; Connecticut law requires at least three feet of clearance.
Pedestrians in a crosswalk have the right-of-way; drivers must stop and remain stopped until the pedestrian has cleared the lane.
At a school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm, traffic in both directions must stop unless separated by a median or physical barrier.
On a railroad crossing with flashing lights, gates, or a stop sign, stop; never stop on the tracks or attempt to beat a train.
Large trucks have significant blind spots on both sides and directly behind; avoid lingering in those areas and never cut in front of a truck.
Before driving, check tire pressure, tread depth, lights, and fluid levels; a tire with insufficient tread increases stopping distance and hydroplaning risk.
In a skid or hydroplaning situation, take your foot off the accelerator and avoid hard braking until traction returns.
Motorcyclists are entitled to a full lane; a driver may not share a lane with a motorcycle or moped.
Connecticut Driving Laws and Rules of the Road (Additional)
A driver must not follow an emergency vehicle responding to a call closer than 500 feet, and may not park within 25 feet of a fire hydrant.
Parking is prohibited within 25 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection and within 10 feet of a fire hydrant in many jurisdictions.
U-turns are permitted only where not prohibited by signs or markings and only when they can be made safely without interfering with traffic.
Connecticut's 'move over' requirement applies to any stationary vehicle with flashing lights, including tow trucks and highway workers.
A driver must yield to oncoming traffic when making a left turn at an intersection unless a green arrow protects the turn.
A right turn on red is permitted after a complete stop and yield, unless a sign prohibits it.
Drivers may not use a hand-held mobile phone while driving; hands-free use is permitted for drivers 18 and older.
Drivers under 18 are subject to passenger and hours restrictions under Connecticut's graduated licensing program.
A vehicle must be able to stop within the assured clear distance ahead, adjusted for speed, road, and weather conditions.
Signals, Signals, and More Signals
A red arrow means stop and do not proceed in the direction of the arrow until it changes to green.
A yellow arrow means the protected movement is ending; prepare to stop or yield to oncoming traffic.
A flashing yellow arrow permits a turn after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
A steady green light means proceed if the intersection is clear; do not enter if traffic will block the intersection.
Pedestrian signals: a walking person means proceed; a raised hand means do not start crossing; a flashing hand means finish crossing.
A stop sign requires a complete stop at the stop line, crosswalk, or edge of the roadway before proceeding.
When two vehicles reach a four-way stop at the same time, the vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on the right.
A driver turning left at a green light must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
Lane-use control signals (red X, green arrow) indicate whether a lane is open or closed for travel.
Basic Vehicle Control and Safety
The parking brake should be set before leaving a parked vehicle; on a hill, turn the front wheels toward the curb when facing downhill.
When parked uphill with a curb, turn the front wheels away from the curb; without a curb, turn them toward the edge of the road.
Check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes; signal, then move only when the lane is clear.
Adjust the seat and mirrors before starting the vehicle; the rearview mirror should frame the entire rear window.
Braking distance increases with speed and with wet or icy surfaces; double the following distance in adverse weather.
Tire blowouts: hold the steering wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, and steer to a safe stop; do not brake hard.
If the accelerator sticks, shift to neutral and brake firmly while steering to the side of the road.
A vehicle's headlights should be on whenever windshield wipers are in continuous use, per Connecticut law.
Never leave a child or pet unattended in a parked vehicle; interior temperatures can rise rapidly even in mild weather.
Sharing the Road with Pedestrians, Bicycles, and Others
Pedestrians have the right-of-way in marked crosswalks and at intersections with no marked crosswalk.
A driver must not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk; the stopped vehicle may be yielding to a pedestrian.
Bicyclists must ride with traffic, not against it; drivers should treat bicycles as vehicles with the same rights and responsibilities.
When a school bus displays flashing red lights, traffic in both directions must stop unless separated by a median or physical barrier.
Motorcyclists may use a full lane; drivers must not share a lane with a motorcycle or moped.
Large trucks have wide blind spots on both sides and directly behind; avoid lingering in those areas and never cut in front of a truck.
Emergency vehicles with lights and siren have the right-of-way; pull to the right and stop until they pass.
At railroad crossings with flashing lights, gates, or a stop sign, stop; never stop on the tracks or attempt to beat a train.
When passing a bicyclist, Connecticut law requires at least three feet of clearance.
Connecticut Alcohol, Drug, and Point System Rules
Connecticut uses a point system; accumulating points from traffic convictions can lead to license suspension.
A conviction for operating under the influence carries license suspension and possible ignition interlock device requirements.
Refusing a chemical test at an arrest for operating under the influence results in automatic license suspension under implied consent.
Drivers under 21 with a blood alcohol content of 0.02 percent or higher face suspension under zero-tolerance rules.
Open containers of alcohol in the passenger area of a vehicle are prohibited.
Connecticut's 'operating under the influence' law covers impairment by alcohol, drugs, or both.
A driver may be charged with operating under the influence even if the vehicle is not moving, if the driver is in control of it.
Repeat convictions for operating under the influence carry longer suspensions and mandatory interlock devices.
A driver must carry proof of insurance and may face penalties for driving without it.
Winter and Adverse Weather Driving
In snow and ice, increase following distance to at least four seconds and reduce speed below the posted limit.
Use low-beam headlights in fog, rain, and snow; high beams reflect off precipitation and reduce visibility.
If a vehicle begins to skid, ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction the rear of the vehicle is sliding.
Hydroplaning occurs when tires ride on a film of water; ease off the accelerator and avoid hard braking until traction returns.
Bridges and overpasses freeze before roadways because cold air circulates under them.
Black ice is most likely at dawn, in shaded areas, and on bridges; reduce speed and avoid sudden steering or braking.
Connecticut law requires headlights whenever windshield wipers are in continuous use.
In heavy rain, avoid cruise control so you can react quickly to a loss of traction.
Snow tires or chains may be required in posted areas; check tire tread depth before winter.
Road Markings and Lane Use
A solid white line between lanes means lane changes are discouraged; a double solid white line prohibits crossing.
A broken yellow line separates traffic moving in opposite directions and permits passing when safe.
A solid yellow line on your side means no passing; a double solid yellow line prohibits passing in both directions.
White markings generally separate traffic moving in the same direction; yellow markings separate traffic moving in opposite directions.
A green arrow means you may proceed in the direction of the arrow if the way is clear, and oncoming traffic is stopped.
Lane-use control signals (red X, green arrow) indicate whether a lane is open or closed for travel.
A center left-turn lane is shared by traffic in both directions for left turns only; it is not a travel lane.
A solid white line at an intersection marks the stop line; stop before it when required.
Painted arrows in a lane indicate the direction traffic must travel from that lane.
Distracted and Impaired Driving
Connecticut law prohibits the use of a hand-held mobile phone while driving; hands-free use is permitted for drivers 18 and older.
Texting while driving is prohibited for all drivers, including at red lights.
Distracted driving includes eating, grooming, adjusting the radio, and interacting with passengers.
A driver may be charged with operating under the influence even if the vehicle is not moving, if the driver is in control of it.
Open containers of alcohol in the passenger area of a vehicle are prohibited.
Fatigue impairs reaction time and judgment similarly to alcohol; take breaks every two hours on long trips.
Prescription and over-the-counter medications can impair driving; check labels for warnings.
Connecticut's 'operating under the influence' law covers impairment by alcohol, drugs, or both.
Refusing a chemical test at an arrest for operating under the influence results in automatic license suspension under implied consent.