Dear students & scholars,
The CT Department of Motor Vehicles has made some exciting new changes to the process of getting a CT driver’s license, specifically in regard to the Learner’s Permit requirements. The ISSS website has been updated to reflect this and we will also share the information below. You can find complete driver’s license information here: http://global.uconn.edu/about/isss/drivers-license/ and as always, please contact ISSS with any questions.
How to Get a Driver’s License / CT State ID – Checklist
Step 1: Documents and Items to Prepare Before Going to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
1. Complete 8 hour driving course in CT (UNLESS you have a valid out-of-state license [from another U.S. state] or a valid license from Canada, Germany or France). This step may also be completed during the Written Test/Learner’s Permit phase below. Proof of course completion will be required at the time of the road test.
2. Apply and receive Social Security Card or get letter from Social Security Administration indicating you are ineligible for SSN. Documents to bring to Social Security:
1 – Passport (w/ entry stamp, visa or change of status information)
2 – Printout of I-94 admission record
3 – Form I-20 or DS-2019
4 – Social Security Letter from International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)
5 – Employment offer letter*
*Not required - indicate to Social Security officer that you need letter for DMV
Social Security is located at 1320 Main Street. Willimantic, CT 06226 (Tyler Square Bus Stop)
Social Security Administration is open Monday – Friday from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Step 2: Learner’s Permit (WRITTEN TEST)
Applicants for a new license (except those with valid license from another U.S. state, or from Canada, Germany or France) must pass a written test and apply for a Learner’s Permit before you can take the Road Test to obtain your driver’s license. It is also possible to take the 8 hour driving course at this stage of the process, if you did not take it before. Schedule your appointment online to take the Learner’s Permit Knowledge test from the DMV page: https://www.dmvteen.ct.gov/dmv/do-it-online
Documents to bring to the DMV for Learner’s Permit (Written Test)
1 – Passport (w/ I-94 card, visa or change of status information)
2 – Form I-20 or DS-2019
3 –Social Security Number or two items below
· Letter from Social Security Office
· Academic Transcript from Registrar’s Office
4– Piece of received mail (mail sent TO YOU - with your name and address and a stamp – to prove you live in CT)
5 – DMV application forms for Learner’s Permit (may also be obtained at the DMV): see http://www.ct.gov/dmv/<http://www.ct.gov/dmv/site/default.asp> for application forms.
See www.isss.uconn.edu<http://www.isss.uconn.edu> (click on “Driver’s License”) for DMV Information (Website, Locations, Driver’s Manual, Sample Tests, etc.)
*Important Notes Regarding Learner’s Permit:
If you do not have a home country license and an (official) International Driving Permit, you must hold the learner’s permit for 90 days before you may take the Road Test to obtain your driver’s license. During this time, you may only drive if you are accompanied by an eligible “Trainer”. That person must be at least twenty years old and must have had a license for a least four consecutive years with no suspensions.
If you do have a home country license along with an (official) International Driving Permit, the 90 day period is waived and once you have received your permit, you may schedule your road test.
**International Driving Permit is not required if your home country license is in English or Spanish**
Step 3: Road Test
After you have had the learner’s permit for at least 90 days (unless waived), and have completed the 8-hour driving course you are eligible to take the road test. You may schedule the road test at your convenience when you feel prepared to take it. You must bring:
1 –Proof that you have completed an 8 hour driving course in CT (see page 2 for schools), UNLESS you have a valid out-of-state license from another U.S. state, or a valid license from Canada, Germany or France.
For full details on DMV locations, procedures and forms please see: http://www.ct.gov/dmv/<http://www.ct.gov/dmv/site/default.asp>
State ID Applicants
Applicants for a State ID must prepare the same identity documents (including applying for a Social Security Number for either the SSN card or SSN denial letter to confirm ineligibility) and apply in person at a DMV office that issues initial Licenses/IDs. You do not need to follow any of the steps related to driving (8 hour road test, written test, learner’s permit or road test).
STUDENTS WITH A VALID LICENSE FROM THE U.S., CANADA, GERMANY OR FRANCE:
You will be able to transfer your license to a CT state license. Please visit the following website for details on the required documents. http://www.ct.gov/dmv/cwp/view.asp?a=805&q=244776
If you currently own a car that is registered in another state, you are required to transfer registration to CT within 60 days. More information here: http://www.ct.gov/dmv/cwp/view.asp?a=810&q=245080
International Student & Scholar Services(ISSS)
Office of Global Affairs
University of Connecticut
2011 Hillside Road, Unit 1083
Storrs, CT 06269-1083
phone-(860) 486-3855
fax-(860)486-5800
* To schedule an appointment with an ISSS advisor please visit www.advapp.uconn.edu<http://www.advapp.uconn.edu/> and select ISSS (International Student & Scholar Services).
