Connecticut adds a new requirement before teens can get a learner’s permit

New rule hits all permit applicants

Connecticut added a new step for anyone trying to get a learner’s permit.

As of Jan. 1, 2026, every permit applicant must complete a Work Zone Safety Course before the state will issue one. The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced the rule on Jan. 29.

The course is free, fully online, and takes less than an hour. Drivers convicted of work zone violations must also take it.

Work zone crashes drove the change

Work zones are more dangerous than most drivers realize.

Changing traffic patterns, narrow lanes, lower speed limits, and workers on foot all raise the risk. Connecticut logged more than 1,000 work zone crashes in 2024 alone.

Between 2020 and 2022, the state saw about 2,566 crashes and 10 deaths inside work zones. Roughly 20% of drivers speed through these areas, according to the state.

A worker’s death pushed officials to act

Andrew DiDomenico, a 26-year-old Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) employee from Meriden, died in a work zone.

His parents stood with state officials at a 2025 press conference calling for stronger protections. His mother pushed for stricter penalties, better education for new drivers, and more safety measures.

CTDOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said the course aims to show new drivers “the human beings behind the cones and barrels.”

The course targets brand-new drivers

The Work Zone Safety Course teaches new drivers how to navigate highway construction areas safely. It’s designed to build awareness right from the start of a driver’s learning journey.

DMV Commissioner Tony Guerrera said the goal is to build safe driving habits and long-term respect for traffic laws.

Once finished, applicants must print a completion certificate and bring it to the DMV along with their other required documents.

Who needs to take the course

The list covers a few groups. All 16- and 17-year-olds applying for a learner’s permit starting Jan. 1, 2026, must complete it.

So must adult applicants who have never held a Connecticut license and adults who don’t hold a valid license from another state, territory, or country.

Anyone convicted of violating highway worker safety laws must take the course, too. The DMV posted full details in a press release on its website.

Eight-hour course now costs more

Separate from the new work zone course, Connecticut also changed the rules for its existing eight-hour Safe Driving Practices Course.

That course has been a long-standing requirement for all first-time license applicants, no matter their age. It covers topics like the effects of drugs and alcohol and safe driving habits.

Driving schools can now charge up to $200 for the course. The previous cap sat at $150.

Remote students must keep cameras on

Starting Jan. 1, 2026, students taking the eight-hour course through distance learning must keep their cameras on the entire time. The course is available both in person and remotely through licensed driving schools.

When a student finishes, the school sends a certificate to the DMV electronically. One thing to note: this course must be done before taking the on-the-road driving test, not before getting the permit.

Two courses serve different purposes

It’s easy to mix these up, so here’s the breakdown. The Work Zone Safety Course is new, free, and required before getting a learner’s permit.

The eight-hour Safe Driving Practices Course has existed for years and is required before taking the road test. They cover different material at different stages of the licensing process.

Applicants need to complete both, just not at the same time.

Connecticut expands its safety push further

Connecticut isn’t stopping at the classroom. The state also launched a speed camera pilot program in highway work zones.

The “Know the Zone” program uses radar-equipped vehicles in select construction areas to catch speeders. Fines are already double in Connecticut work zones.

Other states like Pennsylvania and Maryland have seen big drops in work zone crashes after starting similar programs, according to CTDOT’s work zone safety data.

Steps for new teen drivers

If you’re a teen or helping one get a permit, here’s the path. First, complete the free online Work Zone Safety Course and print the certificate.

Next, pass the DMV knowledge test, which has 25 questions and requires an 80% score, plus a vision test. After that, complete the eight-hour Safe Driving Practices Course before the road test.

Teens must hold the permit for 120 or 180 days depending on their training path.

Steps for new adult drivers

Adults 18 and older applying for a first-time Connecticut license must complete both courses, too. Adults need to hold the learner’s permit for at least 90 days before taking the road test.

If your Connecticut license expired more than two years ago, you’ll need to go through all testing requirements again.

Adults transferring a valid license from another U.S. state, Canada, France, or Germany can skip the permit process entirely.

The course is available online now

The Work Zone Safety Course is live on the Connecticut DMV website.

Applicants create an account using their legal name, work through the course, and print the certificate at the end. You’ll need to bring that certificate to the DMV before taking the knowledge test.

The course is free and takes less than an hour, so there’s no reason to wait.

This article was created with AI assistance and human editing.

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