If you are worried about the risk that teenage drivers pose on Connecticut's highways, you are not alone. Even the most responsible teenager lacks enough experience to make important decisions in what are often milliseconds when driving. Furthermore, many teenagers are impulsive and inexperienced which can also make them more susceptible to risky driving. All this adds up to serious dangers when not properly supervised.

How Teenage Drivers Get Licensed in CT

For these reasons, the State of Connecticut introduced a phased approach to teen driver licensing. For a young driver, the first step in the process is getting a learner's permit. This can be achieved at age 16 or 17. The teenager may only drive with a licensed parent or guardian or other adult offering driving instruction during the time that a permit is held. No other passengers are permitted like siblings.

Instruction Permit

The first step for a teen who would like to obtain a driver's license is to get an instruction permit. A 16- or 17-year-old can apply for an instruction permit (with the parent or guardian's consent) by passing a written test.

Education for Drivers.

Both public and private schools are allowed to host driver training courses for young people. The youth will take a written test to get a driver's education school instruction permit to start practicing with a licensed instructor. The teenagers may apply for a driver's license after 120 days with the instruction permit. Driver's education school can issue a completion certificate after the teen driver has completed 40 hours of driving time, eight hours of driver's safety training and a final driving test.

Connecticut Laws For Teen Licensed Drivers

However, after obtaining a driving license, drivers up to the age of 18 have specific rules that apply only to them:

• Teen drivers are not allowed to operate a vehicle between 11 p.m. And 5 a.m., except for purposes of worship, education, or employment.
• For the first 6 months of licensing, young drivers may have no passengers other than instructors, parents, or members of their immediate family.
• Any breach of these laws would result in the police officer seizing the driver's license for 48 hrs immediately. After the 48 hrs have passed, if accompanied by a parent, the driver can retrieve the license at the police station.

In addition, drivers under 18 years of age are subject to higher fines for such offenses:

Reason

Using your mobile phone while driving 

1st offense

$150 fine, a 30-day suspension

2nd offense

$300 fine, a 90-day suspension

3rd offense

$500 fine, 6-month suspension

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Reason

Speeding 20+ miles per hour over the limit

1st offense

60-day suspension, fine

2nd offense

90-day suspension, fine

3rd offense

6-month suspension, fine

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Reason

Reckless driving

1st offense

6-month suspension

2nd offense

1-year suspension

3rd offense

1-year suspension

If your teenager did get a fine for a driving violation, contact an Experienced Attorney in New Haven, Connecticut

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