Driving with a Home Country License

You may drive in the U.S. with your home country license for up to one year. If your license is in any language other than English or Spanish, you will also need to carry an International Driver Permit (IDP). The IDP may only be issued in the country where your license is from. You cannot obtain an IDP in the U.S. If you are going to stay in the U.S. for more than one year and plan to drive, or if you do not have a home country license and IDP, you should obtain a Connecticut driver’s license. 

Getting a Connecticut Driver’s License

Driver’s licenses in Connecticut are issued through the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You will need to visit the DMV to obtain a driver’s license or state ID. The nearest DMV to Middletown that issues new driver’s licenses is located in Wethersfield, CT, which is about 13 miles from campus.

Steps to obtain your Connecticut license: 

1 - Check in with OISA, if you are a newly arrived student

New students must complete the OISA Check-In for Students with Initial I-20s. Confirm that you have provided all necessary arrival documents and that your SEVIS record has been activated. If you are a continuing student, go to Step 2.

2 - Apply for a Social Security Number

If you have a job on campus, you will be issued a Social Security Number (SSN). If you do not work, you are not eligible for a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN). You will need to obtain a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not eligible to receive an SSN. You must present this letter to the DMV when you apply for your CT driver's license. All applicants must bring the following to the Social Security Administration office:

• Completed ​Form SS-5 Social Security Application​ (you will generate the SS-5 in your Sprintax Calculus profile and find it on your Calculus Tax Forms page) 
• Passport
• F-1 Visa
• Form I-20
• Most recent I-94
• Supervisor signed F-1 On-Campus Employer Letter
• OISA signed F-1 Status Verification Letter (this letter verifies you are a full-time student and eligible to work at the University)

3 - Complete the mandatory 8-hour Safe Driving Course

This is a classroom-based course that covers safety rules and is required of all applicants for a driver’s license in Connecticut. You may complete this course at any point prior to taking your road test. You may take the Safe Driving Course at any driving school. You will need to present proof of completion of this course at your road test.

4 - Take the Written Test and obtain an Adult Learner’s Permit

You will need to schedule an appointment with the DMV to take the written test and get your Adult Learner's Permit (cost: $40 testing fee, $19 learner’s permit fee). You must hold your learner’s permit for 90 days before you can move on to the next step and take your road test. The learner’s permit allows you to drive only in the company of someone at least 20 years old who has had a license for at least 4 years. If you have a current or past license from your home country or a prior U.S. license, the 90-day period can be waived. You must show the license (even if expired) to be waived from the 90-day period. You will need to bring the following to your appointment: 

• Passport
• I-94 admission printout
• Form I-20
• Social Security card or Social Security denial letter 
• Official school transcript
• Two documents showing proof that you live in Connecticut (piece of mail, bill)

5 - Take the Road Test

After holding the learner’s permit for 90 days or having that 90 days waived, you may schedule an appointment for a road (driving) test. You will need to bring a car for the test. Some driving schools may allow you to rent a car for your test. Refer to the DMV website for a list of documents that you must bring and resources to prepare for your test.

6 - Get your license

Once you pass your test, your new license will be mailed to you (cost: $84). You should be sure that your mailing address is accurate and that you can receive mail there.

Transferring Your Out-of-State (or France, Germany, Canada) License

If you currently have a driver’s license from another U.S. state, France, Canada, or Germany, you can transfer your license to a Connecticut license. You are expected to transfer your driver’s license within 60 days of moving to Connecticut. Licenses can be transferred if they are valid or recently expired (within the last 2 years). If your license expired more than 2 years prior, you must follow the steps for a new driver’s license above. Read more about Transferring your Driver’s Licence

Learning to Drive

If you are over the age of 18, you are not required to attend formal driving lessons. However, if you have never driven an automobile, it is strongly recommended that you take driving lessons. Many of the same schools that offer the 8-hour Safe Driving Course also offer driving lessons: Area Driving Schools

Obeying Traffic Laws

Driving is not a right; it is a privilege. You must obey the rules in order to keep your driver’s license. In addition to knowing the rules of the road essential to being a safe and courteous driver, it is important to understand the laws concerning driving and parking. Please review the Traffic and Parking Violations section of the U.S. Laws: Your Rights & Responsibilities page.

Buying and Owning a Car & Purchasing Auto Insurance

You may decide to purchase a car while in the U.S. Car ownership comes with many expenses and responsibilities. Be sure to do your research when buying a car. There are many ways to buy and many different prices. Review car value estimates on websites like Kelley Blue Book or Carfax to ensure you pay a fair price. 

Please note: everyone who drives a vehicle in the United States is required to have auto insurance regardless of citizenship. Short-term international visitors may be able to purchase auto insurance through their car rental company. Read about Connecticut Minimum Car Insurance Requirements, Penalties and Other Auto Insurance Laws.  

Resources

State of Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles - Main Page

State of Connecticut DMV Mobile App - Practice tests