Connecticut requires every 16- and 17-year-old to complete one of two state-approved paths before testing. We’ll walk you through both, so you can pick the one that fits your teen’s schedule and goals.
Teaching Fairfield County
Certified school
State-approved options
Road testing available
Every 16- and 17-year-old driver must complete one full option below. They differ in classroom hours, in-car requirements, and how long a permit must be held before testing.
Before you choose: Option A takes more classroom time up front but usually shortens the road-eligible wait and qualifies for an insurance discount. Option B is the faster classroom track but requires holding a permit two months longer.
Full classroom program · most popular path
Get permit
15 classes
8+ hrs in-car
Road test
Starts from $950
Compact classroom program
Get permit
4 classes
Supervised hours
Road test
Starts from $875
Once your classroom and in-car hours are complete, you can take your road test right here at our New Canaan facility. See the Driving Test page for what to bring and how to prepare.
A few state resources parents and teens reach for most while working through either option.
Book a DMV permit appointment online before starting classroom instruction.
The official state manual, available in English and Spanish, covering rules of the road.
Book a DMV permit appointment online before starting classroom instruction.
Yes — Connecticut requires committing to one full option. Mixing hours between the two isn’t permitted, so choose the classroom schedule and permit-hold timeline that works best for your family before enrolling.
Option A holds the permit for four months versus six for Option B, so despite more classroom hours up front, Option A is often the quicker overall path to a license — and it typically qualifies for an insurance discount too.
Yes, in both options a parent or guardian is required to attend one classroom session alongside the student, as required by the state of Connecticut.
Both options allow you to take the road test at our New Canaan facility. See the Driving Test page above for scheduling details and what to bring on test day.