The Connecticut Motorcycle Operator's Manual - CT.gov

6 GETTING YOUR CONNECTICUT ENDORSEMENT
Other Laws for 16-and 17-Year-Old Motorcycle Operators
• Connecticut law prohibits 16-and 17 year-olds with a driver’s license from driving
between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless they are traveling for employment, school, religious
or medical-related reasons. This applies to the operation of a motorcycle.
• No person under 18 years of age may operate a motorcycle or a motor-driven
cycle, or be a passenger on a motorcycle, unless such operator or passenger is wearing
protective headgear.
Motorcycle Learner’s Permit
What do you need to obtain the motorcycle learner’s permit?
• You must possess a valid Connecticut Driver’s License.
• You must pass the motorcycle knowledge and vision tests.
• You must present a parental consent form if under 18 years of age.
• Each applicant issued a motorcycle learner’s permit, regardless of age while
operating a motorcycle, must wear U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) or
National Highway Traffi c Safety Administration (NHTSA) approved protective headgear.
• Pay the required fee for testing and the permit.
Where do you apply to take the knowledge and vision tests?
• You may take the knowledge and vision test to obtain a motorcycle learner’s permit
at any full-service DMV branch offi ce on a “walk in” basis. No appointment is necessary.
For offi ce hours visit the DMV website at ct.gov/dmv/offi ces.
What will the knowledge and vision tests include?
• The knowledge examination will consist of 16 questions taken from parts of this
manual and the Connecticut Driver’s Manual for New Drivers.
• The vision test will measure your visual acuity (how clearly you see) and your
horizontal vision (how far you can see to either side while looking straight ahead) as
well as depth and color perception.
What you need to know about operating a motorcycle with a motorcycle learner’s
permit:
• You must have your motorcycle permit and your driver’s license in your possession
while operating the motorcycle.
• You cannot operate your motorcycle on a limited access highway.
• You cannot operate your motorcycle at night.
• You cannot operate your motorcycle out-of-state.
• You cannot carry passengers on your motorcycle*.
• You must wear U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) or National Highway
Traffi c Safety Administration (NHTSA) approved protective headgear regardless of age.
• Your permit is valid for 60 days and may be renewed once in a calendar year.
*NOTE: You may not transport passengers for 90 days after obtaining a motorcycle
endorsement. Sixteen and 17-year-old drivers are prohibited from carrying passengers
for six months after obtaining a motorcycle endorsement.