Connecticut issues driver’s licenses in several classes, each authorizing the holder to operate a different category of motor vehicle. Most drivers hold a standard passenger vehicle license and never need to think about class designations. The licensing structure matters most to commercial drivers, those who operate passenger-carrying vehicles, and anyone transitioning from a standard license to a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for work.
This article covers Connecticut’s license classes, how endorsements work, the general eligibility and testing requirements for each class, and the administrative process for upgrades.
Connecticut driver’s license classes
Connecticut’s licensing structure follows the federal framework established by the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act and the regulations at 49 CFR Part 383, which require states to use a standardized class system for commercial drivers.
Class D — Passenger vehicle (standard)
The standard Connecticut driver’s license is Class D. It authorizes operation of passenger vehicles with a GVWR of 26,000 pounds or less, tow vehicles where the trailer GVWR is 10,000 pounds or less (combined 26,000 or less), and any recreational vehicle.
Class D is the baseline license for personal vehicle operation. The graduated licensing program for new drivers under age 18 culminates in a standard Class D.
Class A — Combination vehicles
Class A authorizes operation of any combination of vehicles with a combined GVWR exceeding 26,000 pounds, where the towed vehicle exceeds 10,000 GVWR. Holders may also operate Class B and C vehicles. Covers the full range of tractor-semitrailer combinations, tanker trucks with trailers, and large flatbed rigs.
Class B — Heavy straight vehicles
Class B authorizes any single vehicle with a GVWR exceeding 26,000 pounds that is not towing a vehicle with GVWR over 10,000 pounds. Covers dump trucks, large delivery trucks, transit buses, most school buses, and straight box trucks above the threshold.
Class C — Small vehicles with hazardous materials or passengers
Class C covers vehicles that do not meet Class A or B weight thresholds but are designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver), or are required to be placarded for hazardous materials under 49 CFR Part 172 Subpart F.
Commercial Driver’s License requirements
Class A, B, and C licenses are CDLs. Requirements are substantially more intensive than standard Class D licensing:
Minimum age. 21 for interstate commerce. 18 for intrastate-only CDL in Connecticut (with restrictions).
Medical certification. CDL holders in interstate commerce must meet FMCSA medical standards and carry a valid DOT medical examiner’s certificate on file with Connecticut DMV.
Knowledge tests. Passing the Connecticut CDL general knowledge test plus any relevant endorsement tests.
Skills test. A three-part skills test: pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic controls, and on-road driving. Must be taken in a vehicle of the class sought.
Background check. Connecticut DMV runs a driving record check. Disqualifying violations include DUI, serious traffic violations in a CMV, and leaving the scene of an accident.
Endorsements
Endorsements authorize the holder to operate specific vehicle types or carry specific cargo. Most require an additional knowledge test; some require a skills test.
H — Hazardous Materials. Requires a knowledge test and TSA background check and fingerprinting.
N — Tank Vehicles. Requires a knowledge test.
P — Passenger Vehicles. Required for 16+ passenger vehicles. Requires a knowledge test and skills test.
S — School Bus. Requires a knowledge test, skills test in a school bus, and Connecticut’s additional school bus driver background check and training requirements.
T — Double/Triple Trailers. Requires a knowledge test.
X — Combination Tank and HAZMAT. Combined H and N endorsement; requires both knowledge tests and the TSA background check process.
Upgrading a license class
- Obtain a CDL learner’s permit for the target class by passing the applicable knowledge tests at a Connecticut DMV office.
- Practice with a CDL holder of the same or higher class.
- Pass the skills test at a Connecticut CDL testing site in a vehicle representative of the class sought.
- Complete medical certification if moving into a CDL class for the first time.
- Pay the applicable license fee and surrender the learner’s permit.
License fees, testing appointment scheduling, and current form requirements are at portal.ct.gov/DMV.
Adding an endorsement to an existing CDL
Passing the applicable knowledge test is required. For P and S endorsements, a skills test is also required. For the H endorsement, the TSA threat assessment process including fingerprinting adds several weeks of processing time.
Frequently asked questions
I drive a large pickup truck for work — do I need a CDL? Only if the truck’s GVWR exceeds 26,000 pounds. Most heavy-duty pickups have GVWRs below that threshold. The GVWR is on the vehicle’s door placard. The combined GVWR of truck and trailer is what counts for Class A purposes.
Does a CDL from another state transfer to Connecticut? Yes. Surrender your out-of-state CDL, provide a current DOT medical certificate if applicable, and pay the Connecticut license fee. You do not need to retake knowledge or skills tests if your CDL is in good standing.
How long is a Connecticut CDL valid? Four years for most holders. DOT medical certificates must be renewed according to the FMCSA schedule — typically every two years.
What is the difference between a Class D license and a standard driver’s license? In Connecticut, Class D is the standard driver’s license. The designation is printed on the license — they are the same document.
For a reference guide to what the abbreviations and codes printed on a Connecticut license mean, see Connecticut License Class Codes. For foreign nationals converting an international license to a Connecticut license, see driving in Connecticut as a foreign or international visitor.