A new state law that will allow undocumented individuals to receive a Connecticut driver’s license will go into effect Jan 2.
But those interested can already get a jump start on the process: starting this past Monday, Dec. 1, those interested in receiving a drive only license were able to begin registering online to make a mandatory appointment to take the written test, which is the first step in the licensing process.
If Monday’s online activity is any indication, interest in the license will be extremely high. The Department of Motor Vehicle website received an unprecedented 16,000 hits Monday, while 6,500 people registered online for testing appointments in the first 15 hours.
Applicants can only apply for a regular driver’s license; applicants will not be eligible for motorcycle, CDL or other special licenses. Tests will be given only by online appointment; no walk-ins to DMV offices will be accepted.
The idea for licenses for undocumented individuals was born at the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in New Haven several years ago, when parishioners told their leaders they yearned to lead lives of dignity.
“How do you hold a job,” asked Angel Fernandez-Chavero, a St. Rose Lima church leader. “Well, you hold a job when you can drive. And you want to drive safely and without stress and without worry.”
After that meeting, church leadership and a group called Congregations Organized for a New Connecticut lobbied legislators for the law, which was passed and is set to take effect Jan. 2.
“You get potentially up to 55,000 drivers off the road, who were unlicensed, uninsured,” said Fernandez-Chavero. “Now, they’re licensed and insured. That’s a benefit to all of us.”
The DMV urges these new applicants for a license to wait to make an online appointment until they have studied the driver’s manual and successfully passed practice tests. Both the manual and practice tests are available on the DMV Mobile app at www.ct.gov/dmv/apps. Failing the written test means a required two-week delay before being allowed to take the test again. And, given the high level of interest in obtaining these licenses, the wait for a retest could be substantially longer.
A full list of requirements to participate in the program can be found at here.
This new program was approved by the legislature in 2013 for undocumented individuals who are 16 and older and have yet to establish their legal presence in the United States. They can apply for a drive only license; however, it will not be valid for state or federal identification.
The first step to obtain this license begins with applying for a learner’s permit, which all new applicants for state driver’s licenses must hold for a minimum of three months–and longer for those 16 and 17 years old. A road skills test, the last step in the process, comes after the permit training time. The permit allows any newly licensed applicant to practice driving with a licensed driver so that they can successfully pass the road skills test.
Those who are 16 and 17 years old must follow special training requirements. All applicants, regardless of age, are also required take an eight-hour safe-driving-practices course, which is offered at DMV-licensed driving schools in Connecticut. Also, 16- and 17-year-old applicants have a special parent/guardian segment of that course.
Starting on Tuesday, Dec. 2, the DMV will have delayed openings in offices across the state to train its staff on the drive only license program. The training, which will affect a limited number of offices per day, is scheduled to be completed on Dec. 19. DMV’s Hamden Office, located at 1985 State St., will be closed on Tuesday, Dec. 2, from 7:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. The office will open to the public at 1 p.m. and close at its regularly scheduled time of 4 p.m.
In addition, later this week, several other DMV offices will have limited hours due to staff training for the drive only license program. Below is a list of office closings scheduled for that week.
Wednesday, December 3
- DMV’s Waterbury Office, located at 2210 Thomaston Ave., will be closed from 7:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. The office will open to the public at 1 p.m. and close at its regularly scheduled time of 4 p.m.
Thursday, December 4
- DMV’s Willimantic Office, located at 1557 West Main St., will be closed from 9:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. The office will open to the public at 2 p.m. and close at its regularly scheduled time of 5:30 p.m.
Friday, December 5
- DMV’s Norwich Office, located at 173 Salem Tpk., will be closed from 7:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. The office will open to the public at 1 p.m. and close at its regularly scheduled time of 4 p.m.
