Quinnipiac University
Quinnipiac University

Driving in the United States

Last updated August 05, 2024

International Student Services | Policy or Regulation Information

In order to drive in Connecticut, individuals must either have a valid Connecticut driver's license, a valid driver's license from another U.S. state, a valid driver's license from your home country in English or Spanish, or a valid driver's license from your home country and an International Driver Permit.

Driving with Your Home Country License 

Students and visitors in Connecticut 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 Quinnipiac that issues new driver’s licenses is located in Hamden, CT about 7 miles from Mount Carmel campus.  

Transferring your License from another U.S. State, France, Germany, or Canada

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 expires more than 2 years prior, you must follow the steps for a new driver’s license. 

Steps to Obtain your Connecticut License

1

Complete Immigration Check In with the Office of International Students & Scholars if you are a newly arrived student

New F-1 or J-1 international students within an Initial I-20 or DS-2019 must complete the OISS Immigration Check-In process in the ISS Portal. 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. 

Please note that the Connecticut DMV will not accept your driver’s license application until 2 weeks after your OISS Immigration Check-In is completed and your Continued Attendance I-20 is issued.  

2

Apply for a Social Security Number or Denial Letter

Students who have an offer of on-campus employment can follow the process to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN).

If you do not have an offer of on-campus employment, you are not eligible for a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) and you will need to obtain an official letter issued by the Social Security Administration stating you are not eligible to receive a SSN at this time. Students requiring a denial letter must submit the Online Social Security Number Application here and bring the required documents to the local Social Security office within 45 days: 

Students must present the original denial letter issued by the Social Security Administration to the DMV when applying for the CT driver's license. Students that apply for the SSN denial letter will be able to obtain a social security number in the future if offered an on-campus job or paid CPT, OPT, AT employment. 

3

Apply for 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 will need to bring the documents listed below and be prepared to take a vision test and a 25-question driving knowledge test. You can review the information you will be tested on in the CT Driver's Manual. 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 may 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 original documents to your appointment:  

  • Passport 
  • I-94 Arrival Record (obtained from the CBP website) 
  • Form I-20 or DS-2019 
  • U.S. Visa (except Canadians and Bermudians) 
  • Social Security card or Social Security denial letter  
  • Enrollment letter issued by OISS (Request in the ISS Portal) 
  • Official school transcript 
    • Requested from the Registrar. Email registrar@qu.edu to request an official transcript in a sealed envelope with the QU address on the transcript. Please make sure you put in the subject line of email, “DMV transcripts-international student” 
  • University Student ID (QCard) or Prior State Identification/US driver’s license (in or out of state) 
  • Two documents showing proof that you live in Connecticut (pieces of postmarked mail you have received to your CT address, official bank statement, bill, lease) 
4

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. The course can be taken in person or virtually. You will need to present proof of completion of this course at your road test. 

Quinnipiac University students receive a discounted rate to AAA Driving School. Please contact the Office of International Students & Scholars at oiss@qu.edu for more information.  

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 on the DMV website. 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.  Cost: $40. 

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. These costs are subject to change - check DMV website for current fees. 


Read more about Transferring your Driver's License

To transfer your license, bring the following to the DMV:  

  • Passport 
  • I-94 Arrival Record (obtained from CBP website) 
  • Form I-20 or DS-2019 
  • U.S. Visa (except Canadians and Bermudians) 
  • Social Security card or Social Security denial letter  
  • Enrollment letter issued by OISS (Request in the ISS Portal) 
  • Official school transcript 
    • Requested from the Registrar. Email registrar@qu.edu to request an official transcript in a sealed envelope with the QU address on the transcript. Please make sure you put in the subject line of email “DMV transcripts-international student” 
  • University Student ID (QCard) or Prior State Identification/US driver’s license (in or out of state) 
  • Two documents showing proof that you live in Connecticut (pieces of postmarked mail you have received to your CT address, official bank statement, bill, lease) 
  • Non-commercial Driver’s License application form 
  • Application fee: $40 
  • License fee: $84 

 

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 a privilege and not a right. Connecticut has specific laws, such as speeding, driving too fast for conditions, reckless driving, driving under the influence, using phones while driving, and others that aim to protect all people on the road whether vehicle drivers, passengers, or pedestrians. 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. It is your responsibility to know, review, and follow the rules in the CT Driver's Manual. 

Owning a Car

Car owners have many responsibilities and expenses. Some students purchase a used car from a private owner, and others may purchase a new or used car from a dealership. Whichever route you choose, do your research!  Review car value estimates on websites like Carfax or Kelley Blue Book to ensure you are paying a fair price. Bring a friend with you to look at the car. Ask questions and take the car for a test drive. 

Other considerations for owning a car: 

  • All car owners are legally required to maintain insurance for the vehicle. Liability insurance covers only the expenses associated with damages you cause to another driver/car.  Comprehensive insurance will cover expenses for both yourself and any damage you caused to another person/vehicle. If you make car payments to a dealership, you must carry comprehensive insurance, which is more expensive. 
  • Your insurance will be cheaper if you have a Connecticut license, and more expensive if you drive with your home country license and IDP. 
  • You must register your car with the DMV, and keep that registration valid while you drive the car. You are required to have either a CT Driver’s License or a State ID in order to register your car. 
  • You will pay a car tax in the town that where you live. Car tax bills will be sent to you in the summer. You are responsible for paying your car tax, even if you go home in the summer. You have to pay the car tax, even if you no longer live in that town at the time that you receive the bill. 
  • If you plan to drive to campus, review the information about parking at Quinnipiac.

Additional Information