The final exam for young, would-be drivers has had its final day.
Beginning today, 16- and 17-year-olds in the state seeking a driver’s license will no longer need to take a second written test, commonly called the “DMV Final Exam.”
The test is just a couple of years old.
In August 2008, Connecticut toughened its laws to combat crashes, injuries and deaths among 16- and 17-year-old drivers. The laws included a 25-question test that replaced a 10-question test taken by applicants seeking a learner’s permit.
The following year the legislature added a second test - the "Final Exam" - which it has now given DMV permission to remove.
Teens seeking a license still must pass a road-skills test as well as log 40 hours of behind-the-wheel training.
They also must attend an eight-hour safe driving class that includes two hours of instruction with one or both parents.
The laws also lengthened the time for passenger restrictions, increased the curfew time and toughened other penalties to include a 30-day loss of the license for violating these and other teen driving measures. Connecticut also has a zero-tolerance for teens driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and violations can bring license suspensions, fines and jail time.
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