More than 6,500 undocumented Connecticut residents have signed up online for Drive Only knowledge test appointments since the state Department of Motor Vehicles launched a program Monday "to allow them to obtain a driver's license," according to the DMV.
That's the highest volume of appointments made for the test in a day, according to the DMV. In 2013, the legislature approved the program allowing "undocumented individuals who are 16 and older and cannot establish their legal presence in the United States" to apply for a "Drive Only license."
The license can't be used for state or federal identification, however.
Norwalk and Danbury time slots are already full for the first couple months and appointment slots are going quickly in other towns, according to the DMV. The DMV website had 30,000 page views on the first day of sign-ups.
No walk-ins are allowed and appointments can only be made online through a system established in 2012 to "manage the learner's permit process," according to the DMV.
Despite the large number of appointments, only 600 people have downloaded the practice test app on iPhones, iPads and Android phones to help people study, the DMV said. The test has more than 60 questions from three versions of the test for people to practice. The app also has a quiz for parents helping teen drivers who need to take the test.
"Slots are filling fast and people need to know they must study for this test or face a longer wait to obtain a license,” DMV Commissioner Melody A. Currey said in a statement. “The comparison of numbers between appointments and downloads of the app tells us that applicants need to understand that this app can help them. Without good preparation, which includes studying the driver’s manual and using this app, they could fail the test.... A failure could mean a months-long process to get an appointment and then another three-month waiting period while they practice driving with a learner’s permit. They might want to avoid that delay."
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In order to obtain a Drive Only license, individuals must apply for a learner's permit and have it for at least three months, longer for 16- and 17-year-olds, before obtaining a license so they can practice with a licensed driver in preparation for the road skills test, the DMV said.
The app and driver's manual are free study materials for applicants, with versions in English and Spanish available for download. There is an audio version of the manual in English and one in Spanish will soon be available.
Additional requirements for young teen drivers are available at ct.gov/dmv/teens
