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Connecticut permit test: alcohol, drugs and driving

How alcohol and drugs affect driving and the laws and penalties for impaired driving. 14 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.

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Rules to remember9 key alcohol, drugs and driving rulesShow the rules
  1. For a driver 21 or older who fails the test, the ignition interlock is required for at least six months, longer with prior offenses. (p. 35, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
  2. People under 21 could be considered impaired after only one drink of alcohol. (p. 35, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
  3. Go as a group and agree in advance who will not drink and will drive. (p. 35, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
  4. Alcohol is involved in more than 40 percent of fatal traffic crashes, and even a little alcohol raises your crash risk. (p. 35, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
  5. Many cold and allergy medicines cause drowsiness. (p. 35, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
  6. Drivers under 21 face penalties for driving with any measurable alcohol, defined as 0.02% or more, on public roads and private property. (p. 35, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
  7. Refusing the test, at any age, leads to at least a 45-day suspension and at least one year with an ignition interlock device. (p. 35, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
  8. Other drugs can multiply the effects of alcohol or add effects of their own, reducing your driving ability and risking serious health problems. (p. 35, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
  9. Alcohol affects the brain areas that control judgment and skill, so you often don't realize you've had too much until it is too late. (p. 35, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))

Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.

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Sample alcohol, drugs and driving questions

  1. 1.A driver arrested for DUI refuses the blood, breath or urine test. What is the penalty?

    • ANothing, since no BAC level was ever measured
    • BA 45-day suspension, then at least a year of interlock
    • COnly a $75 fine, with no license suspension
    • DA 7-day suspension, then no other penalty
    Show the answer

    ✓ B. A 45-day suspension, then at least a year of interlock

    Refusing the test, at any age, leads to at least a 45-day suspension and at least one year with an ignition interlock device.

    Source: State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 35

  2. 2.A 20-year-old drives after drinking, but only in a private parking lot. Does zero tolerance apply?

    • AOnly if the lot is open to the public at night
    • BYes, it covers public roads and private property
    • CNo, it applies only on highways
    • DOnly if there is a crash
    Show the answer

    ✓ B. Yes, it covers public roads and private property

    For drivers under 21, the 0.02% zero-tolerance standard applies on both public roads and private property.

    Source: State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 35

  3. 3.You have a cold and want to take an over-the-counter medicine before driving. What should you do first?

    • ACheck the label for warnings and ask a doctor or pharmacist if unsure
    • BHave a drink to balance any drowsiness
    • CAssume it's safe because it's sold without a prescription
    • DTake a double dose to feel better faster
    Show the answer

    ✓ A. Check the label for warnings and ask a doctor or pharmacist if unsure

    Many cold and allergy medicines cause drowsiness. Read the label for warnings and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you aren't sure it's safe to drive.

    Source: State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 35

  4. 4.You and three friends are heading to a party that will serve alcohol. What does the manual suggest?

    • ADrink only beer if you plan to drive
    • BLet whoever feels most sober drive home
    • CAgree beforehand who won't drink and will drive
    • DDrive home slowly if you've had a drink
    Show the answer

    ✓ C. Agree beforehand who won't drink and will drive

    Go as a group and agree in advance who will not drink and will drive. You can also rotate the designated driver or use public transport or a cab.

    Source: State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 35