What you need to know about Colorado's new driver license
Colorado issues a driver's license to anyone who passes the written test, vision screening, and road test. If you are under 18, you will go through a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system that gives you driving privileges in stages — first a permit, then a restricted license, then a full license. If you are 18 or older, you can move directly to a full license once you pass all tests.
The whole process takes weeks, not days. You will need to visit a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office at least twice: once to explore for a permit and take the written test, and again to take your road test. Between those visits, you must hold your permit for a set amount of time and log supervised driving hours.
Colorado's new driver license is also a REAL ID-compliant document, which means it works for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. You will need specific documents to prove your identity and Colorado residency before the DMV will issue one.
Key Takeaways
- Drivers under 18 must first get a permit, hold it for at least 12 months, and log 50 hours of supervised driving (10 at night) before taking the road test.
- Drivers 18 and older can take the written and road tests without a permit stage, but must still pass both tests and provide proof of identity and residency.
- You will need a Social Security number, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or other state ID), and two documents showing your Colorado address.
- The written test covers Colorado traffic laws and safe driving; the road test is conducted by a DMV examiner in your own vehicle or a DMV test car.
- Your new license is valid for eight years if you are over 21, and five years if you are under 21.
The permit stage: who needs it and how long it lasts
If you are under 18, you must start with a permit (also called a learner's permit). This document allows you to drive only when a licensed adult is in the front seat beside you. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
You must hold your permit for at least 12 months before you can take the road test. During that time, you need to log at least 50 hours of supervised driving, with at least 10 of those hours happening after dark. Your supervising driver must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driver's license. Keep a written log of your hours — the DMV does not check it, but you will need to sign a form stating you have completed the requirement when you explore for your road test.
If you are 18 or older, you do not need a permit. You can go straight to the written test and then the road test. However, you still must pass both tests before you receive your license.
Documents you need to bring to the DMV
Colorado requires proof of identity and proof of residency before issuing a license. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.
For identity, the DMV accepts a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a passport card, or a valid ID from another state or country. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must be present and bring their own ID.
For residency, bring two documents that show your current Colorado address. These can include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a property tax bill, or a government document with your name and address. Documents must be dated within the last 60 days. A school ID or student enrollment letter does not count as proof of residency on its own, but can be paired with another document.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have one, you can still get a license, but you must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access.
Taking the written test in Colorado
The written test covers Colorado traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or Spanish.
The test is taken on a computer at the DMV office. You will have time to review your answers before submitting. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost, or come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it.
Before the written test, you will also have a vision screening. The DMV checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you will not be allowed to take the written test that day.
The road test: what to expect and how to schedule it
Once you pass the written test, you can schedule your road test. If you are under 18, you must wait until you have held your permit for at least 12 months and logged your 50 supervised driving hours. If you are 18 or older, you can schedule it right away.
The road test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. A DMV examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, backing up, and parking. You will also drive on streets and possibly highways. The examiner is looking for safe driving habits, not perfection. Common reasons people fail include not coming to a complete stop, speeding, hitting a curb, or not checking mirrors and blind spots.
You can take the test in your own vehicle or in a DMV test car (available in some offices). If you use your own car, it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. Bring your permit or ID, your vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.
Road test appointments fill up quickly, especially in busy areas. Schedule as soon as you are ready. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you may have to wait weeks for the next available appointment.
After you pass: getting your physical license
Once you pass the road test, you will receive a temporary paper license that day. This temporary license is valid for 30 days while your permanent plastic card is being made.
Your permanent license will arrive in the mail within two to three weeks. It is valid for eight years if you are 21 or older, and five years if you are under 21. The license includes your photo, signature, and a barcode that law enforcement can scan.
If you are under 18 when you get your license, it will be marked as a minor's license. This affects what you can do with it — for example, you cannot use it to buy alcohol or tobacco. Once you turn 21, you can renew it as a standard adult license.
Restrictions for drivers under 18
Colorado's GDL system places limits on new young drivers to reduce crash risk. During your first 12 months with a full license, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. You also cannot have passengers under 21 in the car unless they are family members or a supervising adult is present.
These restrictions lift once you turn 18 or have held your license for 12 months, whichever comes later. After that, you have the same driving privileges as any adult.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online from home?
No. The written test must be taken in person at a Colorado DMV office. You cannot take it online or by mail. However, you can study for it online using the Colorado Driver Handbook, which is available free on the DMV website.
What if I fail the road test?
You can retake it, but you will have to schedule another appointment, which may be weeks away depending on how busy your local DMV is. There is no cost to retake the test. You can take it as many times as you need to pass.
Do I need to take a driver education course?
No, it is not required by Colorado law. However, some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete an approved course. If you are under 18, taking a course may help you feel more confident before the road test.
What happens if I move to Colorado from another state?
You can exchange your out-of-state license for a Colorado license without retaking the tests, as long as your current license is valid. However, if you are under 18, you may have to follow Colorado's GDL rules even if you already have a license from another state.
How much does a Colorado driver's license cost?
The fee varies depending on the type of license and how long it is valid. A standard eight-year license costs less than a five-year license. Check the Colorado DMV website for current fees, as they change periodically.