Where to get your license in Aurora

In Aurora, you get your driver's license from the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Aurora has one full-service DMV office located at 13451 East Quincy Avenue, where you can take both your written test and your road test, and where you'll receive your license once you pass.

You can also visit other DMV offices in the Denver metro area if the Aurora location is inconvenient — the closest alternatives are in Denver and surrounding counties. However, the Aurora office handles everything you need in one place, which is usually the simplest route.

Before you go to the DMV, you'll need to gather specific documents. Colorado requires proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency, proof of your Social Security number, and a completed process form (Form DL-43). If you're under 18, you'll also need a parent or guardian's signature on your process.

Key Takeaways

  • The Aurora DMV office at 13451 East Quincy Avenue handles written tests, road tests, and license issuance all in one location.
  • You must bring proof of identity, Colorado residency, Social Security number, and a completed Form DL-43 before you can test.
  • Colorado requires you to pass a written test first, then schedule and pass a road test before you receive your full license.
  • The road test appointment may have a wait, so plan to schedule it as soon as you pass your written test.
  • If you're under 18, your parent or guardian must sign your process and may need to be present during testing.

What documents you need to bring

Colorado's DMV requires six categories of documents. You need one form of government-issued photo ID (a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license all work). You need two documents showing your Colorado address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work.

You also need proof of your Social Security number. A Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form will satisfy this requirement. You must complete Form DL-43 (the process for a Colorado Driver's License or Identification Card), which you can read from the Colorado DMV website or pick up at the Aurora office.

If you're under 18, bring a signed Form DL-44 (Parental Consent and Certification) along with your parent's or guardian's ID. Some minors may also need to bring proof of completion of a driver's education course, depending on their age and whether they're seeking a learner's permit or a full license.

The written test in Aurora

Colorado's written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 25 questions, and you need to answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or Spanish.

The Aurora DMV office administers the test on a walk-in basis during business hours — you don't need to schedule it in advance. Bring all your required documents and be prepared to wait, especially during peak times like lunch hours and late afternoons. The test itself takes about 15 to 20 minutes once you're called.

If you don't pass on your first try, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day. There's no waiting period between attempts in Colorado, though you will pay the test fee each time you take it.

Scheduling and taking your road test

After you pass your written test, you'll schedule your road test at the same Aurora office. The road test appointment may be weeks away depending on how busy the office is, so schedule it when ready after passing your written test. You cannot take your road test on the same day as your written test.

For your road test, you need to bring your learner's permit (which you receive after passing the written test), proof of insurance for the vehicle you'll be driving, and the vehicle itself. The vehicle must be registered, have valid plates, and be in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn before you drive.

The road test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. You'll drive in and around Aurora on regular streets and may encounter traffic, turns, parking, and highway driving depending on the route the examiner chooses. You need to demonstrate safe driving habits and follow all traffic laws.

License types and restrictions for new drivers

Colorado issues a Class D license for regular passenger vehicle driving. If you're under 18, you'll receive a restricted license with specific rules: you cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m. (with limited exceptions for work or school), and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free.

If you're 18 or older, you receive an unrestricted Class D license once you pass your road test. The license is valid for eight years. You can renew it by mail or online before it expires, though you'll need to retake the written and road tests if your license has been expired for more than one year.

If you plan to drive a motorcycle, tow a trailer, or drive a commercial vehicle, you'll need additional endorsements or a different license class. The Aurora DMV can explain which endorsements you need based on what you plan to drive.

Hours and contact information for the Aurora office

The Aurora DMV office is located at 13451 East Quincy Avenue, Aurora, CO 80011. Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., though hours can change seasonally. Call ahead at the office's direct number or check the Colorado DMV website to confirm current hours before you go.

The office does not take appointments for the written test — you arrive and wait your turn. Road test appointments must be scheduled in advance, either in person at the office or by phone. Expect to wait 30 minutes to two hours for the written test depending on the time of day and day of the week.

If you have questions about your specific documents or situation, calling the office before you visit can save you a trip. Staff can tell you whether your proof of residency will work or whether you need to bring something different.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my road test in a vehicle that isn't registered in my name?

Yes. The vehicle must be registered and insured, but it doesn't have to be registered to you. Many people take their road test in a parent's or friend's vehicle. The vehicle must have valid plates, working lights, brakes, wipers, and horn — the examiner checks these before the test begins.

What happens if I fail my road test?

You can retake it as soon as the office has an opening, which may be weeks away depending on demand. There's no waiting period, but you'll pay the road test fee again. Most people pass on their second or third attempt. The examiner will tell you what you did wrong so you can practice those specific skills.

Do I need to take driver's education before I can get my license?

If you're 15 or 16, Colorado requires completion of a driver's education course before you can get a learner's permit. If you're 17 or older, driver's education is not required, though it may lower your insurance costs. The Aurora school district and private driving schools both offer courses.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass the road test?

You receive a temporary paper license when ready after passing your road test. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving right away while you wait for the permanent one.

Can I renew my license online or by mail?

Yes, if your license hasn't been expired for more than one year and you don't need to update your photo or address. You can renew online through the Colorado DMV website or by mail. If your license has been expired longer than one year, you'll need to retake both the written and road tests in person at the Aurora office.