What You Need to Do to Get a Colorado Driver's License
To get your first Colorado driver's license, you will take a written test on traffic laws, pass a vision screening, and pass a driving test with an examiner. You must be at least 16 years old. The whole process takes place at a Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, and you will need to bring specific documents proving your identity, Colorado residency, and Social Security number. Most people complete this in two to four visits over several weeks.
Colorado does not issue a learner's permit as a separate step — instead, you get an instruction permit first, which lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. You must hold this permit for at least one day before you can take the driving test, though most people hold it for weeks or months while they practice.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, proof of Colorado residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number.
- The instruction permit requires passing a written test on Colorado traffic laws; you can study using the official DMV handbook or take practice tests online.
- You must hold your instruction permit for at least one day before scheduling a driving test, and you can only take the driving test at a DMV office that offers it.
- The driving test costs money and takes about 30 minutes; you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.
- Once you pass the driving test, you receive your license the same day or within a few days, depending on the office.
Documents You Must Bring to the DMV
Colorado requires you to bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. A photocopy is not acceptable. If you were born outside the United States, bring your original passport or a certified copy of your Certificate of Naturalization or Permanent Resident Card. You will also need your Social Security card or a document that shows your number, such as a W-2 form or tax return.
You must prove you live in Colorado with a document dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a government check. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency. Bring the original document, not a copy.
If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you to the DMV office. They will need to sign your process. If you are 18 or older, you do not need anyone with you, but you must sign the process yourself.
Taking the Written Test for Your Instruction Permit
The written test covers Colorado traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You will answer 25 multiple-choice questions on a computer at the DMV office. You must get at least 20 questions correct (80 percent) to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish.
Before you go to the DMV, study the Colorado Driver's Handbook, which is free and available on the DMV website. You can also take practice tests online through the DMV website or through third-party websites. Most people spend one to two weeks studying before taking the test. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day at no extra charge.
When you pass the written test, you will receive your instruction permit when ready. This permit allows you to drive only when a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old is sitting next to you in the front seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work or school.
The Driving Test: What to Expect and How to Schedule
You must hold your instruction permit for at least one day before you can take the driving test. Most people wait several weeks or months to build up their driving skills. When you are ready, call or visit a Colorado DMV office that offers driving tests. Not all offices offer them, so check the DMV website for locations near you that do.
The driving test lasts about 30 minutes. An examiner will sit in the passenger seat while you drive on public roads. The examiner will ask you to perform tasks such as starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. You will also be tested on your ability to follow traffic signs and signals and to drive safely in different conditions. The test costs money; the fee varies by office but is typically between $20 and $30.
You must bring a vehicle that is registered in Colorado, has current insurance, and is in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working headlights, taillights, brake lights, windshield wipers, and brakes. The examiner will check these before the test begins. If the vehicle does not meet these requirements, you will not be allowed to take the test and will have to reschedule.
Vision Screening and Medical Requirements
At the DMV office, you will take a vision test. You must be able to see at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without glasses or contact lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you to the DMV. If you fail the vision test, you will not be able to get your license until you see an eye doctor and bring a signed statement from the doctor saying you meet the vision requirement.
Colorado does not require a medical exam to get a driver's license unless you have a condition that might affect your ability to drive safely. If you have a medical condition such as epilepsy, diabetes, or a heart condition, tell the DMV staff when you explore. They will tell you whether you need a doctor's statement.
Fees and How Long It Takes
The instruction permit costs between $20 and $30, depending on which DMV office you visit. The driving test costs between $20 and $30. Once you pass the driving test, you pay for your license itself, which costs between $30 and $50 for a four-year license or between $60 and $100 for an eight-year license. Fees vary slightly by office, so call ahead to confirm the exact amount.
From the day you walk into the DMV to the day you receive your license, the process usually takes two to four weeks if you study for the written test and practice driving in the meantime. If you fail the written test or the driving test, you will need extra time to prepare and retake it. Once you pass the driving test, you will receive your license the same day or within a few days.
What Happens If You Fail the Driving Test
If you fail the driving test, you can retake it as soon as the next day. There is no waiting period between attempts. You do not have to pay the test fee again if you retake it within a certain timeframe — check with your local DMV office for their specific policy. You will keep your instruction permit and can continue to practice driving with a licensed adult.
Common reasons people fail the driving test include not coming to a complete stop at stop signs, speeding, not checking mirrors and blind spots, and hitting the curb while parking. Before you retake the test, practice the skills the examiner said you needed to improve. Many people find it helpful to take a few lessons with a professional driving instructor before their second attempt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the driving test in a vehicle that is not registered in Colorado?
No. The vehicle must be registered in Colorado and have current Colorado insurance. If you do not own a vehicle, ask a family member or friend who owns a Colorado-registered car if you can use theirs for the test. The owner does not have to be present during the test.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the written test the same day or come back another day. There is no fee to retake it. Study the Colorado Driver's Handbook again and focus on the topics you found difficult. Many people pass on their second try.
Do I need to take a driver's education course before I get my license?
No. Colorado does not require a driver's education course to get your first license. However, taking a course can help you prepare for the written and driving tests, and some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete one.
How long is my instruction permit valid?
Your instruction permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it. If you do not pass the driving test within that year, you will need to renew your permit and take the written test again.
Can I drive alone with my instruction permit?
No. With an instruction permit, you must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you in the front seat at all times. You also cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work or school.