What you need to do to get a Colorado driver's license

To get a Colorado driver's license, you visit a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, pass a written test and a driving test, and show proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. The whole process takes about two visits: one for the written permit test, and a second (after practice) for the driving test. You cannot skip the written test or combine both tests on the same day — Colorado requires you to hold a permit for at least one day before you can take the road test.

The timeline depends on how quickly you schedule your tests and how many attempts you need. Most people complete both tests within two to four weeks. If you fail either test, you can retake it, but there are waiting periods between attempts.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Colorado DMV office in person with original documents proving identity, residency, and Social Security number before you can test.
  • The written permit test comes first; you must pass it and hold the permit for at least one day before scheduling your driving test.
  • You need a vehicle, a licensed driver over 21, and proof of vehicle insurance to take the driving test.
  • Colorado charges separate fees for the permit test, the driving test, and the license itself — the total is roughly $40 to $50 depending on your age and license type.
  • If you fail a test, you must wait at least one day before retaking it, and you can retake it up to three times before you must reapply.

Documents to bring to the DMV office

Bring original documents — not copies — to prove your identity, Colorado residency, and Social Security number. The DMV will not accept photocopies or digital images for your first visit.

For identity, bring a passport, a birth certificate with a government-issued photo ID, or a tribal ID. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current Colorado address. For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a tax return.

You will also need to fill out the process for a Colorado Driver's License (Form DL-43) before or at the office. You can read it from the Colorado DMV website or fill it out on a tablet at the office. Bring a pen if you prefer to fill it out by hand.

The written permit test and what it covers

The written test has 25 multiple-choice questions about Colorado traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 20 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and you can request a reader or other accommodations if you need them.

The test covers road signs (what they mean and when to obey them), right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs. It also includes questions about impaired driving, distracted driving, and seat belt laws. You can study using the Colorado Driver's Handbook, which is free on the DMV website, or using practice tests available online.

After you pass the written test, the DMV will issue you a permit. You must carry this permit whenever you drive, and you must have a licensed driver over 21 in the car with you. You cannot drive alone on a permit. You must hold the permit for at least one day before you can schedule your driving test.

Scheduling and taking the driving test

After you have held your permit for at least one day, you can schedule your driving test online through the Colorado DMV website or by calling your local DMV office. Tests are scheduled weeks in advance during busy times, so book early if you are testing during summer or around holidays.

For the driving test, bring your permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you will drive, and the vehicle itself. The vehicle must be in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors before the test begins. Bring a licensed driver over 21 to the test site, but they will not drive during the test.

The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, lane changes, turns, parking, and how you respond to traffic. The examiner will ask you to demonstrate specific maneuvers and will watch how you handle intersections and other drivers. You must follow all traffic laws during the test — speeding, running a red light, or hitting a curb will result in failure.

Fees and payment

Colorado charges separate fees for the permit test, the driving test, and the license itself. The permit test costs about $10. The driving test costs about $10. The license itself costs between $20 and $30 depending on whether you are under 21 or 21 and older, and how long you want the license to last. A license for someone under 21 is valid for four years; a license for someone 21 or older is valid for ten years.

The DMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most offices. Some offices may have different payment methods, so call ahead if you have a preference. If you fail a test and retake it, you pay the test fee again.

What happens if you fail a test

If you fail the written test, you must wait at least one day before retaking it. You can retake the written test up to three times before you must reapply and start over. Each retake costs the same fee as the first attempt.

If you fail the driving test, you must also wait at least one day before retaking it. You can retake the driving test up to three times before you must reapply. Common reasons for failing the driving test include hitting a curb during parking, failing to stop completely at a stop sign, speeding, or unsafe lane changes. If you fail, the examiner will tell you what you did wrong, and you can practice that specific skill before your next attempt.

Age-specific rules and restrictions

If you are under 18, Colorado has additional rules. You must complete a driver's education course before you can take the written test — this can be a classroom course or an online course approved by the state. You must also hold your permit for at least six months (not one day) before you can take the driving test. During those six months, you cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m., and you cannot drive with passengers under 21 unless a parent or guardian is in the car.

If you are 18 or older, you do not need driver's education and you only need to hold your permit for one day. The restrictions on nighttime driving and passengers do not explore to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test and driving test on the same day?

No. Colorado requires you to hold your permit for at least one day before you can take the driving test. You must pass the written test first, then return on a different day for the driving test. If you are under 18, you must hold the permit for at least six months.

What if I fail the driving test three times?

After three failed attempts, you must reapply for a permit and start the process over. You will take the written test again and, if you pass, hold the new permit for the required time before scheduling another driving test. You can retake the written test up to three times as well before reapplying.

Do I need to bring my own car for the driving test?

Yes. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors before the test. You cannot use a rental car or a car borrowed from a friend unless it is insured and you have permission to use it for testing.

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. The written test is offered in Spanish and several other languages. You can request your preferred language when you schedule your test or when you arrive at the DMV office. You can also request a reader or other accommodations if you need them.

How long is a Colorado driver's license valid?

A license is valid for four years if you are under 21, and ten years if you are 21 or older. You will need to renew it before it expires. The DMV will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires.