What you need to do to get a Colorado learner's permit

To get a learner's permit in Colorado, you visit your local Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office with proof of identity and residency, pass a written knowledge test, and pay a fee. The whole process takes about an hour on the day you go in. You do not need to have a driver yet — the permit itself is what lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car.

Colorado issues learner's permits to people as young as 15 years old. Once you have the permit, you can drive during daylight hours (5 a.m. to 10 p.m.) with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you. The permit is valid for two years, which gives you time to practice before you take the road test for your full license.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring a valid ID (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of Colorado residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number to the DMV office.
  • The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices; you can study using the Colorado Driver Handbook, which is free online.
  • You must be at least 15 years old, and if you are under 18, you need a parent or guardian to sign the process in person.
  • The permit fee is $20.25 and the permit lasts for two years from the date you receive it.
  • With your learner's permit, you can only drive between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m., and a licensed adult 21 or older must be in the front seat with you.

Documents you need to bring to the DMV

Bring original or certified copies of your documents — photocopies are not accepted. You need proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency, and your Social Security number. For identity, the DMV accepts a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a Colorado ID card, or a tribal ID. If you do not have any of these, ask your local DMV office which other documents they will take.

For residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and a Colorado address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. If you live with a parent or guardian and are not on the utility bill, bring a signed letter from them on top of their residency document.

You will also need to know your Social Security number. If you do not have one, you can still get a permit, but you will need to fill out an additional form and the process takes longer. Bring that form with you or ask the DMV to mail it to you ahead of time.

The written knowledge test

The test has 25 multiple-choice questions and you need to answer at least 20 correctly to pass. The questions cover Colorado traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You have 30 minutes to finish. The test is given on a computer at the DMV office, and you get your results right away.

Study using the Colorado Driver Handbook, which is free and available on the Colorado DMV website. Read through it at least once before you go in. Pay special attention to sections on speed limits, stopping at red lights and stop signs, right-of-way at intersections, and what different road signs mean. Many people miss questions about when you can pass another car or what to do at a four-way stop, so spend extra time on those topics.

You can take the test in English or Spanish. If you need the test in another language, contact your local DMV office ahead of time to arrange it. You are allowed to take the test more than once if you do not pass the first time, but you will have to pay the fee again for each attempt.

Age requirements and parental consent

You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit in Colorado. If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must come with you to the DMV office and sign the process in person. They do not need to bring any documents of their own, but they do need to be there when you explore.

If you are 18 or older, you can explore on your own without a parent or guardian present. You will still need to bring your own documents and pay the fee.

The fee and how long the permit lasts

The learner's permit costs $20.25. You pay this fee at the DMV office when you explore. If you fail the written test and want to take it again, you pay the fee again for each additional attempt. The fee does not change based on your age.

Your permit is valid for two years from the date you receive it. After two years, it expires and you will need to get a new one if you still want to practice driving. Most people take their road test and get their full license before the permit expires, so this is rarely a problem.

Restrictions while you have a learner's permit

With a learner's permit, you can only drive between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. You cannot drive at night. A licensed driver who is at least 21 years old must be in the front seat with you at all times. They do not need to be a parent or guardian — it can be any licensed adult, such as a driving instructor or a trusted friend.

You cannot drive alone, even for a short trip. You cannot drive on highways or interstates. You must follow all traffic laws, including speed limits and traffic signals. If you get pulled over and the officer sees that you are breaking any of these rules, you can be cited and your permit can be suspended.

What to do after you get your permit

Once you have your permit, you can start practicing with a licensed adult. Many people practice for several months before taking the road test. There is no minimum amount of time you have to wait, but Colorado law does not require a certain number of practice hours for learner's permit holders — that requirement applies to younger drivers with a provisional license after they pass the road test.

When you feel ready, you can schedule a road test through the DMV. The road test costs $20.25 and tests your ability to drive safely in real traffic. You will drive with a DMV examiner for about 30 minutes. If you pass, you get your full driver's license. If you do not pass, you can take the test again after waiting a few days.

Where to find your local DMV office

Colorado has DMV offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Call ahead to check their hours and whether they are currently taking walk-ins or if you need an appointment. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times can vary.

If you cannot get to an office in person, you cannot get a learner's permit online — you must go to the DMV office to take the written test and have your photo taken. Plan to spend about an hour there, including time waiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. You will need to fill out an additional form called an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) process or provide an alternative document. Contact your local DMV office to find out exactly what they need from you, as the process varies slightly by location.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can take the test again. You will need to pay the $20.25 fee for each attempt. There is no waiting period between attempts at most DMV offices, though some may ask you to wait a day or two. Study the Colorado Driver Handbook more carefully before your next attempt.

Can I practice driving on highways with my learner's permit?

No. Learner's permit holders in Colorado cannot drive on highways or interstates. You can only drive on regular roads and streets. Once you pass your road test and get your full license, you can drive on highways.

Do I have to take a driver's education course before I get my learner's permit?

No. Colorado does not require a driver's education course to get a learner's permit. However, some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete one, and some schools offer them as part of their curriculum. Taking a course is optional.

What if I lose my learner's permit?

Go to your local DMV office and ask for a replacement. You will need to pay a replacement fee, which is typically around $10 to $15. Bring your ID and proof of residency, just as you did when you first applied. You will get a new permit with the same expiration date as your original one.