What you need to bring to the Colorado DMV

Colorado requires you to bring five things to the DMV to get your learner's permit: proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency, your Social Security number, proof of lawful presence in the United States, and a completed process. You do not need to have a parent or guardian present, though you will need parental consent if you are under 18.

For proof of identity, bring a passport, a certified birth certificate, a Colorado ID card, or a military ID. For residency, bring a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a property tax document dated within the last 60 days. You will fill out the process (Form DL 43) at the DMV — you can read it beforehand from the Colorado Department of Revenue website, but the DMV will also have copies on hand.

If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must sign the process. You do not need to bring them to the appointment, but their signature must be on the form before you hand it in. If you are 18 or older, you sign it yourself.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or Colorado ID), proof of residency (utility bill or lease), your Social Security number, and proof of lawful presence to the DMV.
  • You must complete Form DL 43, which requires a parent or guardian's signature if you are under 18.
  • The written test covers Colorado traffic laws and road signs; you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
  • Your learner's permit is valid for two years and allows you to drive only with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat.
  • The fee is $20 for a learner's permit, and you can pay by cash, check, or card at the DMV.

The written test: what to study

After you submit your process and documents, you will take a written test on Colorado traffic laws and road signs. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly (80 percent) to pass. You get one attempt per visit to the DMV.

The Colorado DMV publishes a free study guide called the Colorado Driver Handbook, available on the Department of Revenue website. It covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, stopping distances, what different road signs mean, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs. Most questions come directly from this handbook, so reading it cover to cover is the most reliable way to prepare.

You can also take practice tests online through the Colorado DMV website. These are free and show you the types of questions you will see. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts.

Age requirements and restrictions for Colorado learner's permits

You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit in Colorado. There is no upper age limit — adults of any age can get one.

Once you have your permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver who is 21 or older is in the front seat next to you. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot have more than one passenger under 21 in the car (other than a sibling). You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except to call 911.

Your learner's permit is valid for two years from the date it is issued. If it expires before you pass the driving test for a regular license, you will need to renew it by visiting the DMV again and paying another $20 fee.

Where to go and how to schedule your appointment

You can visit any Colorado DMV office to get your learner's permit. The state has offices in Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, Pueblo, and several smaller towns. You can find the full list and hours on the Colorado Department of Revenue website.

You do not need to schedule an appointment in advance — you can walk in during business hours. However, wait times vary by location and time of day. The DMV website shows current wait times for each office, updated every 15 minutes. If you want to avoid a long wait, go early in the morning or on a weekday rather than a weekend.

If you prefer to schedule ahead, some DMV offices allow you to book an appointment online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Check your local office to see if this option is available.

The cost and what happens after you pass

The fee for a Colorado learner's permit is $20. You can pay by cash, check, or debit or credit card at the DMV. If you fail the written test, you do not pay again to retake it — you can try again the same day or return another day at no extra cost.

Once you pass the written test, you will have your photo taken and your permit will be printed on the spot. You will receive a physical card that you must carry with you whenever you drive. The permit is valid for two years.

After you have held your learner's permit for at least 12 months and have logged at least 50 hours of supervised driving (10 of those at night), you can take the driving test to get your regular driver's license. You do not need to renew your permit or pay another fee — you straightforward schedule a driving test appointment at the DMV.

What to do if you lose your permit or it gets damaged

If your learner's permit is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any Colorado DMV office. Bring your proof of identity and residency again, just as you did for the original permit. The replacement fee is $20, the same as the original.

You do not need to retake the written test for a replacement — the DMV will issue a new card with the same expiration date as your original permit. If your permit was stolen, you may want to report it to the DMV in case someone tries to use it, though this is not required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit if I have a suspended or revoked license?

No. If your driver's license is currently suspended or revoked in Colorado or any other state, you cannot get a learner's permit. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first by paying any fines, completing required courses, or waiting out the suspension period, depending on why it was suspended.

Do I need to pass a vision test to get a learner's permit?

Yes. The DMV will test your vision as part of the permit process. You must be able to read a standard eye chart from 20 feet away. If you wear glasses or contacts, you can wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you will need to see an eye doctor and bring a vision correction certificate back to the DMV.

What if I move to Colorado from another state and already have a learner's permit?

Your out-of-state learner's permit is not valid in Colorado. You must get a Colorado learner's permit by taking the written test and following the same process as a first-time applicant. You can use your out-of-state permit to drive in Colorado for up to 30 days while you arrange to get the Colorado permit.

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

Yes. The Colorado DMV offers the written test in Spanish and several other languages. When you go to the DMV, let the staff know which language you need, and they will provide the test in that language.

What happens if I turn 18 before I get my learner's permit?

You can still get a learner's permit at 18 or older. The process is the same, except you do not need a parent or guardian to sign the process — you sign it yourself. The age restrictions on who can be in the car with you also change once you turn 18.