Colorado learner's permits expire after one year from the date of issue, and you cannot renew them—you must pass the driving test to move to a regular license

A Colorado learner's permit is valid for exactly 12 months from the date the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles issues it. That date appears on the front of your permit card. Once that date passes, the permit is no longer valid for driving, and you cannot extend it or ask for extra time. Your only path forward is to pass the driving test and receive your regular driver's license.

If your permit expires before you are ready to test, you will need to start over: take the written test again, pay the permit fee again, and wait for a new one-year window. This is why understanding your expiration date matters before you schedule your driving test.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Colorado learner's permit expires exactly one year from the issue date printed on the front of your card.
  • Permits cannot be renewed or extended—once they expire, you must retake the written test and pay the fee again if you want to continue.
  • You must pass the driving test before your permit expires; there is no grace period or exception for scheduling delays.
  • If you let your permit expire, you lose any progress toward your license and must begin the learner's permit process from the start.

How to Find Your Permit Expiration Date

Your expiration date is printed on the front of your physical learner's permit card in the bottom right corner. It appears as a month and year (for example, 03/2025). Check this date as soon as you receive your permit so you know your important date for passing the driving test.

You can also log into your Colorado DMV account online using your driver's license number and date of birth to view your permit status and expiration date. This is useful if you have misplaced your physical card or want to confirm the exact date before scheduling your test appointment.

What Happens When Your Permit Expires

Once your permit expires, you are no longer legally allowed to drive, even with a licensed adult in the car. Driving with an expired permit is treated the same as driving without a permit and can result in a traffic citation. Your insurance will not cover any accident that occurs while you are driving on an expired permit.

If you have not yet passed your driving test, you cannot straightforward take the test on the day your permit expires or after. You must have a valid, unexpired permit in your possession at the time you take the test. If your permit has already expired, you will be turned away from the testing facility.

Retaking the Written Test After Expiration

If your permit expires before you pass the driving test, you must return to a Colorado DMV office and take the written knowledge test again. You will need to bring the same documents you brought for your first permit process: proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

You will pay the permit fee again (the current fee varies by age and document type, so check the DMV website for the exact amount). Once you pass the written test, you will receive a new learner's permit with a new one-year expiration date. You then have 12 months from that new date to pass your driving test.

Planning Your Driving Test Before Expiration

Schedule your driving test appointment well before your permit expires—ideally at least two to three weeks in advance. Colorado DMV driving test appointments fill up quickly, especially in urban areas like Denver and Colorado Springs. If you wait until the last week of your permit's validity, you may not find an available appointment slot before your permit expires.

When you call or book online to schedule your test, have your permit card in front of you so you can confirm your expiration date with the scheduling staff. Some testing locations will not book you if your permit expires within a certain number of days of your test date, so ask about this policy when you call.

What to Bring to Your Driving Test

You must bring your valid, unexpired learner's permit to your driving test appointment. You will also need to bring the vehicle you will be testing in, and it must pass a vehicle safety inspection (working lights, brakes, windshield wipers, and seat belts). Bring proof of insurance for that vehicle as well.

Arrive at least 15 minutes early. If you arrive after your scheduled appointment time, you may be turned away and will lose your appointment fee. You will need to reschedule and pay again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my driving test on the last day my permit is valid?

Yes, as long as you have a scheduled appointment for that day and you arrive on time with your valid permit. However, this is risky because any delay—traffic, a late start, or a scheduling error—could cause you to miss your appointment while your permit is still valid. It is safer to schedule your test at least two weeks before expiration.

What if I fail my driving test before my permit expires?

You can retake the test as many times as you need, as long as your permit has not expired. Each retest has a fee. You must wait at least one day between test attempts. Schedule your next appointment as soon as possible after a failed test so you have time for another attempt before your permit expires.

Do I have to retake the written test if my permit expires?

Yes. You cannot renew an expired permit. You must return to a DMV office, take the written knowledge test again, pay the permit fee again, and receive a new permit with a new expiration date. There is no exception or shortcut for this process.

Can I drive with an expired permit if I have already scheduled my driving test?

No. Having a scheduled test appointment does not extend your permit or give you permission to drive after it expires. You must have a valid, unexpired permit in your possession to drive legally. If your permit expires before your test date, you cannot take the test until you have obtained a new permit.

What if I was sick or had an emergency and could not take my test before my permit expired?

Colorado DMV does not grant extensions or exceptions for expired permits, even in cases of illness or emergency. You will need to retake the written test, pay the fee, and start a new one-year permit period. If you know you will not be able to test before expiration, contact your local DMV office as soon as possible to discuss your situation.