What you need to know about Colorado's adult learner's permit

Colorado's adult learner's permit (also called an instruction permit) lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car before you take your road test. You can get one at any age if you have never held a driver's license, or if your license has been suspended or revoked. The permit itself costs $20 and lasts for one year from the date you receive it.

You do not need a permit to practice if you already hold a valid driver's license from another state or country — you can go straight to scheduling a road test. But if you are starting from scratch or your Colorado license is no longer valid, the permit is your first step.

Key Takeaways

  • You can get an adult learner's permit at any Colorado DMV office by bringing your ID, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number, then passing a written knowledge test.
  • The permit costs $20, is valid for one year, and requires a licensed adult driver to sit in the front passenger seat whenever you drive.
  • You must be at least 16 years old to hold a permit, but there is no upper age limit.
  • Once you have the permit, you can schedule a road test at the same DMV office or online through the Colorado DMV website.

Documents you must bring to the DMV

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or state ID card. This proves your identity and age. If you do not have one of these, a Colorado DMV office can tell you what other documents they will accept.

You also need proof of Colorado residency — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days, with your name and current address on it. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.

Finally, bring proof of your Social Security number. This can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

The written knowledge test

At the DMV, you will take a written test on Colorado traffic laws and safe driving. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You get one attempt per visit, so if you do not pass, you can come back another day and try again.

The test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs. You can study using the free Colorado Driver's Manual, available on the Colorado DMV website as a PDF or in print at any DMV office. Many people also use online practice tests to prepare.

The test is given on a computer at the DMV office. You do not need to bring anything except your documents — the DMV provides the test.

Getting your permit after you pass the test

Once you pass the written test, you will have your photo taken and pay the $20 fee. The DMV will issue your permit on the spot — you walk out with it the same day. Your permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it.

Keep your permit with you whenever you drive. You must show it to a police officer if you are stopped, just like a driver's license.

Rules for driving with your permit

You must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front passenger seat next to you at all times. This person can be a friend, family member, or paid instructor — Colorado does not require a specific relationship. The supervising driver is responsible for making sure you follow the rules.

You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive with only passengers in the back seat. If you are caught driving without a supervising licensed driver, your permit can be suspended or revoked, and you may face a fine.

There are no restrictions on the times of day you can drive or the roads you can use — unlike teen learner's permits in some states, Colorado's adult permit has no curfew or highway ban. You can drive on interstates, at night, and anywhere else a licensed driver can go, as long as your supervising driver is with you.

When you are ready to take your road test

You can schedule a road test once you have your permit and feel ready to drive. There is no waiting period — you can take the test the same day you get your permit if you want, though most people practice for a few weeks or months first.

Schedule your test online through the Colorado DMV website or by calling your local DMV office. The road test costs $30 and takes about 30 minutes. You will drive on local roads while a DMV examiner watches and scores your performance on steering, braking, parking, and following traffic laws.

Bring your permit, your supervising driver, and a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the vehicle's lights, wipers, and brakes before the test begins.

What happens if your permit expires

Your permit is good for one year. If you do not take your road test before it expires, you will need to get a new permit and pay the $20 fee again. You will also have to retake the written knowledge test.

If you pass your road test before your permit expires, you will receive your driver's license. The license costs an additional $30 and is valid for five years (or until age 21 if you are younger than that when you get it).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an adult learner's permit if my license was suspended or revoked?

Yes. You can get a permit to practice driving again. However, you will need to meet any other requirements the court or DMV imposed — for example, if your license was suspended for unpaid fines, you may need to pay those fines before the DMV will issue a new permit. Contact your local DMV office to find out what applies to your situation.

Do I have to use a paid driving instructor, or can I practice with a friend?

You can practice with any licensed driver who is at least 21 years old. You do not have to hire an instructor. Many people practice with a family member or friend for free, then take a few lessons with an instructor before the road test if they want extra help.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it. There is no waiting period between attempts, so you can study the manual and come back the next day if you want. Each attempt costs $20, so you pay again when you retake the test.

Can I drive out of state with my Colorado learner's permit?

No. Your permit is only valid in Colorado. If you travel to another state, you cannot drive there on a Colorado learner's permit. You would need a valid driver's license from that state or your home state.

How long should I practice before taking the road test?

Colorado does not set a minimum number of practice hours. Most people practice for several weeks or months to build confidence and muscle memory. Talk to your supervising driver about when you feel ready — they can tell you if they think you need more practice.