What the Colorado Learner's Permit Test Covers

Colorado's learner's permit test is a written exam administered by the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You must pass it before you can drive with a supervising adult. The test has two parts: a knowledge section on traffic laws and road signs, and a vision screening.

The knowledge section contains 25 multiple-choice questions drawn from the Colorado Driver Handbook. You need a score of 80 percent or higher to pass, which means you can miss no more than 5 questions. The test covers right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, seat belt laws, impaired driving consequences, and how to read common road signs and pavement markings.

The vision screening tests your ability to read letters and numbers on a chart from a specific distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, you must wear them during the test. If you fail the vision portion, you cannot proceed to the knowledge test that day.

Key Takeaways

  • The test is 25 multiple-choice questions, and you must score 80 percent or higher to pass.
  • You can take the test at any Colorado DMV office during regular business hours without an appointment at most locations.
  • The Colorado Driver Handbook, available free online and in print at DMV offices, contains all the material covered on the test.
  • If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at most DMV offices, though some locations may require you to wait a few hours.
  • You must bring a valid form of identification and proof of your Social Security number to test day.

How to Prepare for the Test

The Colorado Driver Handbook is your primary study resource. You can read it as a PDF from the Colorado DMV website or pick up a printed copy at any DMV office. Read through the entire handbook at least once, paying close attention to sections on traffic signs, right-of-way, speed limits, and parking rules.

Many people find it helpful to focus on the road sign section, since sign recognition makes up a significant portion of the test. The handbook includes images of each sign and explains what it means. Practice identifying signs by their shape and color — for example, octagon signs are always stop signs, and diamond-shaped signs warn of hazards ahead.

Some Colorado DMV offices offer practice tests on computers at their locations. Call your local office to ask whether this service is available. You can also study using the handbook's review questions, though the actual test questions are not published online.

What to Bring and Where to Test

Bring a valid form of identification to your test appointment. Acceptable forms include a passport, school ID with a photo, a birth certificate paired with a photo ID, or a tribal ID. You must also bring proof of your Social Security number — either your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form.

You can take the test at any Colorado DMV office. Most offices do not require an appointment for the learner's permit test, though you should arrive early because testing is offered on a first-come, first-served basis during specific hours. Call ahead to confirm your local office's testing hours, as they vary by location.

Testing is typically available Monday through Friday during regular DMV business hours. Some offices offer limited Saturday hours. If you live in a rural area far from a DMV office, contact your county clerk's office — some counties offer testing at satellite locations.

Test Day: What Happens and How Long It Takes

When you arrive, you will check in at the DMV counter and tell staff you are taking the learner's permit test. You will be asked to verify your identity and Social Security number. A DMV employee will then conduct your vision screening before you take the knowledge test.

The knowledge test is administered on a computer at most Colorado DMV offices. You will sit at a terminal and answer 25 multiple-choice questions. You have no time limit, though most people finish in 15 to 20 minutes. You will see your score when ready after you submit your answers.

The entire process, from check-in to results, usually takes 30 to 45 minutes if you pass the vision screening. If you fail the knowledge test, you can retake it the same day at most locations, though some offices ask you to wait a few hours or return another day. There is no additional fee for retesting on the same day.

If You Fail the Test

If you score below 80 percent, you do not pass and cannot obtain your learner's permit that day. You will receive a score report showing which topics gave you trouble. Review those sections in the Colorado Driver Handbook and study for at least a few days before retesting.

You can retake the test as many times as you need. There is no limit on the number of attempts, and each retest costs the same as the first test. Most people pass on their second or third attempt after focused study on the areas where they struggled.

If you fail multiple times, consider asking a parent, guardian, or experienced driver to quiz you on the handbook material. Sometimes hearing the information explained in different words helps it stick.

Test Fees and What Comes Next

The learner's permit test itself has no separate fee. However, when you pass the test and receive your learner's permit, you will pay a fee for the permit itself. As of 2024, Colorado charges $20 for a learner's permit valid for two years. Fees can change, so confirm the current amount with your local DMV office.

Once you pass the test and pay the fee, you will receive your learner's permit when ready. Your permit is valid for two years. During this time, you must follow Colorado's graduated driver licensing rules: you can only drive with a licensed adult age 21 or older in the front seat, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you must follow all traffic laws.

After holding your learner's permit for at least 12 months and meeting other requirements, you can take the road test to earn your driver's license. The road test is a separate appointment and covers your ability to operate the vehicle safely.

Common Test Mistakes to Avoid

Many test-takers miss questions about right-of-way at four-way stops and uncontrolled intersections. Study the rules carefully: at a four-way stop, the first vehicle to stop has the right to go first, and if two vehicles stop at the same time, the one on the right goes first.

Another frequent error involves speed limits in residential areas and school zones. Colorado's default residential speed limit is 25 mph unless otherwise posted. School zones have a 20 mph limit when children are present. Read the handbook's section on speed limits more than once.

Do not guess randomly on questions you are unsure about. If you do not know an answer, read all four choices carefully and eliminate the ones that are clearly wrong. Often the correct answer becomes obvious once you narrow it down.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the test online or by mail?

No. Colorado requires you to take the learner's permit test in person at a DMV office. The vision screening must be conducted by DMV staff, and the test is administered on a computer at the office.

What if I fail the vision screening?

If you fail the vision screening, you cannot take the knowledge test that day. You may be able to retake the vision screening after correcting the problem — for example, by getting new glasses if your prescription has changed. Contact your local DMV office to ask about retesting.

Do I need to study the entire handbook or just certain sections?

Study the entire handbook. While some sections are tested more heavily than others, you cannot predict which questions will appear on your test. The handbook is not long, and reading it all the way through takes only a few hours.

What happens if I pass the test but do not pay the permit fee right away?

Your test results are valid for a set period. You must pay the permit fee and complete the permit issuance process on the same day or within a short window. Ask the DMV staff how long your passing score remains valid if you cannot pay when ready.

Can someone take the test for me or help me during the test?

No. The test is proctored, meaning a DMV employee watches to may support you answer the questions yourself. You cannot use notes, phones, or any other materials during the test. Cheating will result in disqualification and possible legal consequences.