What You Need to Do to Get a Colorado Learner's Permit

A Colorado learner's permit (also called a Instruction Permit) lets you drive with a licensed adult in the car. You get it from the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and the process involves passing a written test, providing documents, and paying a fee. The whole thing usually takes one visit to a DMV office, though you should bring the right documents the first time to avoid a second trip.

You must be at least 15 years old and a Colorado resident to get one. If you are under 18, you also need a parent or guardian to sign your process in person at the DMV office — you cannot do this online or by mail. The permit is valid for two years from the date you receive it.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15 years old, a Colorado resident, and bring a parent or guardian to the DMV office if you are under 18.
  • Bring proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency, your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, and a completed process form.
  • You will take a written knowledge test at the DMV covering traffic laws and road signs; passing requires a score of at least 80 percent.
  • The permit fee is $20.25 and the permit is valid for two years from the date of issue.
  • Once you have the permit, you must follow all restrictions: a licensed adult 21 or older must be in the front seat, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless a parent or guardian is in the car.

Documents You Must Bring to the DMV

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. The DMV will not accept documents that are expired, altered, or damaged beyond recognition. If you do not have one of these documents, contact the issuing agency before your DMV visit.

You need proof of identity: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a school ID with a photo, or a tribal ID. You also need proof of Colorado residency: a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a property tax bill. The document must show your name and current Colorado address and be dated within the last 60 days.

Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You will need to provide this in writing on your process. If you do not have either, the DMV can issue you a Colorado ID number instead, but you will need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration or USCIS stating that you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number.

If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must be present with a photo ID. They will sign the process in front of the DMV clerk. If only one parent has custody, bring the custody order or court document proving this.

The process Form and Written Test

You will fill out Form DL 44 at the DMV office. The clerk will help you if you have questions, but you should read through it before you arrive so you know what information to bring. The form asks for your name, date of birth, address, Social Security number, and whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving.

After you submit the form, you will take the written knowledge test on a computer at the DMV. The test has 25 questions about Colorado traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 20 questions correctly (80 percent) to pass. You get one chance per visit; if you fail, you can retake the test on another day, but you will have to pay the fee again.

The DMV provides a free study guide called the Colorado Driver Handbook, available on the DMV website and in print at any DMV office. Most questions on the test come directly from this handbook, so reading it thoroughly is the best way to prepare.

Fees and Payment

The instruction permit costs $20.25. The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may have restrictions on payment methods, so call ahead if you want to confirm. There are no additional fees if you fail the test and retake it, but you will pay the $20.25 again for each attempt.

If you lose your permit or it is damaged, you can get a replacement for $8.75. If your permit expires and you want to renew it, you will pay the full $20.25 fee again and retake the written test.

Restrictions That explore Once You Have the Permit

An instruction permit is not the same as a regular driver's license. You must follow specific rules or you can lose the permit and face fines. A licensed driver who is 21 years old or older must be in the front seat with you at all times while you are driving. This person is responsible for supervising you and can be held liable if you break traffic laws.

You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless a parent, guardian, or spouse is in the car. This applies even if you are 17 or 18 years old. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in a genuine emergency.

You must obey all other traffic laws: speed limits, traffic signals, seat belt rules, and parking regulations. Violating these rules while on a permit can result in a ticket, and the violation will be recorded on your driving record.

Where to Go and How to Schedule Your Visit

You can visit any Colorado DMV office to get your permit. The DMV has locations in most counties; you can find the office nearest you on the Colorado DMV website. Some offices are busier than others, especially on weekends and after school hours, so plan to arrive early or go on a weekday morning if possible.

You do not need an appointment for a learner's permit in most Colorado DMV offices, but some locations now offer online scheduling to reduce wait times. Check the DMV website for your local office to see if scheduling is available. If you go without an appointment, expect to wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on the time of day and day of the week.

Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged while you wait. Have your parent or guardian bring their photo ID as well.

What Happens After You Pass the Test

Once you pass the written test, the DMV clerk will take your photo and print your instruction permit on the spot. You will receive the physical permit card when ready, usually within a few minutes. The permit is valid for two years from the date it is issued.

Keep your permit with you whenever you drive. You must show it to a police officer if you are stopped, along with proof of insurance. Driving without your permit in the car is a violation, even if you passed the test and have the permit at home.

Your instruction permit is the first step toward a regular driver's license. In Colorado, you must hold the permit for at least 12 months and be at least 16 years old before you can take the driving test for a regular license. During those 12 months, you will practice driving with a licensed adult and build the skills you need to pass the road test.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the same day or come back another day. Each attempt costs $20.25. Most people pass on the second try if they study the Colorado Driver Handbook more carefully. There is no limit on how many times you can retake the test.

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

Yes. Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration or USCIS stating that you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number. The DMV will assign you a Colorado ID number instead, and you can proceed with your permit process.

What if my parent cannot come to the DMV with me?

If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present in person to sign the process. If your parent is out of state or unable to attend, you cannot get the permit until they can come with you. There is no way around this requirement.

Can I drive alone once I have the instruction permit?

No. You must have a licensed driver who is 21 or older in the front seat at all times. Driving alone on an instruction permit is illegal and can result in a ticket and loss of your permit.

How long is the instruction permit valid?

Your instruction permit is valid for two years from the date you receive it. After two years, it expires and you cannot drive on it. If you have not yet taken the road test for a regular license, you will need to get a new instruction permit and retake the written test.