Learn how to get your CO learner's permit or driver's license and schedule your driving test in Colorado with this step-by-step guide. Discover what to expect, things you need, and how to get behind the wheel faster.
Pass your Colorado DMV driver's test the first time, guaranteed. Be fully prepared in days, not weeks with Premium.
Tell me more!
To drive in Colorado you are required to hold a valid minor or adult driver license. This is your full step-by-step guide that you will need to follow to get, renew or transfer your driver license easily and without hassle. Pro tip: If you're planning a road trip through Colorado's picturesque landscapes and might be driving a manual transmission vehicle, make sure you're equipped with the right skills. Learn the essentials with our How to Drive a Stick Shift guide.
Pro tip: Traversing Colorado's mountainous regions and urban streets demands skilled driving. Take advantage of our detailed tutorials on manual gear shifting and precise parallel parking. Improve your techniques for reverse parking and conducting three-point turns. Double-check that your mirrors are fine-tuned for maximum visibility. Practice your skills with our Online Driving Simulator, and if you're from outside the US, make sure to understand Colorado's international driver's license stipulations.
It is the basic license to operate any vehicle (including a low-power scooter) except a motorcycle or commercial vehicle. Read the CO Driver Handbook or take a free CO practice test.
These are commercial driver licenses (CDL) that allow you to operate any combination of vehicles with gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more provided the GVRW of the vehicle towed is more than 10,000 pounds (Class A); any vehicle with GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more or towing a vehicle with GVWR not in excess of 10,000 pounds (Class B); any single vehicle or combination of vehicles that transports 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or is placarded for transportation of hazardous materials (Class C). Read the CO CDL Manual or take a free CO CDL practice test.
It is a motorcycle endorsement that allows you to drive two or three-wheel motorcycles. You must possess a valid Colorado driver's license to apply for a motorcycle endorsement. Read the CO Motorcycle Operator Handbook or take a free CO motorcycle practice test.
To apply for a Class R driver license you should first apply for an instruction permit, pass a knowledge, vision and road skills test. This is your complete plan of action depending on your age.
Apply for Instruction Permit Apply for Minor Driver License Apply for Full (Adult) Driver LicenseFor drivers under 21, the driver instruction permit is the first stage in Colorado's Graduated Driver License Program. It allows you to practice driving, supervised by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age. The permit is valid for 3 years.
You must apply for the instruction permit in person at a DMV office that issues new permits. You can start the application process online before visiting a DMV office. Walk-ins are usually accepted, but you can make an appointment to help shorten your wait. Note that if you cannot demonstrate lawful presence in the US, you must make an appointment ( no walk-ins) with one of these offices: Westgate, Grand Junction and Colorado Springs to get your SB251 permit.
Select documentation with the help of this checklist.
Submit a completed Affidavit of Completion of a Driver Education Classroom Course (DR2956) showing that you completed the classroom or online portion of the driver education course or a Driver Awareness Class no longer than six months ago in the following cases:
If you are younger than 18, your parent or guardian must sign Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship (DR2460) in the presence of a DMV employee or a notary public.
Alternatively, bring the written test completion form from a driver education school (You must take the test by appointment at a DMV office if you cannot demonstrate your lawful presence in the US.)
Pay the fee of $16.80 for a regular permit or $48.19 for an SB251 permit by cash, check or credit card.
The DMV will issue you a temporary instruction permit, your actual permit will come in the mail before the temporary permit expires. Practice driving supervised by a licensed adult as you prepare to pass your drive skills test for a minor or adult driver's license, depending on your age. The permit will be valid for 3 years. If you haven't met all the requirements for a driver's license by the end of that period, the instruction permit will expire and you will have to renew it.
A minor driver license is the second stage of Colorado's Graduated Driver Licensing program. It allows you to drive the same kinds of vehicles that an adult driver license would allow you to drive but with significant restrictions:
Select documentation with the help of this checklist and submit your instruction permit.
If you are an emancipated minor, you must submit a completed Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship (DR2460). Your parent or guardian must sign it in the presence of a DMV employee or a Notary Public.
Your license will expire on the 20th day after your 21st birthday, unless it is an SB251 license. An SB251 minor license expires on the 20th day after your 21st birthday or in 3 years, whichever comes first. Between your 21st birthday and the expiration of your minor driver license, you must renew your driver license; this time, you will be issued a full adult driver license.
To apply for a Colorado Class R adult driver license, you must first hold a Colorado instruction permit, which certifies that you passed a vision exam and a written exam. As an adult (21 years of age or older), you are not required to hold the instruction permit for any minimum amount of time. You may take your drive skills test as soon as you feel you are able.
Minor license holder? Your minor driver license expires on the 20th day after your 21st birthday. (An SB251 minor license expires on the 20th day after your 21st birthday or in 3 years, whichever comes first.) Between your 21st birthday and the expiration of your minor driver license, you must renew your driver license; this time, you will be issued a full adult driver license. Check here how to renew your license.
First timer? Start with Step 1.
Instruction permit holder? Start with Step 7.
You must apply for the instruction permit in person at a DMV office that issues new permits. You can start the application process online before visiting a DMV office. Walk-ins are usually accepted, but you can make an appointment to help shorten your wait.
Note that if you cannot demonstrate lawful presence in the US, you must make an appointment (no walk-ins) with one of these offices: Westgate, Grand Junction and Colorado Springs to get your SB251 permit.
You are required to verify:
Select documentation with the help of this checklist.
Alternatively, bring the written test completion form from a driver education school (You must take the test by appointment at a DMV office if you cannot demonstrate your lawful presence in the US.)
Pay the fee of $16.80 for a regular permit or $48.19 for an SB251 permit by cash, check or credit card.
You can practice driving supervised by a licensed adult as you prepare to pass your drive skills test. You can take the drive skills test as soon as you are ready, even on the same day.
If you passed the test at a driving school, submit the Drive Test Completion Form that the driving school gives you. Alternatively, you can take the test at the DMV office by appointment only. You can make the appointment online for most test locations. Otherwise, call 303-205-5901. To take the test at a DMV office, you must provide a vehicle with a valid registration and proof of valid insurance. If you are applying for an SB251 license, you must take the test at a DMV office.
Pay the fee of $26.00 for a regular license or $79.58 for an SB251 license by cash, check or credit card.
The DMV will issue you a temporary driver license. You should receive your regular license in the mail. If you have not received it after 30 days, contact the DMV office where you applied for it or call 303-205-5948.
A regular adult driver license is valid for five years, whereas, an SB251 adult license is valid for three years and will expire on your birthday.
You can take the written exam at any driver license office on a walk-in basis or by appointment (which is recommended). You can schedule an appointment online. Alternatively, you can take your test at one of certified driving schools. If you are unable to demonstrate lawful presence in the U.S., you must make an appointment at a DMV office that offers these services.
What is included in the exam?The test consists of 25 multiple-choice questions that cover the contents of Colorado Driver Handbook , including road signs, driving under the influence, driving rules, safety rules and legal issues.
How will I know if I have passed?You’ll be given your grade when you are finished. You must score 80% or above in order to pass. You mustn’t miss more than 5 questions.
How to prepare for the test?Study Colorado Driver Handbook and take free practice tests available here. When you feel comfortable with your score, you are ready!
What common mistakes should I avoid?The most common mistake comes from not knowing enough information out of the handbook. This happens when people study solely with practice tests. Make sure you read the handbook first. Another problem is rushing through questions. Take your time and remember what you have studied.
When is the best time to arrive for my test?Save yourself the hassle and avoid Mondays, Fridays and days after holidays. These are the busiest days. Arrive at least 30 minutes before the driving license office closing time.
Can I take the test in any other language but English?The test is offered in English and Spanish. Third party schools may offer other languages. Translators are also allowed at the written test if necessary.
