Skip to main content
Hero background

Colorado

Study the Colorado driver's handbook to learn the rules, but take practice tests to pass the exam. Practice tests like the Colorado driver's license renewal test and the Colorado teen permit practice test really show you what you've learned.

PICK A Colorado DMV PRACTICE TEST TO START:

Driver's License
Just Moved? Renewing your License? Practice here!
Driver's License
Driver's Permit
Teens! Get your practice permit test here!
Driver's Permit
Motorcycle
Your Permit to Ride starts here!
Motorcycle
CDL
Get your Commercial Endorsements practice here!
CDL
Jump to:

Colorado DMV Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

  • After You Have Passed the Driving Exam (or Road Test)
  • Applying For Your Colorado License
  • Preparing For Your CO Driving Exam (Or Road Test)
  • Preparing For Your CO Permit Test
  • Renewing Your CO License
  • Taking Your CO Driving Exam (Or Road Test)
  • Taking Your CO Permit Test
  • What If I Failed My Road Test?
  • What If I'm Moving to Colorado or Just Visiting?
What happens after I pass my CO road test?

If you're younger than 21 years old:

  • You'll receive your minor license.
    • This is valid until 20 days after your 21st
    • You must abide by all restrictions on this license, including:
      • Not driving between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m.
      • Not having passengers under 21 years old, unless a parent, guardian or licensed driver 21 years old or older is in the car with you.

If you're 21 years old or older:

  • You'll receive your full, adult license.

Can I choose where I have my photo taken for my driver's license?

No. Your photo will be taken at whichever DMV office you go to when you're issued your license.

If I'm under 18, are there any limits to my driver's license?

Yes. Colorado drivers under 18 years old must NOT:

  • Drive between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m.
  • Have any passengers under 21 years old.

These rules may be waived if:

  • Your parent or guardian is in the car with you.
  • A licensed driver age 21 or older is in the car with you.
  • Your passengers are your siblings.
  • You're driving due to a medical emergency.

Once I get my CO permit, what do I need to do before I can drive with my parents?

Once you get your permit, you should be able to drive with your parents.

If you're under 18 years old, you're required to have the person who signed your Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship form'usually a parent or guardian'with you in the car at all times.

Once you're 18 years old or older, you can drive with any licensed driver who's at least 21 years old.

Once I have my permit, who can I drive with?

While driving on your Colorado permit, you may NOT drive with anyone younger than 21 years old, unless:

  • A licensed parent or guardian is present.
  • The passenger is your sibling.

All other passengers must:

  • Be at least 21 years old.

AND

  • Have had a license for at least 1 year.

What are the auto insurance requirements for CO drivers?

All Colorado drivers are required to have liability insurance. Additional insurance coverage may be purchased, but is not required.

Teen Learners Permit

Basic
Advanced
Our Test
License Tests Variations
Number of Questions in Pool
Easy Online Practice
Print and take With You "Cheat Sheet"
Guaranteed to Pass OR YOUR MONEY BACK?
Drivers Permit Practice Package Price
unlimited
50
No
Guaranteed to Pass OR YOUR MONEY BACK?
$9.95
unlimited
100
Guaranteed to Pass OR YOUR MONEY BACK?
$19.95
1
20
No
No Cost

Drivers License Renewal

Basic
Advanced
Our Test
License Tests Variations
Number of Questions in Pool
Easy Online Practice
Print and take With You "Cheat Sheet"
Guaranteed to Pass OR YOUR MONEY BACK?
Drivers Permit Practice Package Price
unlimited
50
No
Guaranteed to Pass OR YOUR MONEY BACK?
$9.95
unlimited
100
Guaranteed to Pass OR YOUR MONEY BACK?
$19.95
1
20
No
No Cost

New to State Drivers

Basic
Advanced
Our Test
License Tests Variations
Number of Questions in Pool
Easy Online Practice
Print and take With You "Cheat Sheet"
Guaranteed to Pass OR YOUR MONEY BACK?
Drivers Permit Practice Package Price
unlimited
50
No
Guaranteed to Pass OR YOUR MONEY BACK?
$9.95
unlimited
100
Guaranteed to Pass OR YOUR MONEY BACK?
$19.95
1
20
No
No Cost

Motorcycle Permit

Basic
Advanced
Our Test
Motorcycle Permit Practice Packages
Test Variations
Number of Questions in Pool
Easy Online Practice
State Specific Questions
$9.95
unlimited
50
$14.95
unlimited
100
No Cost
1
15

Commercial License

Basic
Advanced
Our Test
CDL Package Price
CDL Tests Variations
Number of Questions in Pool
Easy Online Practice
State Specific Questions
$9.95
unlimited
50
$14.95
unlimited
100
No Cost
1
20

How To Get A Colorado Driver’ License

Driving is a wonderful privilege—but it’s not a right. You have to earn the opportunity, through a series of tests and other requirements.

How to get your driver’s license in Colorado will look different, depending on whether you’re a brand new driver—of any age; a currently-licensed driver from out-of-state; or looking to earn more advanced licenses, including a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or motorcycle license.

But below are the general requirements for earning a driver’s license in Colorado, no matter who you are—or what you want to drive.

First-Time Driver’s License for Minors (Under Age 21)

The first step toward earning your Colorado driver’s license is getting your permit.

That process looks different, depending on your age.

Permit: If You’re Under 16 Years Old

You can apply for your Colorado driving permit when you’re 15 years old. But if you’re under 16, you must have some driver’s education experience before you can apply:

If you’re 15 years to 15 years, 6 months old, you must pass a 30-hour driver education course.

If you’re 15 years, 6 months to 16 years old, you can either:

  • Pass a 30-hour driver education course.

OR

  • Complete a 4-hour driver awareness course.

Once your education is complete, you’ll have to pass your knowledge test. (And you might want to study for that first.)

When you’re ready, schedule an appointment with the Colorado DMV, and make sure to bring:

Once you pass the test, present the appropriate documents, and pay the fee, you’ll have your permit.

Permit: If You’re 16 or 17 Years Old

No formal education is required to pursue your permit if you’re at least 16 years old in Colorado. The first step is passing the knowledge test – though it might be helpful to practice  beforehand.

To get your permit, you’ll have to schedule an appointment with the Colorado DMV and bring:

Once you pass the test, present the appropriate documents, and pay the fee, you’ll have your permit.

Permit: If You’re Between 18 and 20 Years Old

You don’t need a formal education nor adult permission to apply for your permit in Colorado if you’re 18 or older. You can take the knowledge test right away—although, studying for it will probably be helpful.

To get the process started, simply schedule an appointment with the CO DMV and bring:

Passing the test, paying the fee, and presenting all the right documents will get you your permit.

Driver’s License: If You’re Under 16 Years, 6 Months

If you’re applying for a minor driver’s license in Colorado, you must practice on your permit for at least 12 months before you can apply.

If you’re under 16 years, 6 months old once those 12 months are up, you’ll also have to complete additional behind-the-wheel training before you can begin the application process.

You can satisfy this requirement by either:

*This situation only applies if there is no DMV-approved school offering at least 20 hours per week of driver’s ed courses within 30 miles of your official address. You’ll also have to prove to the DMV that there are no appropriate schools within the mile range.

After your behind-the-wheel training is complete, the process will look the same as anyone applying who’s between 16 years, 6 months old and 18 years old. See below for more details.

Driver’s License: If You’re Between 16 Years, 6 Months and 18 Years Old

Before you can apply for your minor driver’s license in Colorado, you’ll need to:

  • Practice on your permit for at least 12 months.
  • Complete—and log—at least 50 hours of drive time with a parent or guardian.
    • At least 10 hours must be at night.
  • Pass the driving test.

Driver tests in Colorado are administered through state-approved driver’s ed programs. Make sure to ask when scheduling your appointment if you’ll need to bring additional paperwork to the school.

After all the above is complete, schedule an appointment with the CO Department of Motor Vehicles and bring:

  • Your permit.
  • Your completed driver log sheets.
    • Must be signed by the same person who signed your Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship.
  • Your behind-the-wheel completion certificate, if applicable.
  • The appropriate identification documents.
  • The minor driver’s license fee.

The state of Colorado will then issue you a minor driver’s license. This is valid for 3 years or 20 days after your 21st birthday, whichever comes first.

Driver’s License: If You’re Between 18 Years and 21 Years Old

The process is a bit more streamlined if you’re between 18 or 21.

To apply for your driver’s license at this point, you’ll simply have to:

Once that’s been completed, schedule an appointment with the CO DMV and bring:

  • Your permit.
  • Your driving skills test completion certificate.
  • The appropriate identification documents.
  • The minor driver’s license fee.

The state of Colorado will then issue you a minor driver’s license. This is valid for 3 years or 20 days after your 21st birthday, whichever comes first.

First-Time Driver’s License, Age 21 and Up

Getting your first-time license in Colorado as an adult starts with getting your permit.

And that process begins with passing your written knowledge test. (You might find it helpful to take a practice test beforehand!)

When you feel ready, schedule an appointment with the Department of Motor Vehicles and bring:

Passing the test, paying the fee, and presenting all the right documents will get you your permit. You can then apply for your driver’s license. (There’s no official wait time between earning your permit and applying for your license as an adult.)

Colorado administers all driving skills tests through approved third-party schools. Make sure to ask when you schedule your appointment if the school will need you to bring any additional paperwork.

Once you pass your driving test, schedule an appointment with the DMV and bring:

The state will then issue your adult driver’s license, which is valid for 3 years.

Transferring an Out-of-State Permits and Licenses to Colorado

You can transfer your out-of-state license or instructional permit in Colorado. Again, the process varies by age:

16 to 17-Year-Old Permit Holders

You’ll be allowed ONE drive test to transfer your out-of-state permit if you’re between 16 and 17 years old. The test will be through a state-approved Driver’s Ed program.

To qualify, you’ll also have to:

  • Have your permit for at least 12 months.
  • Complete the drive log requirements. (See above.)
  • Have a parent or guardian sign an Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship form.
  • Complete the state’s behind-the-wheel requirements, if you’re younger than 16 years, 6 months old. (See above.)

If all of the above applies and you pass your test, schedule an appointment with the CO DMV and bring:

The state will then transfer your out-of-state permit.

18-Year-Old or Older Permit Holders

To transfer your out-of-state permit, you’ll have to purchase a new one at the Colorado DMV.

You can then turn that permit into a license by passing a driving test with a state-approved Driver’s Ed program. Once passed, visit a DMV location and bring:

Out-of-State License Holders

If you hold a valid out-of-state license, no matter your age, you can transfer it to Colorado. You must do so within 30 days of moving to the state.

Simply schedule an appointment with the appropriate CO DMV office and bring:

The state will then issue you a new Colorado license.

Colorado DMV Motorcycle Permit & License Info

Colorado Motorcycle License

Colorado doesn’t issue motorcycle licenses, but will offer a motorcycle endorsement for a regular driver’s license. Therefore, you must have a Colorado driver’s license to apply.

The first step is obtaining your motorcycle permit. You’ll have to schedule an appointment with the DMV and:

  • Pass the Colorado motorcycle written knowledge exam.
  • Bring:

If you’re under 18 years old, you’ll also have to:

Regardless, when you’re ready to apply for your endorsement, you’ll need to pass the Colorado motorcycle skills test.

Schedule the test through a state-approved program, then return to the DMV with:

  • Your valid motorcycle permit.
  • The skills test completion certificate.
  • Your driver’s license.
  • Proof of identity.
  • The motorcycle endorsement fee.

At that point, the state will issue your motorcycle endorsement.

You can also earn your endorsement directly through a special Motorcycle Operator Safety Training course.

After passing the course, you’ll be issued a completion certificate. Take that to the DMV, along with the state’s motorcycle endorsement fee, and you’ll be issued a new license with a motorcycle endorsement.

Colorado CDL Requirements

Colorado Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

To get your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Colorado, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Have a current, valid driver’s license.

Once those requirements are met, the first step is earning your commercial learner’s permit (CLP). That starts by passing a knowledge test. (Education is not required but highly recommended.)

Schedule an appointment with the CO DMV and bring:

Once all appropriate documents are handed in and the test is passed, you’ll be issued your CPL. You’ll have to practice on this for a minimum of 180 days before you can apply for your CDL.

Turning your permit into a license starts by returning to the DMV to take your driving skills test. After you passed, you’ll have 60 days to return to the DMV and bring:

  • Your CPL.
  • Proof of your Social Security number.
  • Your Medical Examiner’s Certificate.
  • Your skills test completion certificate.
  • The Colorado CDL fee.

The state will then issue your full CDL, which is valid for 4 years.

Colorado DMV Handbooks

Colorado CDL Handbook

Colorado CDL Handbook

Colorado CDL Handbook
Colorado Driver's License Handbook

Colorado Driver's License Handbook

Colorado Driver's License Handbook
Colorado Motorcycle Handbook

Colorado Motorcycle Handbook

Colorado Motorcycle Handbook