What you need to do to get a Colorado driver's license

To get a driver's license in Colorado, you will visit a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person, pass a written test about traffic laws, pass a driving test, and provide documents that prove your identity and Colorado residency. The whole process usually takes several weeks from start to finish, though you can get a temporary permit to drive while you wait for your license to arrive in the mail.

Colorado issues licenses to people age 16 and older. If you are under 18, the rules are stricter — you must hold a permit for a certain amount of time and follow rules about when and where you can drive. If you already have a license from another state, you can transfer it without retaking the driving test, though you will still need to pass the written test and provide Colorado residency proof.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Colorado DMV office in person with documents proving your identity and that you live in Colorado.
  • You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, then a behind-the-wheel driving test with a DMV examiner.
  • If you are under 18, you must first get a permit and hold it for a set time before you can take the driving test.
  • Your physical license arrives by mail in about two weeks; you can get a temporary paper license to drive when ready after passing both tests.
  • If you hold a valid license from another state, you can skip the driving test but must still pass the written test and prove Colorado residency.

Documents you need to bring to the DMV

Colorado requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof that you live in Colorado. These do not have to be three separate documents — one document can cover more than one requirement.

For identity, bring a passport, a birth certificate, a military ID, or a tribal ID. For Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. For Colorado residency, bring a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government check addressed to you at your Colorado address. All documents must show your current name and address. If your name has changed, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

If you are under 18, you must also bring a parent or guardian with you to the DMV office. They will need to sign your process in person.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 25 questions about Colorado traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 20 questions correctly to pass. The test covers things like speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, and what to do in bad weather or emergencies.

Colorado provides a free study guide called the Colorado Driver Handbook on the DMV website. You can read it online or request a printed copy at any DMV office. Many people study the handbook for a few days before taking the test. The test is given on a computer at the DMV office, and you get your results right away.

If you do not pass, you can take the test again the same day or come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, though you will pay the test fee each time.

The driving test and how it works

After you pass the written test, you schedule a behind-the-wheel driving test with a DMV examiner. The examiner sits in the car with you and watches you drive for about 20 to 30 minutes. They will ask you to do things like turn, merge, park, and stop at traffic lights. They are looking to see whether you follow traffic laws, stay in control of the car, and react safely to other drivers and road conditions.

You must bring your own car to the test, and it must be in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and horn before you start. You must also bring proof that the car is insured. If you do not own a car, some DMV offices have cars you can use for a fee, though you should call ahead to ask.

If you do not pass, you can retake the test after waiting a few days. Most people pass on their second or third attempt. Bring the same documents and fees each time you come back.

Different rules if you are under 18

If you are under 18, you must first get a learner's permit before you can take the driving test. To get a permit, you pass the written test and pay the permit fee. With a permit, you can drive only when a licensed adult age 21 or older is in the front seat next to you.

You must hold the permit for at least 12 months before you can take the driving test. During that time, you cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free. Once you have held the permit for 12 months and passed the driving test, you get a provisional license. A provisional license has the same restrictions as a permit until you turn 18.

If you are 16 or 17 and hold a provisional license, you cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m., and you cannot have more than one passenger under age 21 in the car unless a parent or guardian is present. These rules end when you turn 18 and get a full license.

Transferring a license from another state

If you already have a valid driver's license from another state and you move to Colorado, you can transfer it without taking the driving test again. You will still need to pass the written test about Colorado traffic laws, bring your out-of-state license and proof of Colorado residency to the DMV, and pay the license fee.

Your out-of-state license must not be suspended or revoked. If it is, you will need to take both the written and driving tests. Bring the same identity and residency documents you would need for a new license, plus your current out-of-state license.

Timeline and costs

The written test usually happens the same day you visit the DMV, as long as you bring all required documents. The driving test is scheduled for a later date — wait times vary by location and season, but usually range from one to four weeks. After you pass both tests, your physical license is mailed to you and arrives within about two weeks.

You can drive when ready after passing the driving test by getting a temporary paper license at the DMV office. This temporary license is valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive.

Fees vary slightly by type of license and how long it is valid. A standard driver's license costs around $30 to $35 for a four-year license or $50 to $55 for an eight-year license. A learner's permit costs around $20. You will also pay a small fee each time you take the written or driving test if you need to retake it. Bring cash or a debit card — not all DMV offices accept credit cards.

Finding a DMV office and scheduling your test

Colorado has DMV offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Colorado DMV website. Some offices take walk-ins, but many require you to schedule an appointment online or by phone. Scheduling ahead usually means a shorter wait time.

When you call or go online to schedule, you will choose whether you want to take the written test, the driving test, or both. If you are taking the driving test, you must bring your own car or arrange to use one of the DMV's cars if your location offers that service. Check the website for your local office to see what services they offer and what hours they are open.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online from home?

No, the written test must be taken in person at a Colorado DMV office. You cannot take it online or by mail. However, you can study the Colorado Driver Handbook online before you go to the DMV.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test after a waiting period of a few days. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Each time you retake it, you pay the test fee again. Most people pass within two or three attempts.

Do I need to take a driving test if I transfer my license from another state?

No, you do not need to take the driving test if your out-of-state license is valid and not suspended. You will still need to pass the written test about Colorado traffic laws and bring proof of Colorado residency to the DMV.

How long can I drive on a learner's permit?

You must hold a learner's permit for at least 12 months before you can take the driving test. During that time, you can only drive when a licensed adult age 21 or older is in the front seat with you.

What if I lose my license or it gets damaged?

You can get a replacement license at any Colorado DMV office. Bring your identity and residency documents and pay a replacement fee, which is usually around $10 to $15. You do not need to retake any tests.