What you need to know before you start

Colorado issues driver licenses through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You will need to pass a written test, a vision test, and a driving test. The process takes multiple visits — you cannot complete it in one day. Most people spend between two and four weeks from their first visit to their final road test, though this varies depending on how quickly you schedule appointments and how many attempts you need.

You must be at least 16 years old to get a driver license in Colorado. If you are 16 or 17, you will get a restricted license first, which limits when and where you can drive. At 18, you can convert to an unrestricted license without retesting.

The entire process costs money at each stage. You pay for the written test, the driving test, and the license itself. Fees change year to year, so confirm the current cost when you call or visit the DMV website.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit the DMV at least twice: once to take the written and vision tests, and again to take the driving test after you pass the written exam.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of Colorado residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate) to your first appointment.
  • You must pass the written test before you can schedule a driving test, and you must pass the driving test before you receive your license.
  • If you are under 18, your license will have restrictions on when you can drive and how many passengers you can carry; these restrictions lift automatically at 18.

Documents you need to bring to the DMV

Bring your original Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you do not have your card, you can bring a W-2 form, a tax return, or a Social Security statement from ssa.gov.

Bring proof that you live in Colorado. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address will work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A driver license from another state does not count as proof of residency.

Bring a document that proves your identity and date of birth. A U.S. passport, birth certificate, or passport card all work. If you are under 18, you may also need a parent or guardian to sign documents at the DMV.

If you have a Colorado ID card already, bring it. If you are renewing a license from another state, bring that license too.

Taking the written test

Schedule an appointment at your local DMV office online or by phone. Walk-ins are accepted at some locations, but appointment slots fill quickly. You can find your nearest office and book a time on the Colorado DMV website.

The written test covers Colorado traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You can take the test on a computer at the DMV office. The test is offered in English and several other languages.

You will also take a vision test at this appointment. You must be able to read a chart from a certain distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you will be told what to do next — usually you need to see an eye doctor and bring a form back to the DMV.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it. There is usually a waiting period of a few days before you can test again, and you pay the test fee each time.

Scheduling and taking the driving test

You cannot schedule a driving test until you have passed the written test. Once you pass, the DMV will give you a temporary permit that lets you practice driving. You must wait at least one day before you can take the driving test.

Schedule your driving test at the same DMV office or online. Appointments fill up weeks in advance, especially in busy areas, so book as soon as you are ready. You will be told which documents to bring and whether you need to bring your own vehicle or if the DMV provides one.

On the day of your test, arrive early. Bring your temporary permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you will use, and a valid ID. The test takes about 30 minutes and includes driving on streets, parking, and following traffic laws. An examiner sits in the car with you and scores your performance.

If you fail the driving test, you can retake it after a waiting period. You pay the test fee again. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.

What happens after you pass the driving test

Once you pass the driving test, you will receive your Colorado driver license. If you are 16 or 17, your license will show restrictions. You cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work or school. You can carry only one passenger who is not a family member unless a parent or guardian is in the car.

These restrictions are printed on your license. Law enforcement can see them when ready. You do not need to do anything to remove them — they expire automatically on your 18th birthday.

Your license is valid for five years if you are under 21, and eight years if you are 21 or older. You will need to renew it before the expiration date if you want to keep driving legally.

If you already have a license from another state

If you have a valid driver license from another state and you move to Colorado, you can convert it to a Colorado license. You do not need to retake the written or driving tests. You will need to visit the DMV with your out-of-state license, proof of Colorado residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

You will pay the license fee and have your photo taken. The process is faster than getting a license from scratch and usually takes one visit. Your new Colorado license will have the same expiration rules as a new license.

If your out-of-state license is expired, you may need to retake the written and driving tests. Call the DMV to confirm what you need before you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online from home?

No. You must take the written test and vision test in person at a DMV office. You cannot complete these tests remotely or by mail.

Do I need to take driver education classes before I can get my license?

Not for adults. If you are under 18, Colorado does not require a formal driver education course, but some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete one. Check with your insurance provider to see if they offer a discount.

What if I fail the vision test?

You will be given information about what to do next. Usually you need to see an eye doctor, have them complete a form, and bring it back to the DMV. You can then retake the vision test at your next appointment.

How long does the temporary permit last?

Your temporary permit is valid for 180 days from the date you pass the written test. If you do not pass the driving test within that time, you will need to retake the written test and get a new permit.

Can I drive with a learner's permit in Colorado?

Yes, but only with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you in the front seat. The learner's permit is what you receive after you pass the written test and before you take the driving test.