Where to take your road test in Colorado Springs
The Colorado Department of Revenue Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) runs the road test program for Colorado Springs. You take your test at one of two locations: the main Colorado Springs DMV office at 1881 South Nevada Avenue, or the northeast office at 6135 Corporate Drive. Both locations administer the same test under the same standards.
You cannot take your road test at a private testing facility in Colorado. All road tests must be scheduled through the state DMV, and you must pass the state-administered exam to receive your license. The two Colorado Springs locations handle tests for El Paso County residents and surrounding areas.
Before you go to either location, you need to have already passed your written knowledge test (the permit test) and held your permit for the required waiting period. You also need to bring a vehicle that meets inspection requirements — it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado Springs has two DMV locations where you can take your road test: the main office on Nevada Avenue and the northeast office on Corporate Drive.
- You must schedule your test in advance through the Colorado DMV website or by phone; walk-ins are not accepted for road tests.
- You need a valid permit, a vehicle that is registered and insured, and proof of residency before you can book your test.
- The test takes about 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, traffic law knowledge, and safe driving decisions in real traffic.
- You must score at least 70 percent to pass, and you can retake the test if you fail, though you may need to wait a few days between attempts.
How to schedule your road test appointment
You schedule your Colorado Springs road test through the Colorado DMV online portal at dmv.colorado.gov or by calling the Colorado Springs DMV directly. The phone number for the main office is (719) 251-2000. Online scheduling is usually faster and lets you see available dates and times when ready.
When you schedule, you will need to provide your permit number, date of birth, and the vehicle identification number (VIN) of the car you plan to use for the test. The DMV will ask which location you prefer. Both offices typically have openings within two to four weeks, though wait times vary by season.
You must schedule at least a few days in advance. Same-day or next-day testing is not available. Once you book, you will receive a confirmation with your test date, time, and location. Write down or save this information — you will need to bring proof of your appointment to the test.
Documents and vehicle requirements you must bring
Bring your valid permit, a government-issued photo ID, and proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address). You also need proof that your vehicle is registered and insured — bring your registration card and proof of insurance. The insurance must be current on the day of your test.
Your vehicle must pass a basic safety inspection before the test begins. The examiner will check that your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, windshield wipers, and mirrors all work. The tires must have adequate tread, the brakes must be responsive, and the steering must be smooth. If your vehicle fails inspection, you cannot take the test that day and will need to reschedule.
Do not bring a vehicle with passengers other than the examiner. Some testing locations have strict rules about who can be in the car during the test. If you have a young child, arrange childcare before your appointment — you cannot take the test with a child in the vehicle.
What the Colorado Springs road test covers
The test lasts about 30 minutes and takes place on public roads near the DMV office. The examiner will direct you through a route that includes residential streets, busier roads, and at least one turn onto a main street or highway. You will demonstrate basic vehicle control: smooth acceleration and braking, proper steering, and the ability to stay in your lane.
The examiner watches how you handle traffic situations. You must obey all traffic signs and signals, maintain safe speed, check your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes, and use your turn signals correctly. You will also be asked to perform specific maneuvers such as parallel parking, a three-point turn, or backing up in a straight line.
The test also checks your knowledge of traffic laws through your actions. You must yield the right of way when required, stop completely at stop signs, and demonstrate that you understand when to use your headlights. The examiner is looking for safe, defensive driving — not perfect performance. Minor mistakes do not automatically fail you, but unsafe decisions do.
Scoring and what happens if you fail
You must score at least 70 percent to pass the Colorado road test. The examiner scores you on vehicle control, traffic law knowledge, and safe driving decisions. You receive a score sheet at the end of the test that shows which areas you did well in and which need work.
If you pass, you can explore for your full driver's license when ready. You will go to the DMV counter, pay the license fee (currently $28.50 for a four-year license for drivers under 21, and $40.50 for drivers 21 and older), and receive your license the same day or within a few days by mail.
If you fail, you can retake the test. You typically must wait at least three business days before scheduling your next attempt. You can schedule the retake online or by phone just as you did the first time. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but you pay the test fee each time you schedule.
Common reasons people fail the Colorado road test
The most common failures are unsafe lane changes (not checking mirrors or blind spots), improper use of turn signals, and failing to come to a complete stop at stop signs. Examiners also fail drivers who speed, tailgate, or show poor vehicle control such as jerky steering or hard braking.
Parallel parking is a frequent trouble spot. If you cannot park within a reasonable distance of the curb or hit the curb, you will likely fail that portion. Backing up straight is also challenging for many drivers — if you cannot back in a straight line without hitting a curb or drifting into another lane, the examiner will mark it as unsafe.
Nervousness causes some failures. If you freeze at an intersection, forget to use your turn signal, or make a sudden decision that surprises the examiner, it counts against you. The best defense is to practice the route beforehand if possible, and to drive slowly and deliberately during the test. The examiner is not timing you — taking extra time to check your mirrors and signal is better than rushing.
How to prepare for your road test
Practice driving in the Colorado Springs area for at least 10 to 20 hours before your test. Focus on the types of roads you will encounter: residential streets with stop signs, busier roads with traffic lights, and at least one main street or highway. Practice parallel parking, three-point turns, and backing up in a straight line until you can do them smoothly.
Review the Colorado Driver's Handbook, which is free on the DMV website. Pay special attention to right-of-way rules, speed limits, and when to use your headlights. Understand what the examiner is looking for: safe decisions, not speed or aggression.
Get a good night's sleep before your test and eat breakfast. Arrive at least 15 minutes early so you are not rushed. Bring all required documents and make sure your vehicle is clean and in good working order. Check your mirrors, lights, and wipers the morning of the test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use someone else's car for my road test?
Yes, as long as the vehicle is registered and insured. The registration and insurance must be current and in someone's name — they do not have to be in your name. The vehicle must pass the safety inspection, and you must bring proof of registration and insurance to the test.
What if I fail my road test — how soon can I retake it?
You must wait at least three business days before scheduling your next attempt. You can schedule online or by phone. Each retake requires a new test fee, which is currently $25.50 for the road test itself.
Do I need to take a written test again if I already passed my permit test?
No. Once you pass the written knowledge test and receive your permit, you do not retake it. You only need to pass the road test to get your full license. If your permit expires before you pass the road test, you will need to renew your permit, but not retake the written test.
What happens if my vehicle fails the safety inspection?
You cannot take the test that day. You will need to fix the problem and reschedule your test for another date. There is no charge to reschedule, but you will need to book a new appointment through the DMV website or phone line.
Can I take my road test in a manual transmission car?
Yes. If you take your test in a manual transmission vehicle, your license will be restricted to manual transmission only. If you want to drive automatic transmission vehicles, you must take your test in an automatic car or retake the test in an automatic vehicle later.