What a Colorado adult learner permit is and how to get one
A Colorado adult learner permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car before you take the road test for your full license. You must be at least 18 years old, pass a written knowledge test about traffic laws, and pass a vision screening. The Colorado Department of Revenue issues the permit, and it costs $20. You'll need to bring proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to the local driver's license office.
The permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it. During that time, you can drive only with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting beside you in the front seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. The permit gives you the chance to build driving skills and confidence before you take the road test for a full driver's license.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 18 years old and pass a written knowledge test and vision screening to get an adult learner permit in Colorado.
- The permit costs $20 and is valid for one year from the date of issue.
- With a learner permit, you can only drive with a licensed adult at least 21 years old in the front seat, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
- You will need proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN at the driver's license office.
- After you have held the permit for at least one month, you can schedule a road test to earn your full driver's license.
Documents you need to bring to the driver's license office
Bring an original or certified copy of one document that proves your identity. A U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, or a state ID from another state all work. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a combination of documents — for example, a birth certificate plus a Social Security card, or a school ID plus a utility bill with your name on it.
You also need proof that you live in Colorado. A utility bill, a lease, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement with your name and Colorado address will work. The document must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days. Bring your Social Security number or ITIN. If you do not have either one, you will need to bring additional identity documents — ask the driver's license office which ones they accept.
Bring the $20 fee in cash or card. Some offices accept both; some accept only one. Call your local office ahead of time to confirm what payment methods they take.
The written knowledge test
The written test covers Colorado traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Colorado Driver's Handbook, which is free and available online at the Colorado Department of Revenue website. The handbook is also available in Spanish. You will answer 25 multiple-choice questions on the test, and you need to get at least 20 correct to pass.
You take the test at the driver's license office on the same day you explore for the permit. There is no separate appointment or fee for the test. If you do not pass on your first try, you can retake it the same day or come back another day at no extra cost. Most people pass on the first or second attempt if they study the handbook beforehand.
Vision screening requirements
You will have your vision checked at the driver's license office as part of the permit process. You need to be able to read a line of letters and numbers on a chart from a certain distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you — you will be tested while wearing them if you normally wear them while driving.
If you do not pass the vision screening, the office will tell you to see an eye doctor and come back with a form signed by the doctor saying you can drive safely. This does not cost extra, but it does mean a second trip to the office. Most people pass the screening without needing to see an eye doctor first.
How long the permit lasts and when you can take the road test
Your adult learner permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it. You can hold the permit and practice driving during that entire year. You must wait at least one month after you receive the permit before you can take the road test for your full license. This one-month waiting period gives you time to practice and build your skills.
When you are ready to take the road test, you schedule it at a driver's license office. The road test costs $20 and takes about 30 minutes. You will drive with an examiner who watches how you handle the car, follow traffic laws, and respond to different road situations. You need to pass the road test to earn your full driver's license. If you do not pass, you can retake it after waiting a few days.
Restrictions while you hold the permit
With an adult learner permit, you can only drive with a licensed adult at least 21 years old in the front seat next to you. That adult must have a valid driver's license. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive with only passengers your own age or younger. You also cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even with a licensed adult in the car.
You must follow all other traffic laws the same way a licensed driver does — speed limits, traffic signals, parking rules, and seatbelt requirements all explore to you. If you get pulled over, show the officer your permit and the licensed adult's license. Breaking these rules while you hold the permit can result in a ticket or fine, and it can also affect your ability to pass the road test or earn your full license.
Renewing or replacing your permit
If your permit expires before you pass the road test, you can renew it for another year. Bring the same documents you brought the first time — proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN — plus your expired permit. The renewal costs $20. You do not have to retake the written test or vision screening if you are renewing within a certain time frame; ask the office what their policy is.
If you lose your permit or it gets damaged, you can get a replacement at any driver's license office. Bring your proof of identity and residency, and the replacement usually costs $5 to $10. You do not need to retake the test or vision screening for a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to work or school with my adult learner permit?
Yes, as long as a licensed adult at least 21 years old is in the front seat with you. You can drive to work, school, or anywhere else during the hours you are allowed to drive (5 a.m. to midnight). The licensed adult must be present the entire time you are driving.
What happens if I get a ticket while driving with my permit?
You can receive a ticket for breaking traffic laws just like any other driver. The ticket goes on your driving record. Too many tickets or violations can affect whether you pass the road test or whether your license is suspended. If you get a ticket, pay it on time and follow the instructions on the ticket.
Do I need to take the written test again if my permit expires?
No, you do not need to retake the written test or vision screening when you renew your permit. You only need to bring your expired permit, proof of identity, proof of residency, and the renewal fee. However, ask your local driver's license office about their specific renewal policy, as rules can vary slightly by location.
Can I drive a motorcycle with an adult learner permit?
No, an adult learner permit is only for driving regular cars and trucks. If you want to ride a motorcycle, you need a separate motorcycle endorsement, which requires additional testing and a different permit. You would need to get a motorcycle learner permit first, then pass a motorcycle road test.
What if I fail the road test?
If you do not pass the road test, you can retake it after waiting a few days. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, and each attempt costs $20. You can keep practicing with your permit while you wait to retake the test. Your permit remains valid for the full year, so you have time to improve your skills and try again.