Colorado's permit test has 25 questions, and you need to answer at least 20 correctly to pass
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) administers a written knowledge test as part of the permit process. The test covers traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and what to do in emergency situations. You take it at your local Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office on a computer or on paper, depending on which location you visit.
The 25 questions come from a larger pool of possible questions that CDOT publishes. This means the exact questions you see will differ from what someone else sees on a different day. All questions are multiple choice with four answer options each.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado's permit test contains 25 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass.
- Questions come from CDOT's official study manual, which covers traffic laws, road signs, parking rules, and safe driving situations.
- You can retake the test the same day if you fail, though some DMV offices may have limits on how many times you can test in one visit.
- The test is available in English and Spanish at most Colorado DMV locations.
What topics the 25 questions cover
CDOT organizes the permit test around real driving situations. Questions test your knowledge of speed limits, right-of-way rules, how to handle intersections, and what different road signs mean. You will also see questions about parking, following distance, and what to do if your brakes fail or you skid on wet pavement.
A smaller portion of questions cover Colorado-specific rules, such as the state's open container law and requirements for child safety seats. The test also includes questions about sharing the road with bicycles and pedestrians, and how to respond to emergency vehicles.
CDOT publishes the official Colorado Driver Handbook free online, and all permit test questions come directly from material in that handbook. This means you can study the exact topics that will appear on your test.
How the test is scored and what happens if you fail
Your score is based on the number of correct answers out of 25. A passing score is 80 percent, which means 20 correct answers. If you answer 19 or fewer questions correctly, you do not pass and must retake the test.
Most Colorado DMV offices allow you to retake the test the same day at no additional cost. However, some locations may require you to wait a certain amount of time between attempts or may limit the number of times you can test in one visit. Call your local DMV office before you go to confirm their specific policy.
When you retake the test, you will receive a different set of 25 questions from the same question pool. This is why studying the full Colorado Driver Handbook is more useful than memorizing specific questions.
Where to take the test and what to bring
You take the permit test at a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles office. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Colorado DMV website. Some offices are busier than others, so arriving early or going on a weekday morning may mean a shorter wait.
Bring your completed process form (Form DL-44), proof of identity, and proof of Colorado residency. Your identity document can be a passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your name and address.
The DMV staff will verify your documents and then direct you to a computer or testing station. The test itself usually takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete once you begin.
How to prepare for the 25 questions
The most direct way to prepare is to read the Colorado Driver Handbook from start to finish. CDOT makes this available free as a PDF on its website, and you can also pick up a printed copy at any DMV office. The handbook is organized by topic, so you can focus on areas where you feel less confident.
After reading the handbook, practice with sample tests. Several websites offer free Colorado permit practice tests with questions in the same format and difficulty as the real test. Taking practice tests helps you get used to the multiple-choice format and shows you which topics you need to study more.
Pay special attention to road signs and right-of-way rules, as these topics appear frequently on the test. If you struggle with a particular concept, re-read that section of the handbook and then try practice questions on that topic again.
Test language options and accessibility
Colorado DMV offers the permit test in English and Spanish at most locations. If you need the test in another language or need other accommodations due to a disability, contact your local DMV office at least two weeks before you plan to test. The DMV can arrange for an interpreter or provide extra time to complete the test.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can request a video relay service or other communication information. If you have a learning disability or other condition that affects how you process written information, ask about extended time or other testing accommodations when you call ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my phone or notes during the permit test?
No. You cannot bring study materials, phones, or any other devices into the testing area. The DMV staff will find your belongings while you test. Attempting to use outside materials during the test will result in an automatic fail and may affect your ability to test again.
How long is the permit test valid if I pass?
Your permit is valid for one year from the date you pass the knowledge test. During that year, you must complete your behind-the-wheel driving hours and pass the driving test before your permit expires. If your permit expires before you pass the driving test, you will need to retake the knowledge test.
What if I fail the permit test multiple times?
Colorado does not set a limit on how many times you can retake the test, but individual DMV offices may have their own policies. If you fail multiple times, consider spending more time studying the handbook or taking additional practice tests before your next attempt. Some DMV offices offer brief study sessions or can point you toward resources.
Is the permit test the same as the driver's license test?
No. The permit test is the written knowledge test you take first. After you pass it and complete your driving hours, you take a separate behind-the-wheel driving test with a DMV examiner. The driving test evaluates your actual driving skills, not your knowledge of traffic laws.
Can I study the permit test questions online before I go to the DMV?
Yes. Several websites offer free Colorado permit practice tests that use questions similar to the real test. These practice tests help you become familiar with the format and identify topics you need to study more. The official Colorado Driver Handbook is also available online as a PDF.