What the Colorado permit test costs

The Colorado written permit test costs $20 when you take it at a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. This fee covers the test itself — the written exam that shows you know traffic laws and road signs before you can drive with a permit.

The $20 is separate from other costs you may have. If you need to renew your ID or get a new one to take the test, that is an additional fee. If you fail the test and want to retake it, you pay another $20 for each attempt. Most people pass on the first or second try, but the DMV does not limit how many times you can test.

You cannot take the permit test online in Colorado. You must go to a DMV office in person, bring the required documents, and take the test there on a computer or on paper, depending on which office you visit.

Key Takeaways

  • The written permit test in Colorado costs $20 per attempt at any DMV office.
  • You must bring a Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of identity to take the test.
  • The test has 25 questions, and you need to answer at least 20 correctly to pass.
  • You can retake the test the same day if you fail, but you will pay $20 each time.
  • Test results are usually available when ready after you finish, so you know right away whether you passed.

What documents you need to bring

Before you pay the $20 fee, the DMV will ask for three things: proof of your Social Security number, proof of your identity, and proof of your Colorado residency. Without all three, they will not let you take the test.

For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card or a document that shows it — a tax return, W-2, or 1099 form works. For identity, bring a passport, a school ID, or a birth certificate. For residency, bring a utility bill, a lease, a bank statement, or a piece of mail from a government agency — it needs to show your current Colorado address and be dated within the last 60 days.

If you do not have all three pieces of documentation, call your local DMV office before you go. Some offices can accept alternatives if you explain your situation, but you cannot count on it. The DMV website lists every office location and phone number by county.

How the test is structured and what it covers

The Colorado permit test has 25 questions. You need to answer at least 20 of them correctly — that is 80 percent — to pass. The questions come from the Colorado Driver Handbook, which is free to read from the DMV website or to pick up at any DMV office.

The test covers traffic signs and what they mean, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking rules, and what to do in bad weather or emergencies. You will see questions about when you can pass another car, how to handle a four-way stop, what a yellow light means, and how far back you need to stay from a fire truck. The test does not ask about your personal driving history or anything specific to your situation — it is the same test for everyone.

You have 30 minutes to finish the test. Most people finish in 10 to 15 minutes. If you do not finish in 30 minutes, your test ends and you get a score based on what you answered.

Where to take the test and how to find your local DMV

You take the permit test at a Colorado DMV office. There is at least one in every county, and larger counties have several. You do not need an appointment at most offices — you can walk in during business hours and take the test the same day. Some offices do take appointments, and a few very busy offices recommend calling ahead to check wait times.

To find your nearest DMV office, go to the Colorado DMV website and search by county or city. The website shows hours, phone numbers, and which services each office offers. Call before you go if you want to confirm they have the permit test available that day — a few very small offices do not administer tests every day.

What happens if you fail and need to retake it

If you do not pass, you can retake the test when ready at most offices. You pay another $20 and take a different version of the test — the questions are different each time. You can retake it as many times as you need to pass, and there is no waiting period between attempts on the same day.

Many people pass on the second try after spending an hour or two studying the handbook. If you fail twice, take time to study the handbook more carefully before your third attempt. The DMV office staff can sometimes point you to the sections you missed most questions on, which helps you focus your study time.

After you pass: what comes next

Once you pass the written test, you get a permit that day. The DMV will take a photo and print your permit on the spot. Your permit is valid for two years. With a permit, you can drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old in the front seat next to you.

Your next step is to practice driving and then schedule a road test. The road test also costs money — $20 for the test itself — and you take it at a DMV office with an examiner. You can schedule the road test as soon as you have your permit, but most people wait a few weeks or months to practice first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the permit test online in Colorado?

No. Colorado requires you to take the written permit test in person at a DMV office. You cannot take it online, by mail, or through a third-party testing center. You must go to an office, bring your documents, and take the test there.

What if I fail the test three or four times?

You can retake it as many times as you need. There is no limit on attempts and no waiting period between tests on the same day. Each attempt costs $20. If you keep failing, consider studying the handbook more thoroughly or asking someone to quiz you on the material before your next attempt.

Do I need to make an appointment to take the permit test?

Most Colorado DMV offices do not require an appointment for the permit test — you can walk in during business hours. A few busy offices recommend calling ahead to check wait times. Check your local office's website or call them to confirm their policy before you go.

How long does it take to get results after I finish the test?

You get your results when ready after you finish. The DMV tells you right away whether you passed or failed. If you passed, they print your permit the same day. If you failed, you can retake the test right then if you want to.

What if I lose my permit after I pass the test?

You can get a replacement permit at any DMV office. The replacement costs $20, the same as a new permit. Bring your documents and ask for a duplicate. You do not have to retake the written test — you only take the written test once.