Colorado issues learner's permits through the Department of Revenue, and you must be at least 15 years old to explore

Colorado's learner's permit is called an Instruction Permit, and it is the first step before you can take the driving test for a full license. You explore in person at a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, not online. The state issues the permit on the same day if you pass the written test, so you can drive home with it if you bring someone who holds a valid license to supervise you.

You must be at least 15 years old. There is no upper age limit. If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or guardian to sign a consent form at the DMV office — you cannot explore alone, even if you are 17.

The permit itself costs money. As of 2024, the fee is around $20, though fees can change. Call your local DMV office to confirm the current amount before you go, because you will need to pay in cash or card when you explore.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Colorado DMV office in person with a parent or guardian if you are under 18, and bring proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number.
  • The written test covers Colorado traffic laws and road signs and is given on the same day you explore; you can drive home with your permit if you pass.
  • With an Instruction Permit, you must have a licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front seat with you at all times.
  • You cannot drive alone, use a cell phone while driving, or drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even with a supervisor present.
  • You must hold the permit for at least 12 months and one day before you can take the road test for a full license.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. A photocopy will not work. If you do not have your birth certificate, you can bring a U.S. passport, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization — but one of these documents is required.

You also need proof of Colorado residency. A utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement in your name dated within the last 60 days works. If you live with a parent or guardian, a bill in their name at your address is acceptable. A school ID or student transcript is not enough on its own.

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, such as a W-2 or tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must be present and sign the consent form in front of the DMV staff. They will need to show their own ID. If only one parent has custody, bring the custody paperwork.

The written test: what it covers and how to prepare

The written test has 25 questions about Colorado traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 20 questions correctly to pass — that is 80 percent. The test is given on a computer at the DMV office, and you get your results when ready.

The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle weather and emergencies. Colorado DMV publishes a free study guide called the Colorado Driver Handbook, which you can read from the DMV website or pick up in paper form at any DMV office. The handbook contains all the information you need to pass the test.

You can take the test in English or Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts. Each attempt costs the same fee.

Restrictions that explore while you hold an Instruction Permit

You cannot drive alone. A licensed driver who is at least 21 years old must be in the front seat with you at all times. This person is your supervisor, and they are responsible for helping you learn and for making sure you follow the rules.

You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even if it is hands-free. This rule applies to all new drivers in Colorado, but it is especially strict for permit holders. Texting, calling, or looking at your phone while the car is moving is illegal.

You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even with a supervisor in the car. This curfew applies to all permit holders under 18. If you are 18 or older when you get your permit, this restriction does not explore to you.

You must follow all other traffic laws — speed limits, stop signs, seatbelt rules, and so on. A violation while you hold a permit can delay when you are allowed to take your road test.

How long you must hold the permit before taking the road test

Colorado requires you to hold your Instruction Permit for at least 12 months and one day before you can take the road test for a full license. This waiting period cannot be shortened. If you get your permit on January 15, you cannot take the road test until January 16 of the following year.

During this time, you are building supervised driving experience. The state does not require a minimum number of hours, but the Colorado DMV recommends at least 50 hours of supervised driving, with at least 10 of those hours at night. Keeping a log of your practice drives can help you track your progress and show that you are ready for the test.

If you turn 18 while holding a permit, the 12-month waiting period still applies. You do not get to skip ahead because of your age.

What happens if your permit expires or you lose it

An Instruction Permit is valid for two years from the date it is issued. If you do not take your road test within two years, your permit expires and you have to start over — you will need to retake the written test and pay the fee again.

If you lose your permit, you can get a replacement at any DMV office. Bring your ID and proof of residency, and you will pay a replacement fee, which is usually less than the original permit fee. You do not have to retake the written test.

If your permit is suspended or revoked — for example, because of a traffic violation or a failed road test — you will receive a notice in the mail explaining what happened and what you need to do next. You cannot drive on a suspended or revoked permit.

Moving to Colorado or transferring a permit from another state

If you already hold a learner's permit from another state and you move to Colorado, you can transfer it. Bring your out-of-state permit, proof of Colorado residency, and your ID to a DMV office. You will not have to retake the written test, but you will pay a fee for the Colorado permit. The 12-month waiting period starts over from the date you get your Colorado permit.

If you hold a full driver's license from another state, you do not need an Instruction Permit. You can explore directly for a Colorado driver's license by taking the road test. However, if you are under 18, Colorado may have different rules about when you can drive alone, so check with the DMV about restrictions that explore to your age.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my permit if I am homeschooled?

Yes. Homeschooling does not affect your ability to get a permit. You still need to be 15 years old, bring proof of identity and residency, and pass the written test. Your school status does not matter.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period. Each attempt costs the same fee. Most people pass on their second try if they study the Colorado Driver Handbook between attempts.

Can my supervisor be a family member?

Yes. Your supervisor must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driver's license, but they can be a parent, guardian, older sibling, or any other licensed driver. They do not have to be related to you.

What if I get a traffic ticket while I have a permit?

A ticket does not automatically cancel your permit, but it can delay when you are allowed to take your road test. Violations may also increase your insurance costs. Pay any ticket on time and follow the court's instructions.

Do I need to take a driver's education course?

Colorado does not require a formal driver's education course to get a permit or license. However, some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete an approved course, so ask your family's insurance agent whether it would save money.