What You Need to Do to Get a Colorado Driver's License
Getting a Colorado driver's license involves passing a written test, a vision screening, and a driving test, then submitting documents that prove your identity and Colorado residency. You can take the written and vision tests at any Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office without an appointment, but you must schedule your driving test in advance. The whole process typically takes a few weeks from start to finish, depending on how quickly you book your driving test and how many attempts you need on the written exam.
You'll need to bring specific documents to your first visit: a Social Security card or tax return, proof of Colorado residency (a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days), and a document showing your legal name and date of birth, such as a birth certificate or passport. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process in person. The fee for a Colorado driver's license is $31.50 for an eight-year license, or $15.75 for a four-year license if you're over 61.
Key Takeaways
- You must pass a written knowledge test, vision screening, and driving test before Colorado will issue you a license.
- Bring your Social Security card, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and a document showing your legal name and birth date to your first DMV visit.
- You can walk into any DMV office to take the written and vision tests without scheduling, but you must book your driving test appointment in advance.
- The written test covers traffic laws and safe driving practices; you need a score of at least 70 percent to pass.
- After you pass all three tests, the DMV will issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within one to two weeks.
Taking the Written Knowledge Test
The written test has 25 questions covering Colorado traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 18 questions correctly (70 percent) to pass. The test is available in English and Spanish, and you can take it on a computer at any DMV office during regular business hours without an appointment.
Before you go, study the Colorado Driver's Handbook, which is free and available online at the DMV website or in print at any office. The handbook covers everything the test covers: speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle weather and emergencies. Most people who study the handbook pass on their first try. If you don't pass, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day at no extra charge.
Passing the Vision Screening
The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. An officer at the DMV will use a machine to measure your vision, or they may ask you to read letters on a chart from a set distance. You need to see at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without glasses or contacts. If you wear corrective lenses, bring them with you.
If you fail the vision screening, the DMV will not let you take the driving test. You'll need to see an eye doctor, get a new prescription if necessary, and return to the DMV with proof that you now meet the vision standard. Some eye doctors can provide this proof on the spot; others mail it to you. Ask your doctor before you leave the office.
Scheduling and Taking the Driving Test
After you pass the written and vision tests, you must schedule a driving test appointment. You can book online through the Colorado DMV website, by phone at 303-205-5600, or in person at any office. Wait times for driving tests vary by location and season; in busy areas, you might wait two to four weeks, while in smaller towns you may get an appointment within a few days.
For your driving test, bring your Social Security card, proof of residency, and the document showing your legal name and birth date—the same documents you brought to your written test. You'll also need to bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and proof of insurance must be current. A licensed adult (at least 21 years old) can sit in the car during the test, but they cannot help you or give you information.
The driving test lasts about 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe decision-making. The examiner will ask you to perform tasks like parking, turning, stopping at signs, and merging. You must follow all traffic laws during the test—speeding, running a red light, or hitting a curb will result in failure. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you'll need to schedule another appointment and pay the test fee again ($25).
What Happens After You Pass All Three Tests
Once you pass the driving test, the DMV will take your photograph and process your license. You can choose to receive a physical license on the spot or have it mailed to your address within one to two weeks. If you need your license when ready for work or travel, ask for the same-day option. Your license will be valid for eight years from the date of issue, or four years if you're over 61.
Your Colorado driver's license includes your name, date of birth, address, license number, and any restrictions (such as "corrective lenses required"). Check all the information before you leave the DMV office. If something is wrong, tell the officer when ready so they can correct it.
If You Already Have a License from Another State
If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and you're moving to Colorado, you can exchange it for a Colorado license without taking the written or driving tests. You'll still need to pass the vision screening and bring your documents proving identity and Colorado residency. The fee is the same: $31.50 for an eight-year license.
Bring your out-of-state license, Social Security card, proof of Colorado residency, and a document showing your legal name and birth date. The DMV will keep your old license and issue a Colorado license in its place. This process takes about 15 minutes and you can do it at any DMV office without an appointment.
Special Rules for Drivers Under 18
If you're under 18, you must have a parent or guardian sign your process in person at the DMV. You'll also start with a Instruction Permit (also called a learner's permit) before you can take the driving test. With an Instruction Permit, you can drive only with a licensed adult at least 21 years old in the front seat, and you cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m.
You must hold your Instruction Permit for at least 12 months and have at least 50 hours of supervised driving (10 of those at night) before you can take the driving test for a full license. Keep a log of your driving hours to show the DMV. After you pass the driving test, you'll receive a Provisional License valid until age 18, which has restrictions on passengers and nighttime driving. At 18, you can renew it as a full, unrestricted license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online from home?
No, you must take the written test in person at a Colorado DMV office. However, you can study the Colorado Driver's Handbook online before you go, and you can take the test on a computer at the office. The test is available in English and Spanish.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test as many times as you need. Each retake costs $25 and requires a new appointment. You don't have to retake the written or vision tests unless your vision changes or your written test score expires (after one year if you haven't passed the driving test).
Do I need to take a driver's education course?
No, a driver's education course is not required in Colorado. However, if you're under 18, taking an approved course can reduce your required supervised driving hours from 50 to 32 hours. Some insurance companies also offer discounts for completing a course.
How long is my Colorado driver's license valid?
A Colorado driver's license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. If you're over 61, you can choose a four-year license instead. You'll receive a renewal notice in the mail before your license expires, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.
What if my documents show a different name than my current legal name?
Bring documents that show both your previous name and your current legal name, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will need proof that the name change was legal. If you don't have these documents, contact the county clerk's office where the name change was recorded.