Free Colorado Permit Practice Tests 2025

In Colorado you must be at least 15 years old to apply for a permit (also called an instruction permit). However, there are different types of permits based on your age:

• 15-15½ years old: You can apply for a minor’s instruction permit if you are enrolled in a state-approved driver education course or have completed one within the last 6 months.
• 15½-16 years old: You can apply for a minor’s instruction permit if you have completed a 4‑hour driver awareness program.
• 16 years or older: You can apply for a regular instruction permit without any education requirements.

To apply for a permit in Colorado you must bring:

• Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or other approved documents)
• Proof of Social Security Number (Social Security card or W-2 form)
• Proof of Colorado residency (two documents showing your name and current address)
• Proof of name change (if your current name doesn’t match what’s on your identity document)
• Parent or guardian consent form (if you are under 18)
• Payment for the application fee
• If you are applying for a REAL ID compliant license, additional documentation may be required. Check the Colorado DMV website for the most current list of accepted documents.

Yes. If you are under 18 a parent or legal guardian must:

• Sign an Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship form at the DMV office
• Accept financial responsibility for you
• Give consent for you to get a permit
• Show proof of their identity when accompanying you to the DMV
• Both parents don’t need to be present; the one who signs becomes financially responsible for you.

The application process in Colorado is as follows:

1. Complete the application form (DR 2460) online or at a driver license office
2. Gather all required documents (identity, residency, etc.)
3. Go to your local Colorado DMV office
4. Pass a vision screening test
5. Pass the written knowledge test
6. Pay the application fee
7. Have your photo taken for your permit

If you are under 18 you must also:

• Provide proof of completion of the required driver education or awareness program based on your age.

Colorado allows you to start the application process online through the myDMV portal, but you must visit a DMV office in person to complete the application, bring your documents, take your vision test, and complete your written test.

The Colorado DMV charges a fee for instruction permits. This fee covers the cost of processing your application, the written test, and issuing your permit. Note that the fee is different for a minor’s instruction permit versus a regular instruction permit. Please check the Colorado DMV website for current fee information.

To get your permit in Colorado you must pass:

• A vision screening test to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely
• A written knowledge test with questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices

The Colorado permit written test has 25 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 20 questions correctly to pass (80% passing score).

The Colorado permit test covers:

• Traffic laws and regulations
• Road signs and their meanings
• Right-of-way rules
• Safe driving practices and techniques
• Sharing the road with other vehicles and pedestrians
• Driving in adverse conditions
• Penalties for traffic violations
• Effects of alcohol and drugs on driving

The best ways to prepare for your Colorado permit test:

• Study the Colorado Driver Handbook thoroughly, available on our website at Colorado Driver Handbook
• Take our free practice tests that simulate the actual permit test
• Focus on traffic signs, signals, and right-of-way rules
• Review Colorado-specific traffic laws and regulations
• Consider enrolling in a driver education course

If you fail the Colorado permit test:

• You can retake the test after waiting at least one day
• You will need to pay a retest fee for each additional attempt
• If you fail multiple times, consider extra study or a driver education course before trying again

With a Colorado instruction permit you can:

• Practice driving to gain experience for your driver’s license
• Drive only when supervised by a licensed driver sitting in the front passenger seat
• Gain experience to prepare for your road test

When driving with a permit in Colorado you must follow these restrictions:

• If you are under 18:
  • For the first 6 months you can only drive with a parent or guardian who has a valid license
  • After 6 months you can drive with a licensed driver 21 or older
  • No passengers under 21 unless a parent/guardian is in the vehicle (with exceptions for siblings and medical emergencies)
  • No driving between midnight and 5 a.m. (with exceptions for emergencies, school, or work activities)
• If you are 18 or older:
  • You must be accompanied by a licensed driver 21 or older sitting in the front passenger seat
• Everyone in the vehicle must wear seat belts
• No use of cell phones while driving (except to report emergencies)

In Colorado the requirements vary based on your age:
If you are under 18:

• You must hold your instruction permit for at least 12 months before applying for a driver’s license
• If you take an ODOT-approved driver education course, you must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice (10 hours at night)
• If you do not take a driver education course, you must complete at least 100 hours of supervised driving practice
• You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a driver’s license

If you are 18 or older:

• There is no minimum holding period for your instruction permit
• Practice enough to develop safe driving skills before taking your driving test

Colorado has different driver education requirements based on your age:

• If you are 15-15½ years old: Yes, you must take a 30-hour driver education course through a state-approved program. This course must be completed within 6 months of applying for your permit.
• If you are 15½-16 years old: You must take a 4‑hour driver awareness program, which can be a classroom or online course through an approved provider.
• If you are 16 or older: No driver education is required to get your permit, though it is recommended.

In Colorado, before you get your driver’s license, the requirements depend on your age:
If you are under 16 years old:

• You must complete a 30‑hour driver education course
• Complete 6 hours of behind‑the‑wheel training with a professional instructor OR 12 hours with a parent/guardian who completed the Driver Awareness Program

If you are 16-16½ years old:

• You must take a 4‑hour driver awareness program
• Complete 6 hours of behind‑the‑wheel training with a professional instructor OR 12 hours with a parent/guardian who completed the Driver Awareness Program

If you are 16½-17 years old:

• You must take a 4‑hour driver awareness program (no behind‑the‑wheel training required, but recommended)

If you are 18 or older:

• No formal driver education is required, though it’s still beneficial

You can find Colorado-approved driver education programs by:

• Checking the Colorado DMV website for a list of approved providers
• Asking at your high school, as many offer driver education courses
• Looking for programs that are specifically approved by the Colorado Department of Revenue
• Ensuring the program provides a certificate of completion that will be accepted by the DMV

The Colorado behind-the-wheel test checks:

• If you can safely operate the vehicle and follow traffic laws
• Basic maneuvers such as turns, lane changes, and parking
• Your awareness of other road users and potential hazards
• Your decision making in various traffic situations

Before you begin, the examiner will verify that your vehicle meets safety requirements (working headlights, turn signals, brake lights, horn, proper tire condition, valid registration, and insurance).

You can schedule your behind-the-wheel test in Colorado by:

• Using the online scheduling system on the Colorado DMV website
• Calling your local driver license office
• Visiting a driver license office in person to make an appointment

Appointments are required and tests may be booked several weeks in advance.

On the day of your behind-the-wheel test, bring:

• Your instruction permit
• A properly registered, insured, and safe vehicle for the test
• Proof of insurance and vehicle registration
• Your practice hours log (if under 18)
• A licensed driver to drive you to the test
• Any required forms completed by your parent/guardian (if under 18)
• Payment for the testing fee

Common reasons for failing the Colorado behind-the-wheel test include:

• Not checking blind spots before changing lanes or turning
• Rolling through stop signs instead of coming to a complete stop
• Driving too fast or too slow for conditions
• Improper lane positioning or lane changes
• Not yielding to pedestrians or other vehicles
• Poor vehicle control (steering, braking)
• Lack of awareness of surrounding traffic and hazards
• Difficulty with parallel parking or other maneuvers

To convert your learner’s permit to a driver’s license in Colorado:
If you are under 18:

• Hold your permit for at least 12 months
• Complete the required driver education and behind‑the‑wheel training
• Log at least 50 hours of supervised driving (10 hours at night)
• Be at least 16 years old
• Pass the behind‑the‑wheel test
• Pay the license fee

If you are 18 or older:

• Practice with your permit until you feel ready
• Schedule and pass the behind‑the‑wheel test
• Pay the license fee

Colorado’s graduated licensing program for minors has these stages:

• Instruction Permit: Must be at least 15 years old, complete required education based on your age, and practice with supervision. (Valid until age 21.)
• Minor Restricted License: Must be at least 16 years old, hold your permit for at least 12 months, complete the required practice hours, and pass the driving test. This license has passenger and time restrictions.
• Full License: Restrictions are automatically lifted when you turn 18.
• Adults 18 and older can go directly from permit to full license after passing the driving test.

As a new driver under 18 in Colorado, your restricted license will have these limitations:

• First 6 months: No passengers under 21 except for siblings or in medical emergencies.
• Second 6 months: No more than one passenger under 21 who is not an immediate family member.
• First year: No driving between midnight and 5 a.m. unless:
  • Driving between home and work
  • Driving between home and a school event with no alternative transportation
  • Driving for employment purposes
  • Accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 25 years old
• No use of cell phones while driving (except for emergencies) and all occupants must wear seat belts.

These restrictions apply until you turn 18.

Colorado does not recognize out-of-state permits for driving within Colorado. If you move to Colorado with an out-of-state permit:

• You will need to apply for a Colorado permit
• You must pass Colorado’s written test and vision screening
• If you’re under 18, you must fulfill Colorado’s driver education requirements
• Your driving experience with your out-of-state permit may count toward Colorado’s practice requirements if properly documented

Colorado offers the following accommodations for applicants with disabilities:

• Audio versions of the driver handbook and test
• Extended testing time for written exams
• Reading assistance for the written test
• Interpreters for the deaf and hard of hearing
• The ability to use your own specially‑equipped vehicle for the driving test
• Adaptive equipment permits for drivers who require special vehicle modifications

Contact your local DMV office before your appointment to request accommodations.

Yes, non‑U.S. citizens can get a permit or license in Colorado by providing:

• Proof of Colorado residency
• Proof of identity (valid foreign passport or other approved documents)
• Proof of lawful presence in the U.S. OR proof of Colorado residency if applying under SB13‑251

Visit the Colorado DMV website for more information on documentation requirements for non‑citizens.

You can download a copy of the Colorado Driver Handbook here. Physical copies are also available at any DMV office.

Yes! We offer free Colorado-specific practice tests that simulate the actual permit test. Our practice tests are designed to help you learn the material and get comfortable with the test format before your exam.

For more information about the permit process:

• Visit the Colorado DMV website at dmv.colorado.gov
• Call 303-205-5600 during business hours
• Visit your local driver’s license office

If you lose your Colorado permit:

• You can request a replacement online through the myDMV portal or visit a driver license office
• You will need to provide proof of identity
• Pay a replacement fee

A parent or guardian who signed the Affidavit of Liability for a minor can request cancellation of their teen’s permit or license by writing to the Colorado DMV, specifying the reason for cancellation and providing proof of identity.