
Permit Practice Tests (360 questions)
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Questions 1-40
Permit Test 1
Start your journey by learning the fundamentals of driving in Colorado. Multiple choice questions designed to test your knowledge of the rules of the road.
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Questions 41-80
Permit Test 2
Introduction to common road signs, lane markings, speed limits, traffic lights, sharing the road, child restraint systems, hand signals, and seatbelt usage.
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Questions 81-120
Permit Test 3
Questions designed to test your knowledge of driving in poor weather conditions, phone usage, parking rules, lane changes, road signs, traffic signals, and blind spots.
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Questions 121-160
Permit Test 4
Features safe driving questions with an emphasis on defensive driving, distracted driving, emergency situations, railroad crossings, accidents, and road signs.
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Questions 161-210
Road Signs Test
This practice test will test your knowledge of various road signs and their meanings. Learn how to identify road signs by shape and color.
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25 random questions
DMV Test Simulator
Simulate test day with this practice test. Random questions generated from a huge database. No explanations. New questions with every attempt.
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Questions 211-360
Mega Test
Boost your knowledge with this massive practice test. Features hundreds of questions from every road rules category. Perfect for the day before the exam.
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Colorado DMV Handbook 2025
Get the latest (2025) official CO DMV Handbook.
Colorado Permit Test FAQ
Basic Eligibility Requirements
How old do I have to be to get my permit in Colorado?
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.
What documents do I need to bring when I apply for my permit?
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.
If I’m under 18 do my parents need to be involved in the permit application process?
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.
How do I apply for a permit in Colorado?
The application process in Colorado is as follows:
- Complete the application form (DR 2460) online or at a driver license office
- Gather all required documents (identity, residency, etc.)
- Go to your local Colorado DMV office
- Pass a vision screening test
- Pass the written knowledge test
- Pay the application fee
- 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.
Can I apply online?
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.
How much does it cost to get a permit?
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.
What tests do I have to pass to get my permit?
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
How many questions are on the Colorado permit test?
The Colorado permit written test has 25 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 20 questions correctly to pass (80% passing score).
What’s on the Colorado permit test?
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
How can I prepare for the permit test?
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
What if I fail the permit test?
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
What can I do with a permit in Colorado?
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
What restrictions come with a permit in Colorado?
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)
How long do I have to practice with my permit before I get a license?
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
Do I need to take a driver education course to get my permit?
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.
What driver education do I need to complete before I get my license?
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
How do I find an approved driver education program?
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
What can I expect during the behind-the-wheel test?
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).
How do I schedule my behind-the-wheel test?
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.
What do I need to bring to my behind-the-wheel test?
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
What are the most common reasons people fail the behind-the-wheel test?
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
How do I convert my learner’s permit into a driver’s license?
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
What are the graduated licensing stages in Colorado?
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.
What am I restricted from doing as a new driver after getting my license?
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.
I have a permit from another state. Is it valid in Colorado?
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
What accommodations are available for permit applicants with disabilities?
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.
Can I get my permit if I’m not a U.S. citizen?
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.
Where can I download the Colorado Driver Handbook?
You can download a copy of the Colorado Driver Handbook here. Physical copies are also available at any DMV office.
Are there free practice tests available?
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.
Who can I contact if I have more questions about the permit process?
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
What if I lose my permit?
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
How do I cancel a minor’s permit or license?
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.
How to Get Your Colorado Driver’s License
Ever dream of exploring the Rocky Mountains? Walking through the Garden of the Gods? Or maybe hiking through the vast Black Canyon? In Colorado, the sky’s the limit for young adventurers. At least, it is for those with driver’s licenses. If you want to explore the Centennial State by motor vehicle, you’ll need to start with your minor permit. If you are at least 15 years old, you are eligible to take the written test required for your minor permit. You can take the test at your local Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office.
Does it seem like all of your friends are driving already, and you haven’t even started? If you want to join them out on the road, you will need to get started on the process of earning your Colorado state driver’s license. There are three steps to complete before becoming a fully licensed driver – the first of which is getting your learner’s permit.
Pass the Colorado Permit Test
In order to be eligible for a learner’s permit, you must first pass the Colorado written knowledge test. This test can be taken at your local Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices. It will gauge your knowledge of traffic laws and road signs common to Colorado. This will ensure that before you start driving on the actual roads, you have a basic understanding of what you will encounter. While many test takers assume they will have no problem passing, the statistics tell a different story. In fact, over 50% of those taking the test do not pass. Prepare yourself ahead of time to avoid becoming part of that statistic.
Prepare With Colorado Permit Practice Tests
So what should you do to make sure your first try taking the permit test is a success? Certainly, studying is a good place to start. You can get a driver’s handbook from the DMV which will have some of the information you need to get prepared. However, that alone will not be enough. To have a thorough preparation, you will need to take a practice test that can measure the progress of your knowledge. Our Colorado permit practice test can do just that.
Each practice permit test includes:
- The same type of questions you will face during the official exam
- Customized test questions for Colorado residents
- Immediate feedback letting you know how you stand
- Access 24/7 from anywhere
- Unlimited test attempts
Without taking a practice test, you will have no way of knowing whether you are ready to pass the test or not. Not passing will mean having to spend more time studying, and more time waiting to get your permit. Why take that chance? The practice tests we have available can boost your confidence and make sure that your permit is in hand as soon as possible.