Colorado Driver's Permit Requirements
Everything you need to get your Colorado learner's permit — age, fees, documents for the written test, supervised-hours rules, and what the road test itself checks — summarized from the official DMV pages and linked to the source.
ColoradoDMVColorado DMV — Permits and First-Time Driver LicenseChecked 2026-07-13Official source
ColoradoDMVColorado DMV — Permits and First-Time Driver LicenseChecked 2026-07-13Official source
ColoradoDMVColorado DMV — Permits and First-Time Driver LicenseChecked 2026-07-13Official source
Last verified 2026-07-13 · Source: Colorado DMV — Permits and First-Time Driver License ↗
Fees and rules change — always confirm current requirements on the official page above before you go.
The Colorado licensing timeline
Each stage below carries what DMV itself publishes, the people it applies to, the page it came from, and the date we last checked it. Where The state agency publishes no figure, the card says so instead of guessing one.
1Eligibility
Minimum permit age15ColoradoDMVColorado DMV — Permits and First-Time Driver LicenseChecked 2026-07-13Official source
Colorado's teen permit page covers minor permit pathways beginning at age 15, with different preparation steps by age band
2Documents
DMV lists these for the knowledge-test visit:
- Proof of identity and Colorado residency
- Social Security number
The knowledge test and the permit itself are handled in the same visit.
ColoradoDMVColorado DMV — Permits and First-Time Driver LicenseChecked 2026-07-13Official source
3Required education
Required driver educationWe have not verified a driver-education requirement on The state agency's own pagesColoradoDMVColorado DMV — Permits and First-Time Driver LicenseChecked 2026-07-13Official source
4Application
REAL ID instruction permit; Colorado lists a different fee for Standard credentials.
What the permit itself takes, once you pass:
- Drive-time log documenting the required supervised hours (submitted when upgrading to a license)
- Behind-the-wheel training proof, when required for your age/distance pathway (submitted when upgrading to a license)
5Knowledge test
Questions on the official testThe state agency does not publish thisColoradoDMVColorado DMV — Permits and First-Time Driver LicenseChecked 2026-07-13Official source
Official passing scoreThe state agency does not publish thisColoradoDMVColorado DMV — Permits and First-Time Driver LicenseChecked 2026-07-13Official source
Wait before a retakeThe state agency does not publish a verified retake waitColoradoDMVCO official knowledge-test sourceChecked 2026-07-28Official source
6Permit restrictions
Permit validityThe state agency does not publish a verified validity periodColoradoDMVColorado DMV — Permits and First-Time Driver LicenseChecked 2026-07-13Official source
Restrictions Colorado puts on a new driver:
- Permit supervision: Permit holder must be accompanied by a licensed driver 21 or older in the front passenger seat
- Drive time log: Drive-time logs must be printed and brought to the in-person license appointment
- Behind the wheel: Permit holders under 16 years 6 months must complete 6 hours of in-car training with an approved third-party driving school, unless a distance exemption applies
ColoradoDMVColorado DMV — Permits and First-Time Driver LicenseChecked 2026-07-13Official source
7Supervised driving
Supervised driving for applicants under 1850 hours (10 at night)ColoradoDMVColorado DMV — Permits and First-Time Driver LicenseChecked 2026-07-13Official source
That is a graduated-licensing rule — an applicant who is already 18 follows a different path, so check the official source below rather than assuming this figure is yours to meet.
8Road test
Minimum permit hold12 monthsColoradoDMVColorado DMV — Permits and First-Time Driver LicenseChecked 2026-07-13Official source
9Full licence
Unrestricted driving age16ColoradoDMVColorado DMV — Permits and First-Time Driver LicenseChecked 2026-07-13Official source
Minor driver license eligibility begins at 16 after the permit hold and drive-time requirements
How to get your permit in Colorado
- Study the driver's handbook and pass the written test online or in office
- Pre-register and bring required documents to the driver license office for permit issuance
- Hold the permit at least 12 months while logging 50 supervised hours, 10 at night
- Complete behind-the-wheel training if required for your age/distance pathway
- Pass the driving test through an approved third-party testing school and complete the license appointment
What is different about Colorado
Rules that are set by Colorado rather than nationally, and where they depart from what most states do. Compared against DMV Prep's verified rules for all 51 jurisdictions — unverified figures are left out of both sides of every comparison.
- Minimum permit hold: 12 months here. The most common minimum permit hold is 6 months (33 of 46 states we have verified).
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to get a permit in Colorado?
You can get a learner's permit in Colorado at 15. Colorado's teen permit page covers minor permit pathways beginning at age 15, with different preparation steps by age band.
How much does a Colorado permit cost?
The Colorado permit fee is $19. REAL ID instruction permit; Colorado lists a different fee for Standard credentials..
How long do you have to hold your permit in Colorado?
You must hold your Colorado permit for at least 12 months before the driving test.
How many practice driving hours does Colorado require?
Colorado requires 50 hours of supervised practice driving for applicants under 18, including 10 at night. That is a graduated-licensing rule — an applicant who is already 18 follows a different path, so check the official source below rather than assuming this figure is yours to meet.
Where can I practice for the Colorado permit test?
Right here — take a free Colorado practice test, review every answer, and build readiness in your browser. The free DMV Prep app adds offline study and native reminders.
