Getting your first Colorado driver license
The steps in plain English. Each one links to the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) page it came from. Last checked Nov 15, 2026.
If under 18, hold your permit for 12 full months.
Source: dmv.colorado.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Log 50 supervised hours, including 10 at night.
Source: dmv.colorado.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026If under 16½, complete 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training at an approved school.
Source: dmv.colorado.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026At 16 or older, pass the driving test at an approved third-party school.
Source: dmv.colorado.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Upgrade online or in person, uploading your signed driving log if under 18.
Source: dmv.colorado.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Follow the first-year passenger limits and midnight-5 a.m. curfew.
Source: dmv.colorado.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Check before you go: requirements and fees change, and some depend on your age or situation. The official page is the final word.
Related facts
- Instruction permit fee
- $20.00 (REAL ID permit, includes motorcycle), effective June 30, 2026.Source: dmv.colorado.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Who gives the driving test
- Approved third-party driving schools; state offices do not give driving skills tests.Source: dmv.colorado.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Retaking the driving test
- Once per day, starting the day after a failure; a $15.40 state retest fee applies.Source: dmv.colorado.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Driver license fee
- $34.00 (raised from $32.00 on June 30, 2026).Source: dmv.colorado.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
More in the Colorado guide
Official Colorado links
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Not a government website. USA DMV (usadmv.app) is an independent study resource. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or operated by any state DMV, the Texas Department of Public Safety or any other government agency. Practice questions are written to reflect official driver handbooks but are not the official test questions. Always confirm current requirements with your state’s licensing agency.