Get a Drivers License in Colorado

You must hold either your Colorado Driver Awareness Permit or a Minor Instruction Permit for 12 months before applying for a CO drivers license.

A) Make an Appointment

The state requires all applicants to make a driving test appointment. Simply call the local Driver's License Office you plan on visiting. Keep in mind that the busiest days include Monday, Friday and the day following a holiday. If you show up late, you'll have to reschedule.

B) Take the Road Test

Before your appointment, make sure you can provide:

• Proof of your true full name, identity, age and lawful presence; see the state's identification requirements chart for full details

• Your completed Drive Time Log (if you are younger than 18)

• Certificate of completion for behind the wheel training (if you received your permit between the age of 15 and 16 and elected to take a driver’s education course)

• Proof of your current Colorado address

• Your Social Security number

• Proper fees (cash, check or money order; credit or debit cards are not acceptable)

You can also ensure you have all requirements by using the state's Smart Start program for obtaining a new drivers license.

To take Colorado's drive test, you must also:

• Provide a legally licensed vehicle

• Provide proof of auto insurance for the above-mentioned vehicle

The examiner will inspect the vehicle for safety. This check includes an inspection of your car's brake lights, turn signals, seat belts, the windshield and tires.

Get Your Colorado Driver's License

Restricted Drivers License

If you are younger than 18, your new drivers license also comes with the following restrictions:

• You CANNOT carry a passenger younger than 21 years old until you have held your license for at least 6 months

• You CANNOT carry more than one passenger younger than 21 years old until you’ve held your license for at least one year; Exceptions include if your parent or guardian is with you, or there is an adult passenger 21 or older with a valid license (held at least one year), or if your passenger who is younger than 21 needs emergency medical assistance or is a member of your immediate family

• You cannot drive between 12 midnight and 5 a.m. until you’ve held your license for at least one year; Exceptions to this rule are the same as those stated above or if you are an emancipated minor with a valid license

• You CAN drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m. for school or school-authorized activities where the school doesn’t provide transportation; Just get a signed statement from a school official that reflects the date of the activity

• You CAN drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m. if you're going to and from work; You must carry a signed statement from your employer verifying your employment

Regular Drivers License

The state lifts these restrictions when you turn 18. However, your license won't expire until you turn 21 years old. At that time, you'll return to a CO drivers license office to upgrade your license.

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