How to get a Colorado Driver's License
Find out how to get a new CO driver's license, replace your out-of-state license and requirements for international drivers with this Colorado DMV guide.
Colorado DMV Driver's License Rules
Under CO DMV guidelines, you must be at least 16 years of age to apply for a Colorado Minor Drivers License.
All applicants need to be familiar with the Colorado Driver's Manual. Think you know the material? Take our DMV practice test now and test your driving knowledge.
First Time Drivers
If this is your first driver's license, you will need to apply for a Colorado driver's education or driver's awareness permit which requires a written exam on traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques.
Once you receive a valid driver's education or driver's awareness permit, you will then need to pass a road skills test and vision test to receive a CO minor driver's license.
Applicants under 18 must have held a learners permit for 12 months and must present a certificate of completion for the required 50 hours of supervised driving time before taking the road skills test.
A 6-hour Behind the Wheel (BTW) certificate is required, for any minor who is under the age of 16 years 6 months at the time they apply for their license.
New CO Residents
New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain a Colorado driver's license upon establishing a permanent residence in CO. (A resident is defined as a citizen who has lived in Colorado for 90 continuous days; or upon becoming employed, whichever occurs first). When heading to the DMV, be sure to bring the license from your former state as you will be required to surrender it in order to obtain the new license.
There is no written exam or road skills testing required to change a valid out-of-state license to a CO driver's license, however you will need to pass the vision test.
If the license is expired over one year, both the written and drive tests are required and additional identification may be required if the license is not presented.
International Drivers
Colorado honors a valid foreign driver's license with an international driving permit. After becoming a resident of the State, you'll be required to convert to an Colorado license and pass the written exam and road skills test.
Paperwork
Before you head to the Colorado DMV Office, make sure you have all of the following required documents to get your driver's license:
On the Road
Once your licensing requirements have been met, your Minor Driver's License will be valid until 20 days after your 21st birthday. The Basic Driver's License (adult age 21 and older) will be valid for 5 years. Remember... the safe operation of a vehicle requires practiced skill, knowledge, and a respectful understanding of the limitations imposed by the other drivers and the environment.
Driver's License Resources
Colorado Driver's Manual |
