How to Get a Colorado Driver's License as an Adult

Whether you’re new to driving or new to Colorado, getting your Colorado-state driver’s license as an adult is an essential first step to expanding both your personal and professional horizons in the Centennial State. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or even intimidated by the licensing process - you’re not alone. Colorado requires that every potential licensed driver meet certain specifications, standards, and testing requirements according to their age and driving experience. Drivers who are 18 and older at the time of their license application will need to complete a series of steps to receive their full Colorado license. This article will help you navigate the Colorado licensing process in a quick and easy manner - meaning you’ll get your license sooner and spend more time on the road!

Under 18? We’ve got you covered! Click here to learn more about how to get a Colorado Driver’s License as a teen.

Summary

If you’re over 18, you’ll need to complete the following steps to get your Colorado Driver’s License:

• Apply for a Colorado Instruction Permit
• Pass the Permit Test
• Practice driving!
• Pass the Colorado Driving Skills Test

Do You Need a Colorado Permit if I am Over 18? What if I am Over 21?

All first time drivers over 18 need a Colorado instruction permit (learner's permit). License applicants, regardless of age, who do not hold a current, valid license from another U.S. State must first apply for a Colorado Learner's Permit. This includes first time drivers who are 18 years of age or older.

Colorado drivers ages 18-21 will be issued what is known as a "minor permit." Drivers 21 and over will be issued an "adult permit." The application requirements are the same for both documents.

It is important to note any applicant who is 18 or older is not required to take any type of Driver’s Education before applying for their permit. This being said, Coastline recommends that all new drivers 18 and over enroll in both a classroom driver education course and behind-the-wheel driving lessons to ensure safety on the road.

How to Get a Permit in Colorado as an Adult

All new adult permit applicants must make an appointment with the Colorado DMV through the DMV Website.

Complete Your Pre-Registration

First-time, adult permit applicants may complete a pre-registration with the Colorado DMV in order to expedite their in-person appointment. 

Enter Your Personal Information

Follow the prompts to apply for a Colorado Instruction Permit. You will be asked to provide certain information such as your name, birthdate, address, and physical information such as eye color, height, and weight.

Once you have completed your application, you will be issued a confirmation email from the DMV. You can then navigate to the scheduling portal to make an appointment at your closest Colorado DMV office site.

Make an Online Appointment

In order to complete the instruction permit application process, you will need to visit a DMV Office. After choosing your desired DMV office, be sure to select the “First Time CO DL/ID/Permit” button. You will then choose the date and time best suited for your schedule.

Bring Your Documents and Prepare for Testing

Be certain you gather all of the required documents you will need before you visit the DMV. These will include:

• 2 forms of proof of a physical Colorado address
• These documents may include a utility bill, bank statement, or pay stub
• Proof of Identity and Lawful Presence
• These documents may include a US Passport, State ID, or birth certificate
• Note, that while you will need to provide your Social Security number, you do not necessarily need to provide your card.
• Payment for any application fees. Note, the Colorado DMV will accept cash, credit card, or a check made payable to the DoR.

You will also be required to have your photo taken and pass a vision exam and written exam (knowledge test).

The Eye Exam

The DMV uses a Snellen chart to test for visual acuity. Applicants will be asked to accurately read certain letters from a 20 foot distance. If you wear corrective lenses, please bring these to your exam and be certain to wear them for your vision exam. The examiner will note that you require corrective lenses to drive and this restriction will be added to your instruction permit.

How Many Questions are on the Colorado Permit Test?

You will be required to pass a knowledge test in order to be issued a Colorado Instruction Permit, even as an adult. The written test is based on information found in the Colorado Driver Handbook and will test your mastery of state driving laws and safe driving practices. 

There are 25 questions on the permit test. You need to answer at least 20 correctly in order to pass your test.

Each question on the Permit Test is a multiple choice question. Be certain to read through the questions carefully and consider your options before answering. You must score at least 80% on your Knowledge Test in order to pass and receive your Instruction Permit. If you fail the written test more than three times, you will be required to reapply for your permit. Note that applicants 18 and older are not required to wait in between attempts at the knowledge test, but must schedule each attempt through the DMV website.

The Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles website has a variety of resources available to help you study for your knowledge test. We suggest you read carefully through the Colorado Driver Handbook and take as many practice tests as possible in order to prepare for your in-person Knowledge Exam. 

Do I Have to Take My Permit Test at the DMV?

No! You may also take your permit test online or at a local driving school like Coastline. If you choose to take your test online, you will still need to pre-register online with the Colorado DMV and set up an in-person appointment so you may be issued your physical permit.

Getting Your Instruction Permit as an Adult Driver

After you have passed your Knowledge Test, you will be issued your Instruction Permit. Be certain you inspect your permit for any errors, including misspellings of your name, inaccurate birthdate, and correctional lens restrictions before leaving the DMV.

Can You Practice With a Permit in Colorado?

Instruction permits are generally valid for 3 years from the date of issuance. Pay careful attention to the expiration date on your permit - you will need to take your driving test or renew your document before the listed expiration date. Note, there is no mandatory waiting period after the issuance of an instruction permit to any driver who is 18 and over. Permit holders may schedule their road test at any point after they have received their instruction permit, as long as that permit remains valid.

Your permit is not a license to drive alone. Regardless of the driver’s age, any Instruction Permit holder 18 and older must be accompanied by another driver 21 years of age or older holding a valid Colorado license. This accompanying driver must be seated in the front passenger seat whenever the permit holder is operating the motor vehicle. Permit holders are not allowed to drive alone, including any transport to or from the DMV or other driving school.

Colorado does not require permit holders 18 and over to complete any type of classroom driver education or minimum hours behind-the-wheel training. This being said, it is a good idea to practice your driving with a trusted loved one or, even better, a qualified driving instructor before attempting your road test.

Taking the Driving Skills Test in Colorado

It is important to know that the Colorado DMV does not offer Driving Skills Tests at their office sites. You must take your Driving Skills Test at an approved driving school, such as Coastline Academy. 

Before making your drive test appointment, be certain you are familiar with the test itself! More information about the road test may be found in the Colorado Driver Handbook. Before you set off to your local Coastline Academy office for the road test, be certain you have the following documents with you:

• Valid Instruction Permit
• Vehicle registration and proof of Colorado insurance
• Colorado license of an accompanying driver who is 21 or older
• An accompanying driver must be present in the front seat at all times prior to the road test. The Skills Examiner will inform you when the accompanying driver may leave the vehicle.

Remember! You may be tested not only on your driving skills, but also your knowledge of your vehicle, including demonstration of the operation of dash controls such as your headlights, windshield wipers, emergency brake, hazard lights, and defroster. 

Getting Your Full Colorado Driver’s License

Once you pass your driving skills test, you will need to apply to upgrade your permit to a full driver's license. The best way to do this is to visit the Colorado DMV website and follow the directions to apply for your upgrade. Please note that your test results will be electronically filed with the DMV after you have passed.

Once your application has been completed, it will take about 30 days for your physical license to be issued. You may download the myColorado app and register to receive your digital license within approximately 24 hours of your upgrade application. Note, that that digital Colorado license is only valid within the State of Colorado and may not be used for air travel.

Drivers who are 18 years of age and older have no restrictions on their driver's license aside from the ones indicated on their identification card. Remember to keep careful track of any renewal requirements and always follow the rules of the road. 

While the Colorado licensing process may be intimidating, following the guide above will help to ensure a smoother and more successful experience with the Colorado DMV. We at Coastline wish you the best of luck with your new license, and hope you have many happy and safe hours on the road.