Obtaining an Instruction Permit

Colorado offers three different ways to get an instruction permit based on age. All minors must present a completed Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship. Below are the three age groups:

• Age 15 to 15 and six months (Driver Education Permit): You have to complete an Affidavit of Completion of a Driver Education Classroom Course or Behind-the-Wheel Training (BTW), which you can find on the back of the Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship.

• Age 15 and six months to to 16 years (Driver Awareness Permit): You must provide proof that you have completed an approved four-hour driver awareness program.

• Age 16 to 21 (Minor Instruction Permit): You'll have to provide a birth certificate and another form of identification, as well as pass the written and vision tests.

Conditions for Instruction Permits

All permits for minors 18 and under have the same conditions once you have obtained one:

• Expires three years after the date of issue.

• You must hold the permit for at least one year before you can apply for a driver's license.

• You can only drive with an approved instructor or the person who signed the Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship.

Replacing a Lost Permit

If you've lost your permit, you can always get a duplicate. Unfortunately, this means you'll have to take a trip to your county office with acceptable proofs of identification, along with the required fees.

Expired Permits

All instruction permits expire three years after the date of issue. If your permit has expired and you would like to renew it, you must do the following:

• Present your original permit.

• Pass a vision test.

• Be fingerprinted and photographed.

• Pay the appropriate fees.

Typically, you won't have to retake the written test. However, there are certain situations when you do, such as:

• Traffic violations that have resulted in suspension of your permit.

• Cancellation, denial or revocation of your permit.

• Expiration of permit for more than one year.

Practice Tests

Colorado's DMV doesn't currently offer online practice tests, but you can request a written practice test from any county office.

Too, you can always use one of our online practice tests by visiting our test preparation page.

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