Drivers Permits in Colorado

Driver Education Learner's Permit

If you're between the ages of 15 years old to 15 1/2 years old, you'll need to apply for a driver education learner's permit, which will be valid for 3 years.

Before you can apply, you must complete the classroom component of a Driver's Ed program (must have been completed in the last 6 months). For more information, see our Driver's Ed in Colorado page.

Once you've completed this part of Driver's Ed, make an appointment to apply for your driver education permit at a CO DMV driver's license office. You must:

• Prove your:
  • Identity. See a complete list of accepted documents.
  • Social Security number. See a complete list of acceptable documents.
    • The agent may be able to verify your SSN electronically, but bring your documents just in case.
  • Colorado residence (2 documents). See a list of accepted documents.
• Pass a:
  • Written permit test.
  • Vision exam.
• Submit a completed Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship (Form DR 2460).
  • Form DR 2460 must be notarized or signed at the DMV by your parent, guardian, or driving supervisor.
  • NOTE: You may drive only with the person who signed the affidavit, OR, if they don't have a Colorado driver’s license, a licensed supervisor who is at least 21 years old.
• Prove you have completed the classroom segment of a Driver's Ed course.
• Pay the $18.52 permit fee.

Driver Awareness Permit

If you're between the ages of 15 1/2 years old to 16 years old, you'll need to apply for a driver awareness permit, valid for 3 years.

To be eligible for this learner's permit, you must first complete ONE of the following:

• Driver's Ed.
• Pre-qualification driver awareness program (4 hours).
  OR
• Classroom study course (30 hours)—can also be completed online.

For more information, visit our Driver's Ed in Colorado page.

When you're read to apply for your learner's permit, make an appointment at a Colorado DMV licensing office and:

• Submit proof of:
  • Identity. See the complete list of accepted documents.
  • Social Security number. See a complete list of acceptable documents.
    • The agent may be able to verify your SSN electronically, but bring your documents just in case.
  • Colorado residency (2 documents). See a list of acceptable documents.
• Pass the written permit test and vision exam.
• Submit a completed Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship (Form DR 2460).
  • Form DR 2460 must be notarized or signed at the DMV by your parent, guardian, or driving supervisor.
  • NOTE: You're only allowed to practice driving with the person who signed your affidavit. If they don't have a CO license, they can appoint a driving supervisor at least 21 years old with a license.
• Provide proof of completion for one of the above driver training/classroom programs.
• Pay the $18.52 permit fee.

Minor Instruction Permit

Drivers who are 16 years old to 21 years old must apply for a minor instruction permit.

Make an appointment for your visit to the local DMV, and be ready to:

• Submit proof of:
  • Identity. See the complete list of accepted documents.
  • Social Security number. See a complete list of acceptable documents.
    • The agent may be able to verify your SSN electronically, but bring your documents just in case.
  • Colorado residency (2 documents). See a list of approved documents.
• Submit a completed Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship (Form DR 2460) if you’re younger than 18 years old, notarized or signed at the DMV by your parent, guardian, or driving supervisor.
  • NOTE: If you’re younger than 18 years old, you must drive with the person who signed the affidavit, unless that person doesn’t have a Colorado driver’s license. Then you must drive with an appointed supervising driver at least 21 years old who has a license.
• Pass the written test.
• Pay the $18.52 permit fee.

Your minor instruction permit is valid for 3 years or until you turn 21 years old.