Colorado · Handbook chapter 1 · 5 min read

How to get a Colorado instruction permit: driver education by age, the Driving Knowledge Test online or in office, retakes, the Affidavit of Liability, what to bring and the permit supervisor rule, with the 2027 changes.

Why this chapter matters

Your first step to driving in Colorado is the instruction permit, and the Driving Knowledge Test is the exam our practice sets prepare you for. The rules change with your age, and new driver education rules start on 1 January 2027.

Who needs a permit

• Anyone who has never had a license, or whose license has been expired or canceled for more than 12 months, needs a permit first.
• You must be at least 15.
• The permit is valid for three years or until your 21st birthday, whichever comes first.

Driver education by age (permits issued before 1 January 2027)

From 1 January 2027

Under House Bill 24-1021, every permit applicant under 21 needs formal training:

• Ages 15 to 17: an approved 30-hour driver education course, online or in person. The 4-hour option at 15 1/2 ends.
• Ages 18 to 21: the 30-hour course or the 4-hour driver awareness program.
• The change does not affect permits issued before that date. Driver education certificates are valid for six months.

The Driving Knowledge Test

• It covers the whole Colorado Driver Handbook: road signs, driving under the influence, driving rules, safety rules and legal items.
• You must pre-register online before you test.
• Three ways to take it: online with the @Home test, in a driver license office by appointment, or at an approved driving school.
• The @Home test needs a desktop or laptop with a webcam. It takes photos at random to confirm who is testing, allows 60 minutes, and costs $6.50 per attempt. If you are younger than 19, an adult older than 19 must act as your proxy.
• In office and online the test is in English and Spanish, and it can be read aloud.
• Offices do not give written tests within 30 minutes of closing.
• You may retake it as often as needed, but only twice in one day. Each retake carries a $11.50 state fee.
• The DMV does not publish the number of questions or the pass mark on the pages we checked.

What to bring to your appointment

• Proof of identity, such as a passport or birth certificate. A school ID alone is not enough.
• Two proofs of Colorado address. A parent who comes with you can use their own address documents for you.
• Your driver education or awareness completion (ages 15 to 16).
• Proof that you passed the test online or at a school.
• If you are under 21 and have no government ID, a parent or legal guardian signs an Affidavit of Identity at the appointment and brings certified proof of guardianship (a power of attorney does not count).

At the office you take a vision test (bring your glasses or contacts), give fingerprints, have your photo taken and pay the fee. You get a paper permit; the card arrives by mail within 30 days.

The Affidavit of Liability (under 18)

• An adult signs the DR 2460 Affidavit of Liability. The handbook lists a parent, stepparent, grandparent with power of attorney, legal guardian, spouse older than 18 or another responsible adult; the newer DMV permit page adds that the signer must be 21 or older with a valid Colorado license, and we follow the page.
• The signer accepts financial responsibility for crashes you cause and must go with you to any hearing about your permit or license.
• It must be signed in front of a DMV employee or a notary. A form signed at home without a notary is not accepted.
• If the signer later withdraws, your permit or license is canceled until a new adult signs.

Driving with a permit

You must drive with a licensed adult who:

• is 21 or older,
• sits in the front passenger seat, and
• has a valid Colorado license (or a valid out-of-state license with active military ID).

Fees

From the DMV fee table: a REAL ID instruction permit is $20.00. Check the DMV fees page for the current license fee when you upgrade.