if you’ve completed certain steps, including completing 30 hours of driver’s education, passing the written test, and bringing the required identification documents to the DMV.

You can get a Colorado learner’s permit after you’ve taken a driver’s ed course and are 15 years old.
You must drive with a licensed supervising adult at all times when you have your permit.
You can take a road test and apply for your full license once you’ve had your learner’s permit for at least a year.

While you might want to run straight to the DMV the moment you turn 15, you’ll have to do a few things before getting your learner’s permit (also called a minor permit). Let’s look at what you need to do below.

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How to get a Colorado learner’s permit

The first step to qualifying for your learner's permit, or minor permit, is to turn at least 15 years old. Once you celebrate that birthday, you can move on to the next step.

You’ll need to complete a state-approved

30-hour driver's education course

. You can start your class at 14 years and 6 months, but you can’t apply for the permit until you turn 15.

Then, start learning all those traffic laws by going through the

Colorado Driver Handbook

. There are audiobook and Spanish language versions

on the DMV’s site

, plus a practice quiz.

Once you’ve become an expert, you must pass a written test before hitting the road with that shiny new permit. Colorado even gives you the option to take the test online!

Once you finish the 30-hour class and pass the written test, it’s time to complete some paperwork. You’ll need the right documentation before visiting the DMV, including proof that you attended a driver’s ed class and that you passed the official written exam, identification forms, and the parent/guardian form.

And one last thing—–

you need to pre-register online

and make an appointment with your local office. You can’t just show up and get in line. Luckily, this will make the process go faster once you visit the DMV to get the actual permit.

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What to bring to DMV

Keep in mind that you’ll need a stack of paperwork ready to go before you visit your local DMV. You must

make an appointment

, which you can do online. Let’s look at what you need to bring as far as documentation goes:

Proof that you completed a driver’s education course

Proof of a completed Driving Knowledge written test (if applicable). You can either

make an appointment to take the test

in person or

take the test online

All

required identification documents

A parent, guardian, or Colorado driver over 21 who will sign the

Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship Form

, as well as the Affidavit of Identity (if applicable)

A way to pay the

required fees

In addition to the paperwork listed above, you need to be able to prove your

identity, address, and legal status

, so be sure you have the right documents on hand:

Proof of identity (i.e., an ID card, US passport, etc.)

Proof of date of birth/Identity (i.e., birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad, certified US adoption, etc.)

Proof of Social Security number or legal status

Proof of current address. These must show your name and street address and be less than a year old (i.e., utility bill, credit card statement, bank statement, etc.)

Depending on your citizenship or legal status, you have a different list to follow for what documents can be used:

US citizens follow

form DR 2300A

Temporarily legal residents use

form DR 2300B

Undocumented residents follow

form DR2300C

Besides the paperwork, you’ll need to

pay the requisite fees

. You can use cash, a check (made payable to DOR), or a credit card. Most learner’s permits will cost $18.52, but if you can’t prove legal residency, you’ll need to pay $21.

Once you’ve made your appointment with the local DMV and gathered your documents, don’t forget to practice your smile for your learner’s permit photo!

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Colorado learner’s permit regulations

Let’s say you’ve got that shiny new learner’s permit and are ready to go. Since you’re a new driver without a full license, you have some extra rules to follow (and you can lose your permit if you don’t comply):

You must drive with a parent, guardian, driving instructor, or other licensed adult over 21 years old

The supervising adult must sit in the front seat

Both the teen driver and all passengers must wear a seat belt

The number of passengers cannot be higher than the number of seat belts

Anyone under 18 cannot text and drive

except in an emergency

Once you’ve got your permit, you must fulfill other requirements to move on to your license:

You’re at least 16 years old

You’ve completed and tracked 50 hours of driving using the official

Drive Time Log Sheet

, with at least 10 hours of nighttime driving

You’ve completed

Behind the Wheel (BTW) training

You’ve passed an official driving test at a state-approved driver’s ed school (not the DMV)

You’ve held a learner’s permit for at least 12 months

Then, you can apply to

upgrade your permit to a license

. You’ll just need a new stack of paperwork and to pay the required fees.

You’ll still have some restrictions your first year with a license, such as no driving between midnight and 5 AM and no texting if you’re under 18. You also can’t have any passengers under 21 in the vehicle for the first six months (unless a parent/guardian is with you).

After that, you can only have one passenger under 21 for the remaining six months. But you’re well on your way!

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