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Colorado driving lesson · Getting Your Colorado License

Who needs a license & getting your permit

A 3-minute lesson from the Colorado course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

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Read time
3 minutes
Course unit
Getting Your Colorado License
Checkpoint questions
6
Source pages
4

Colorado licensing starts with the written knowledge test. Pass it and you can get an instruction permit, which lets you practice driving with an experienced licensed adult beside you.

The written test covers this whole handbook: road signs, driving under the influence, driving rules, safety rules and legal items.

Know the rule

Anyone who operates a motor vehicle, motor-driven cycle or moped on Colorado's public streets and highways must be 16 or older and have a valid driver license.

Handbook p. 4 ↗
30 days

Time a new Colorado resident has to get a Colorado driver license

Handbook p. 4 ↗

You count as a Colorado resident if, for example, you:

  • Own or operate a business in Colorado
  • Have lived in the state continuously for 90 days
  • Have gainful employment within the state
Handbook p. 4 ↗

Exempt from the 30-day new-resident rule:

  • People serving on active duty in the U.S. military
  • Dependents of an active-duty military service member
  • People living in Colorado mainly to further their education
Handbook p. 4 ↗
30 days

Time to notify the DMV of a change of name or address

Handbook p. 4 ↗

Know the rule

Written tests are not given within 30 minutes of an office's scheduled closing time.

Handbook p. 4 ↗

Instruction permit

Limited driving privileges for people learning to drive; you become eligible after passing the written test.

Handbook p. 4 ↗

Know the rule

While driving on an instruction permit, a person who is 21 or older with a valid Colorado license must sit in the front passenger seat.

Handbook p. 4 ↗

Put it into practice

You're 16, just passed the written test, and your 19-year-old licensed cousin offers to ride along. Not allowed: your supervisor must be 21 or older, hold a valid Colorado license and sit in the front passenger seat.

Check your understanding

Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.

How old must you be to legally operate a motor vehicle on Colorado's public streets?
  1. 17
  2. 16
  3. 18
  4. 15

Answer: 16

Colorado requires a driver to be 16 or older and hold a valid license to operate a motor vehicle on public streets and highways.

Handbook p. 4 ↗
A new Colorado resident who owns a business in the state must get a Colorado driver license within how many days of becoming a resident?
  1. 30 days
  2. 90 days
  3. 60 days
  4. 10 days

Answer: 30 days

Colorado residents must obtain a Colorado license within 30 days of becoming a resident, with limited exceptions.

Handbook p. 4 ↗
Which of these people is EXEMPT from the requirement to get a Colorado license within 30 days of becoming a resident?
  1. A person with gainful employment in Colorado
  2. A person who owns a business in Colorado
  3. An active-duty military service member
  4. A person who has lived in Colorado for 90 days

Answer: An active-duty military service member

Active-duty military members, their dependents, and students in Colorado mainly for education are exempt from the 30-day residency rule.

Handbook p. 4 ↗
What must you do before you can be issued a Colorado instruction permit?
  1. Pass a written knowledge test
  2. Complete a drive test
  3. Turn 18
  4. Hold a permit in another state

Answer: Pass a written knowledge test

After passing the written test you become eligible for an instruction permit.

Handbook p. 4 ↗
While driving with an instruction permit, who must sit in the front passenger seat?
  1. A licensed Colorado driver aged 21+
  2. A parent only
  3. Any licensed adult driver, regardless of age
  4. No one is required

Answer: A licensed Colorado driver aged 21+

An instruction permit holder must be accompanied in the front passenger seat by someone 21 or older with a valid Colorado license.

Handbook p. 4 ↗
When is the Colorado written knowledge test NOT given?
  1. During lunch hours
  2. Before 9 a.m.
  3. Within 30 minutes of the office's scheduled closing time
  4. On weekends

Answer: Within 30 minutes of the office's scheduled closing time

Written tests are not given within 30 minutes of an office's scheduled closing time, so plan your visit accordingly.

Handbook p. 4 ↗
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