DMV Colorado · Fees, age, and practice test
Colorado Permit Test: Cost, Age, and DMV Facts
Sourced procedural facts for Colorado DMV, plus a free 180-question practice test with real sign images and audio.
How much does the Colorado permit test cost?
First attempt free at a state driver license office; each retest costs an $11.50 state fee
- Learner permit / application fee: $20.00 (Instruction Permit, includes motorcycle; Standard/CO-RCSA credential permit is $23.00)
- Knowledge (written) test fee: First attempt free at a state driver license office; each retest costs an $11.50 state fee
- Initial driver license fee: $34.00 (Driver License / Minor DL fee effective June 30, 2026; Standard CO-RCSA credential is $36)
Source: Colorado DMV - Permits and First-Time Driver License · Last verified 2026-07-06. Our 180-question Colorado practice test is free and separate from these DMV fees.
Quick facts
Minimum permit age
15 years old (exact permit type varies by age between 15 and 21)
Knowledge test fee
First attempt free at a state driver license office; each retest costs an $11.50 state fee
Permit fee
$20.00 (Instruction Permit, includes motorcycle; Standard/CO-RCSA credential permit is $23.00)
Initial license fee
$34.00 (Driver License / Minor DL fee effective June 30, 2026; Standard CO-RCSA credential is $36)
Passing score
80% or higher (0 to 5 incorrect answers)
Retake fee
$11.50 (state written retest fee; first in-office attempt has no retest fee, and the online @Home test vendor charges $6.50 per attempt)
Supervised driving before road test
50 hours supervised driving (10 at night), logged and signed by a parent/guardian/responsible adult, required after holding the permit 12 months before applying for a license
Documents to bring
Proof of identity and lawful presence plus two proofs of Colorado address; an adult's proof of address can be used for a minor
Find an office / appointment
Appointment Scheduling page plus state and county office locations. State driver license offices operate primarily on an appointment-only basis; county office walk-in policies vary.
REAL ID status
Colorado credentials have been REAL ID compliant by default since 2012/2013. Requires identity, lawful status, residency, and SSN. Federal deadline May 7, 2025.
Motorcycle license
Riders under 18 must hold an instruction permit for 12 months; the endorsement requires a written exam and a drive skills test, or a MOST course waiver.
Commercial license (CDL)
Requires a commercial learner permit held for 14 days, written knowledge tests, a drive skills test, and DOT medical certification.
Official source: Colorado DMV - Permits and First-Time Driver License
Things like renewing registration, REAL ID, or a change of address are outside what this page covers -- go straight to the official Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles site.
How much is the Colorado permit test?
Colorado knowledge test fee: First attempt free at a state driver license office; each retest costs an $11.50 state fee (official source). Permit fee: $20.00 (Instruction Permit, includes motorcycle; Standard/CO-RCSA credential permit is $23.00) (official source).
Colorado DMV fees at a glance
| Fee | Official figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge test fee | First attempt free at a state driver license office; each retest costs an $11.50 state fee | source |
| Permit fee | $20.00 (Instruction Permit, includes motorcycle; Standard/CO-RCSA credential permit is $23.00) | source |
| Initial license fee | $34.00 (Driver License / Minor DL fee effective June 30, 2026; Standard CO-RCSA credential is $36) | source |
| Retake fee | $11.50 (state written retest fee; first in-office attempt has no retest fee, and the online @Home test vendor charges $6.50 per attempt) | source |
Studying for it? Take the free Colorado DMV practice test (180 questions, instant explanations, no signup).
What a Colorado driver license covers
Initial license fee: $34.00 (Driver License / Minor DL fee effective June 30, 2026; Standard CO-RCSA credential is $36) (official source)
REAL ID status: Colorado credentials have been REAL ID compliant by default since 2012/2013. Requires identity, lawful status, residency, and SSN. Federal deadline May 7, 2025. (official source)
The gold star marks a REAL ID compliant card. Many states hand you a paper interim license the day you pass and mail the physical card later; the interim paper generally works for driving but not for TSA airport ID. Check the official Colorado DMV site for exact card timelines.
Getting a license in Colorado
Getting your first permit
In Colorado, the minimum permit age is 15 years old (exact permit type varies by age between 15 and 21). When you apply for a permit or license, bring: proof of identity and lawful presence plus two proofs of Colorado address; an adult's proof of address can be used for a minor. Appointment Scheduling page plus state and county office locations. State driver license offices operate primarily on an appointment-only basis; county office walk-in policies vary.
Fees, retakes, and practice hours
First attempt free at a state driver license office; each retest costs an $11.50 state fee. Before the road test, the state requires 50 hours supervised driving (10 at night), logged and signed by a parent/guardian/responsible adult, required after holding the permit 12 months before applying for a license.
REAL ID, motorcycle, and CDL
Colorado credentials have been REAL ID compliant by default since 2012/2013. Requires identity, lawful status, residency, and SSN. Federal deadline May 7, 2025. For a motorcycle license: riders under 18 must hold an instruction permit for 12 months; the endorsement requires a written exam and a drive skills test, or a MOST course waiver. For a commercial license (CDL): requires a commercial learner permit held for 14 days, written knowledge tests, a drive skills test, and DOT medical certification.
The Colorado bank has 180 questions across 8 topics
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