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In Colorado, the driving test (driving skills test) is given by approved third-party testers, mostly certified driving schools. State driver license offices do not conduct it. This guide explains who can test, how to book, what the examiner scores, the vehicle checks and what to do if you fail.
Key facts (Colorado DMV, checked November 2026)
- Minimum age: 16.
- Under 18: you must have held your permit for at least 12 full months and logged 50 hours (10 at night).
- 18 or older: you can test any time after getting your permit.
- Book directly with an approved school or testing location. The DMV does not book these appointments.
- Failed? You can retake it once per day, starting the day after. The state retest fee is $15.40 on top of the tester’s fee.
Who gives the Colorado driving test?
The DMV’s Driver Education School Locations page lists the approved private providers on a map. They offer driver education, behind-the-wheel training and the official driving skills test. The handbook adds that some county-operated offices offer drive tests, so check your county’s website. Testers set their own prices, so compare a few.
Are you eligible to take the test?
| Requirement | 16 to 16 and a half | 16 and a half to 18 | 18 to 21 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permit held 12 months | Yes | Yes | No |
| 50 logged hours, 10 at night | Yes | Yes | No |
| 6 hours behind-the-wheel with a driving school | Yes | No | No |
| Driving test with a third party | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Ages are your age when you apply for the license. If you live more than 30 miles from an approved full-time driving school, you can replace the 6 behind-the-wheel hours with 12 extra supervised hours (62 in total). Details: Colorado 50-hour driving log.
Vehicle requirements for the Colorado driving test
The school may provide a car, or ask you to bring one with current insurance and registration. Whichever car you use, the examiner checks:
- brake lights and turn signals
- seat belts
- the windshield
- tires
- that the doors and windows open from inside
Before you start
- Only you and the examiner may be in the car. No interpreters, family, friends or pets.
- Remove any weapons from the vehicle.
- Turn off the radio, your phone and other electronic devices.
- Clear objects from the dashboard and rearview mirror.
What the examiner scores
The test follows American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) guidelines. It assesses three things: perceptual skills (judging gaps, spotting hazards), motor skills (handling the controls) and attention (monitoring traffic while you merge, for example). You are scored on:
- left and right turns
- stopping at intersections
- driving through intersections
- lane changes in traffic
- merging into and leaving traffic
- general driving behavior
The handbook’s scoring list does not name parallel parking, a three-point turn or backing as test maneuvers. Ask your tester what their route includes.
Grading factors, and what passing looks like
| Factor | What the examiner wants to see |
|---|---|
| Lane selection | Enter, approach and finish each maneuver in the proper lane |
| Lane management | Both hands on the wheel, hand-over-hand or push-pull-slide steering. Turn right from the right-most part of your lane and left from the left-most part. End centered without crossing lines or curbs |
| Turn signals | On continuously 100 feet before turning or changing lanes in urban areas, 200 feet on four-lane highways. Cancel within 3 seconds |
| Speed control | Smooth slowing, steady speed in lane changes, approach turns slowly enough that you do not brake mid-turn |
| Stopping | Full stop with no rolling, behind the stop line and crosswalk, wheels straight. Stop where you can see the rear tires of the car ahead touching the road |
| Acceleration | Smooth, with no jerking, lugging, coasting or stalling |
| Searching | Mirrors, shoulder checks before lane changes, left-right-left at intersections, look behind after each turn |
Back-up cameras, blind spot alerts and lane departure warnings are allowed, but they do not replace physical checks. You may ask questions before the test starts. After that, keep talking to a minimum, because you are scored the whole way.
If you fail the Colorado driving test
- You can retake it once per day, starting the day after you fail (DMV). The handbook says to wait until the next business day.
- Each retake carries a $15.40 state fee in addition to the tester’s charge.
- Out-of-state permit holders aged 16 to 17 may take the Colorado test once without a Colorado permit. If they fail, they must get a Colorado permit before testing again.
Common mistakes: why people fail the US driving test.
After you pass: getting the license
- Online upgrade if you have no name change and are not claiming the 30-mile exemption. Under 18s upload the signed driving log. Your receipt plus your old permit act as a temporary license.
- In person otherwise. Bring your permit, driving log, a printed route map if you are claiming the exemption, and the fee.
- Your card arrives by mail within 30 days. Carry the paper temporary license until then.
- If you are under 18, the minor license restrictions apply for the first year.
Common questions
Can I take my driving test at a Colorado DMV office?
No. State driver license offices do not conduct driving tests. Use an approved third-party tester. Some county offices may offer tests.
Can I use my own car for the Colorado road test?
Often, yes. It must have current insurance and registration and pass the examiner’s safety check. Some schools provide a car.
Can my parent ride along during the test?
No. Only the driver and the examiner are allowed in the vehicle.
How much does the Colorado driving test cost?
Testers set their own fee. If you are retaking the test, add the $15.40 state retest fee (November 2026).
Is parallel parking on the Colorado driving test?
The handbook does not list it among the scored maneuvers. Practice it anyway and ask your tester.
How soon after failing can I retest?
From the day after you fail. You can test once per day.
Back to the Colorado learning to drive guide. Compare states: US road test by state.
Sources
- Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, “Colorado Driver Handbook” DR 2337 (12/05/24), Getting a Driver License (dmv.colorado.gov)
- Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, “Get Your Colorado Permit and Driver License (Under 21)” (dmv.colorado.gov)
- Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, “Adult Permit” (dmv.colorado.gov)
- Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, “Driver Education School Locations” (dmv.colorado.gov)
- Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, “State DMV Fees” (dmv.colorado.gov)