Colorado DMV Permit Test FAQ

The passing score is 80 percent. On a 25-question test, that's 20 correct answers - you can miss no more than 5. Practice quizzes are available on the myColorado app.

If you fail, you can retake the Colorado DMV knowledge test at a driver license office or keep practicing through the myColorado app. Written tests are not given within 30 minutes of an office's scheduled closing time. For current fees and retake scheduling, visit DMV.Colorado.gov.

You must be at least 15 to apply for an instruction permit in Colorado (with driver education) and at least 16 to obtain a driver license. Applicants under 18 must submit an Affidavit of Liability (DR2460) signed by a parent, stepparent, grandparent with power of attorney, legal guardian, spouse older than 18, or other responsible adult. If signed in front of a notary, bring the notarized form to the driver license office.

Colorado minor drivers (under 18) must hold a permit 12 months, log 50 supervised-driving hours (10 at night), and - if under 16 and a half - complete 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training with an approved instructor. Passenger restriction: first 6 months, no passengers under 21 unless a parent or licensed adult is in the vehicle; after 6 months, 1 passenger under 21; after 1 year, as many as seat belts. Curfew: first year of licensure, no driving between midnight and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by an instructor, parent, or legal guardian (exceptions for school, work with signed statement, and medical emergencies). All drivers are prohibited from using a mobile device while driving unless hands-free, and texting while driving is prohibited for all drivers.

Colorado's Zero Tolerance law for drivers under 21 sets the BAC threshold at 0.02 percent. A driver under 21 with any detectable BAC of 0.02 percent or higher is subject to license revocation. A driver under 21 convicted of DUI or DWAI faces license revocation on the first conviction if they fail to complete a court-ordered evaluation or program; a 2nd or 3rd conviction triggers a mandatory revocation.

Colorado BAC limits: 0.05 percent = DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired). 0.08 percent = DUI per se (Driving Under the Influence). Under 21 = 0.02 percent Zero Tolerance. CDL = 0.04 percent. Marijuana: permissible inference of DUI at 5 nanograms of THC per milliliter of blood. Colorado has an Express Consent Law (C.R.S. 42-4-1301.1) - refusal of a chemical test leads to 1-year license revocation plus 2 years of required ignition interlock. Colorado does not allow plea bargains out of alcohol- or drug-related driving offenses.

Unless otherwise posted, Colorado speed limits are: 20 mph on narrow, winding mountain highways and blind curves; 25 mph in any business district; 30 mph in any residence district; 40 mph on open mountain highways; 45 mph for vehicles hauling trash; 55 mph on urban interstates and highways; 65 to 75 mph on designated rural interstates and highways. Speed limits are maximums in ideal conditions - reduce speed when conditions require it.

Colorado prohibits parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant; within 30 feet of a traffic signal, stop sign, or railroad crossing; on a crosswalk, sidewalk, bridge, elevated structure, railroad tracks, or controlled-access highway; within an intersection, tunnel, runaway truck ramp, or on or off ramp; blocking a driveway; or in a bike lane. Parallel parking must be within 12 inches of the curb (or as close as possible to the shoulder edge).

First DWAI (BAC 0.05 percent): $200 to $500 fine, 2 to 180 days jail, 24 to 48 hours community service, 8 points. First DUI (BAC 0.08 percent): $600 to $1,000 fine, 5 to 365 days jail, 48 to 96 hours community service, 9-month license revocation. Second DWAI or DUI: $600 to $1,500, 10 to 365 days jail, 48 to 120 hours community service, 1-year revocation. Third or subsequent DWAI or DUI: $600 to $1,500, 60 to 365 days jail, 48 to 120 hours community service, 2-year revocation. Refusing a chemical test = 1-year license revocation plus ignition interlock for 2 years.

Colorado drivers must carry proof of insurance while operating a vehicle and must produce it when requested by law enforcement. Failure to do so is a traffic violation. Minimum dollar amounts are set by Colorado's Financial Responsibility Law - for current limits, confirm with the Colorado Division of Insurance (DORA) or the Colorado DMV.

In Colorado, you may turn right on a steady red light after coming to a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and other traffic, unless a sign prohibits it. You may turn left on a steady red light only when turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after a complete stop and yielding, unless prohibited by a sign. A lighted red arrow always means stop - you may not turn in the direction the arrow shows.

Colorado drivers can renew their license online through myDMV.Colorado.gov if eligible, or in person at a DMV office. A vision exam may be required at renewal. You must notify the Colorado DMV of a name or address change within 30 days. Confirm renewal frequency and eligibility at myDMV.Colorado.gov.