Start with the official source
This guide is for adults, age 21 and up. Rules for people under 21 are different. Permit fees, documents and test locations change, so check dmv.colorado.gov before you go. I coach driving. I do not issue permits, give tests or give legal advice.
The path, in order
- Read the Colorado Driver Handbook. The DMV publishes it for free. It covers signs, rules, safe driving and what the tests look for.
- Take practice quizzes. The DMV says practice quizzes are available online and in the myColorado app.
- Pass the written knowledge test. The Handbook says that after passing it, you are eligible for an instruction permit.
- Practice with a qualified person beside you. The Handbook says a permit holder needs a person who is 21 or older with a valid Colorado license in the front passenger seat.
- Pass the drive test. More on this below.
If you have just moved to Colorado, the Handbook says residents must get a Colorado license within 30 days of becoming a resident, unless an exception applies. Check the DMV site for details.
What the drive test looks at
The Handbook says the examiner scores left and right turns, stopping and driving through intersections, lane changes, merging and general driving behavior. It also says:
- The vehicle must pass a safety check. That covers brake lights, turn signals, seat belts, windshield, tires, doors and windows.
- If you supply the vehicle, it needs current insurance and registration.
- Only you and the examiner ride in the car during the test.
- If you fail, you wait until the next business day to retry.
Where and how you book the drive test has changed before. Look at the DMV site for the current way.
How to build skills in the right order
Do not start on a busy street. Work up in steps, and move to the next step only when the last one feels boring. Boring means the skill is automatic, and that frees your attention for the road around you.
- Empty lot. Seat, mirrors, brake feel, gentle gas, full steering turns.
- Quiet streets. Stop signs, turns, speed control, looking far ahead.
- Busier streets. Lane changes, left turns, parking. See the parallel parking guide.
- Highways. Read how to merge onto I-25 and I-70.
- Night and bad weather. Add these last. See slick road and winter driving.
A first drill for an empty lot
Pick a lot where you have permission to be, at a quiet time. A cone or box works as a stop line.
- Set your seat so you reach the pedals and see well. Set your mirrors.
- Press the brake and shift into drive. Let the car creep with no gas. Stop smoothly at the cone.
- Do it ten times. Aim for a stop so soft your passenger barely feels it.
- Add gentle gas. Go ten car lengths, stop at the cone. Then turn the wheel fully each way at walking speed.
Common worries
Everyone fears something. Freezing at four-way stops, looking silly while parking, merging, or being the slowest car on the road. These are normal. We handle them one at a time. See help for nervous drivers.
Quick answers
Will a coach session count toward my permit or license?
No. This is coaching. It does not count toward a permit or license. Check dmv.colorado.gov for what counts.
Can I learn in my own car?
Yes, and it helps. You learn the car you will drive. The car needs current registration and insurance.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on you. My Learn to Drive set is four one-hour sessions. Some adults add more time. Others need less.
How a coach fits
I ride in the passenger seat. You drive. Learn to Drive is four one-hour sessions for $370. We start in an empty lot, move to quiet streets, then busier ones, at your pace. See pricing, read the FAQ or book a time.
Sources: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337), dmv.colorado.gov. Not legal advice. This is coaching. It does not count toward a permit or license.