Getting A Driver's License In Colorado
Obtaining a Colorado driver's license is not a difficult process if you are prepared with all the necessary information ahead of time. In general, different ages have different driver's license requirements, set by the Division of Motor Vehicles and overseen by the state's Department of Revenue.
Furthermore, depending on your age, the type of license you can obtain will differ. For example, drivers under 21 must complete a few additional steps to obtain a driver's license and receive an initial credential with certain restrictions. In contrast, if you are 21 or older, you can obtain a standard license without taking additional steps.
Driver's License For Teens
If you are under 18, you can obtain a Colorado DMV license after holding a valid learner's permit for at least 12 months. The license you will receive will be very similar to the credential applicants over 18 can obtain, with a few exceptions.
As a result, important driver's license information includes that drivers under 18 will face restrictions on their initial credentials. Among these restrictions is the inability to drive after midnight. Unless you have held your license for at least one year or are accompanied by a passenger who is 21 years of age or older and has held a valid license for at least a year, you may not drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
Requirements
Before you can get a driver's license with full privileges as a minor, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. Among these requirements are the following:
- It would be best if you were between the ages of 16 and 18.
- Have a valid instruction permit for at least a year.
Obtaining an instruction permit is part of obtaining a driver's license. An instruction permit, also known as a learner's permit, can be obtained if you are at least 15 years old but under the age of 21. You will also be required to pass a written knowledge test. You must be 15 years old and have completed a driver's education course to obtain that permit.
In addition, to be eligible for a learner's permit, you must provide acceptable identification and residency documentation, parental signatures on the Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship form, and pay the applicable DMV license fees.
A driver's education program is only required if you apply for a driver's license permit when you are 15. You must complete a 30-hour driver education course if you are between the ages of 15 and 15-and-a-half. If you are 15 and a half to 16 years old, you can take a 30-hour driver education course or a four-hour driver awareness class. When you reach the age of 16, you will no longer be required to take a driver's education course to obtain a driver's license.
Process
Despite a few differences, the steps involved in completing a CO driving license application as a minor are similar to those required as an adult. To apply for a license if you are under the age of 18, you must:
- Go to your local Colorado DMV office.
- Display your current instruction permit, also known as a learner's permit.
- Original or certified copies of documents establishing your identity, verifying your birth date, full name, and lawful presence in the United States are required.
- Provide proof of your Social Security Number (SSN), such as a Social Security card.
- Provide documents proving your CO address, such as utility bills, credit card bills, bank statements, and mortgage or rent contracts postmarked in first-class mail.
- Complete a DOR road skills exam or bring a 'drive test completion form' if a driver education instructor/school administered the test.
- Pay the required DMV license.
Driver's License For Adults
You can apply for a new driver's license if you are 18 years old or older and meet the eligibility requirements. As a result, you must bring certain documentation, pass the required tests, and pay applicable fees. After you have completed these steps, you will be issued a new Colorado driver's license.
Requirements
You must be 18 years old to obtain a standard, non-restricted DMV driver's license in Colorado. You must also be able to provide documentation proving your full name, date of birth, and legal presence in the United States.
You must also be able to demonstrate that you are a resident of Colorado. Finally, you must pass the necessary DMV license tests. However, if you are over the age of 18 but under the age of 21, you must first obtain a learner's permit before applying for a full-fledged license.
Process
To obtain your first driver's license in Colorado, you must first complete a series of steps. Between 18 and 21, you must first apply for a learner's permit. After receiving a permit, you may apply for a license anytime. When applying for a driver's license, keep the following steps in mind:
- Go to your local Colorado DMV office. You cannot currently obtain a CO driver's license online.
- If you are between 18 and 21, you must show your valid learner's permit.
- Provide original or certified documents proving your date of birth, full name, and legal status in the United States.
- Please bring your Social Security card or another official document proving your Social Security Number.
- Two proofs of Colorado residency are required, such as utility bills, credit card bills, bank statements, mortgage or rent contracts, or postmarked first-class mail.
- Complete a DMV road skills test, or bring the 'Drive Test Completion Form' if a driver education instructor/school gave your test.
- Pay any licensing fees that are due.
Required Tests
Driving Record Analysis
Before issuing a new license, the Motor Vehicle Division examines your driving record and current driver's license status to determine eligibility.
Physical Aptitude Analysis
This is a determination of any physical ailment or disability that may affect your driving by a driver's license employee. Many physical ailments or disabilities, such as epilepsy or paralysis, necessitate a Confidential Medical Examination Report.
Vision Exam
Your vision will be evaluated to see if you can see clearly enough to drive safely. Your license will reflect this restriction if the test results show that you require corrective lenses to meet the minimum visual standards. Failure to meet the minimum vision standard of 20/40 will result in initial rejection and referral to a vision specialist at your own expense for correction and recommendations. Please bring your glasses or contact lenses to the DMV with you.
Knowledge Test
The content of the driver's license handbook, including road signs, driving under the influence, and other driving and safety rules, is covered in the test questions. Examine the manual.
Driving Test
This is the most important part of the exam because you must demonstrate your ability to drive safely. You will be driving with an examiner to assess your skills and awareness. The driving test requires an appointment. The appointment can be made through the DMV website.
Fees
As long as you can prove your legal status in the United States, the following Colorado driver's license fees apply:
- $28 for a driver's license
- $16.80 for an instruction permit
If you are unable to demonstrate your legal presence in the United States at the driver's license services office, you must pay the following fees:
- $33 for a driver's license
- $21 for an instruction permit
These fees can be paid in cash, by check, credit card, or money order.
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