Minor and First-time Driver's License Applicants

• A driver's license applicant must first pass knowledge and vision tests, then pay a fee to be issued an instruction permit. An instruction permit for 12 months (for those 16 to 20 years old), a completed and signed Drive Time Log (if under 18 years old) and an approved six-hour Behind the Wheel Certificate through a Driver's Education Course or 12-hour behind the wheel training administered by parent/guardian (for those 15 to 16 years old) are required for a minor to qualify to take a driving test. Upon passing, a minor driver's license shall be issued.
  
  For an adult applying for a driver's license for the first time, there is no need to hold an instruction permit for any required amount of time. However, he needs to purchase a permit before taking the drive test. The instruction permit is issued after passing the written and vision tests and paying the fee.
  
  

Taking the Knowledge, Vision and Driving Tests

• The knowledge test requires the applicant to understand the meaning of Colorado traffic laws, road signs and the rules of safe driving. The vision test determines if the applicant can safely drive with perfect vision or if he needs corrective glasses or contact lenses when driving (a restriction will be placed to the license once it is issued). The driving test requires the applicant to demonstrate satisfactory operation of a motor vehicle. A driver's license shall be issued once the applicant passes the three tests.
  
  

Residents and Non-Residents

• A new Colorado resident must apply for a Colorado driver's license within 10 days. If holding a driver's license from another U.S. state, the old license should be surrendered and there is no need to take the written and driving tests again as long as the license from the other state is not expired for more than one year. The vision test is still required. There should also be a second primary form of identification establishing lawful presence in the U.S., like a birth certificate or immigration document. All out-of-country license holders are required to take the written and driving tests.
  
  A non-resident (at least 18 years old) holding a valid out-of-state or out-of-country license may drive in Colorado. A minor non-resident (16 to 18 years old) can drive with his home state license or instruction permit (accompanied by a licensed driver) for only 10 days after arriving in Colorado. If staying longer, he needs to get a Colorado driver's license or a Non-resident Minor's Certificate.
  
  

Motorcycle Endorsement

• A Colorado driver's license holder can add a motorcycle endorsement to his license by passing the written test at a local Driver's License office, purchasing a motorcycle instruction permit, passing a driving test at the Driver's License office (or at an accredited third-party tester) and paying the fee to add the endorsement to the license; or enrolling in a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Training course, and after successful completion, presenting the MSF certification card to a Driver's License office (this process waives the taking of written and driving tests).
  
  A minor under 18 must hold a motorcycle instruction permit for 12 months before continuing the application for a motorcycle endorsement. A minor under 16 must always be under direct supervision of an MSF motorcycle instructor when operating a motorcycle.
  
  

Retaking the Written, Vision and Driving Tests

• Taking the written test again is required to renew a suspended license. Accumulated points from traffic violations result in license suspension: more than five points within 12 consecutive months or more than six points since having the license (for a minor below 18 years old); nine points within 12 consecutive months, 12 points within 24 months or 14 points since having the license (for minors 18 to 21 years old); and 12 points within 12 consecutive months or 18 points within 24 consecutive months (for adult drivers).
  
  If the driver's license is expired for one year or less, renewing the license doesn't require retaking the written or driving tests. The vision test is still required. If the license is expired for more than one year, retaking of the written and driving tests is required. Additional identification may also be asked if the license is not presented.