Colorado Permit Next Steps: Practice, Training, Road Test, and License

In Colorado, what are your next steps after getting a colorado learner's permit - logging hours and scheduling the road test:

What Do You Need to Complete After Getting a Colorado Learner's Permit Before Applying for a License?

For drivers under 18, getting a permit starts the 12-month holding period and supervised-practice stage before licensing. Drivers 18 and older do not have the same minimum permit-holding period. For the full application path, see the Colorado learner's permit guide.

What should you do first after getting a Colorado learner's permit?

Start with the requirements that apply to your age. Drivers under 18 begin the 12-month permit period, build supervised practice toward 50 hours including 10 at night, and complete behind-the-wheel training when required. Drivers 18 and older do not have the same minimum holding-period or drive-log requirement under the current 2026 rules.

Do adults 18 and older have the same post-permit requirements as minors?

No. The 12-month permit hold and 50-hour driving log apply to minors. An adult permit holder still has to follow permit restrictions, become comfortable driving safely, pass the road test, and complete the license-issuance step.

Practice Requirements After Getting a Colorado Permit

Follow all permit restrictions while practicing. Drivers under 18 generally must complete 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night, and keep the official DR 2324 drive-time log. Keep the detailed logging rules in the dedicated practice-hours guidance rather than repeating them here.

Professional behind-the-wheel training can also apply based on age. That requirement is separate from the 50-hour practice total.

How to Use the Colorado Permit Practice Period

Drivers under 18 must hold the permit for 12 months before taking the road test. Drivers 18 and older do not have a minimum permit-holding period under the current rules. Use the permit period to build skills in different traffic, weather, and night-driving conditions.

What requirements must be finished before taking the Colorado road test?

Make sure your permit is valid and you are old enough and otherwise eligible to test. Minors must complete the required holding period, driving log, and any age-based behind-the-wheel training before licensing. Then book with an approved road-test provider and confirm the vehicle and documents required for the appointment.

Preparing for the Road Test and Getting Your License

Before the road test: Finish every requirement that applies to your age and licensing path, including supervised practice and behind-the-wheel training where required. Confirm the test vehicle and documents meet the separate road-test requirements.

After passing the road test: Passing the road test does not by itself complete license issuance. Complete the driver-license issuance step and pay the current state driver-license fee. The standard Colorado driver/minor driver license fee is $34.

What happens after you pass the Colorado road test?

The testing provider records the successful result in DRIVES and provides the applicable test-completion paperwork. You then complete the separate driver-license issuance step with the DMV, bring the required licensing documents, and pay the current license fee.