Colorado Drivers License
Colorado drivers license is a document that enables its holder to drive around the state and all over the country. The applications procedure for the Colorado drivers license is pretty straight forward and complies to the graduated drivers license program that is currently utilized in most states.
Types of Licenses in Colorado
Although the number of licenses and restrictions for those licenses in Colorado can be somewhat overwhelming, we can outline a few types of drivers license that are most commonly used.
- Regular drivers license (Class R). Allow you to operate regular motor vehicles
- Motorcycle drivers license (Class M). Allow you to operate a motorcycle
- Commercial drivers license (Classes A, B and C). Allow you to operate trucks and heavy machinery.
In Colorado, you cannot obtain a motorcycle drivers license unless you obtain the regular drivers license first. The motorcycle drivers license comes as an endorsement to the regular class R license.
Colorado License Issuance
You can obtain your drivers license at the Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (also commonly referred to as DMV). Since the Colorado DMV adopted the Central Issuance system, you will not be issued with a drivers license at the office at the time of your application. When you apply for a license, you are issued with a paper affidavit that confirms your eligibility to drive and your actual drives license is mailed to you within 30 days.
Colorado Learners Permit
The learners permit is what you have to apply for before you can be issued with a regular drivers license, no matter how old you are. Please note that Colorado issues different types of permits, depending on your age. If you intend to apply for the drivers education permit, you will be required to complete a state-approved drivers education class. The learners permit will allow you to operate a motor vehicle while being supervised by a licensed driver. This supervised driving period is part of the Colorado graduated drivers license program and is intended to allow you practice your driving skills before you hit the roads.
When you are applying for the permit, you have to take a Colorado drivers permit test that will evaluate your current knowledge of road rules and traffic regulations. You can prepare for the test with some practice permit tests or the Colorado Drivers Manual.
What To Expect At The DMV
When you visit the DMV for your test:
- Bring your social security card
- Bring proof of residency
- Pay the required fee
- Present proof of identity, date of birth, name and legal presence. Please note that the DMV does not accept copies, you must bring the originals
- Take the written test
- Take a vision exam
If you do not pass the exam on your first try, you can re-take it on the same day. If you do not pass it again, you will need to come back the next day.
If you pass the exam successfully, you will be issued with an affidavit confirming your eligibility to drive. The original is mailed to you within 30 business days.
Applying for Colorado Drivers License
When you are ready to take your driving test, you must schedule an appointment with the DMV. You will need to present the following at the time of your test:
- Your driving permit
- Proof of registration for the vehicle
- Proof of insurance
- Drive time log sheet (for drivers under 18)
- Pay the fee of $21
Just like with the permit, you are given a paper copy of your license which is valid only for 30 days. The original is mailed to you within this period.
Drivers License Renewal
The Colorado drivers license can be renewed by mail, in person or online. Associated fees may apply.
