Colorado DMV written test
Colorado DMV Cheat Sheet
The Colorado knowledge test facts in one place, checked against Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) sources and last verified November 2026.
The numbers
Colorado DMV test numbers to memorize
The Colorado knowledge test has 25 questions and you need 20 correct, which is 80 percent. You can miss 5. The test is given by the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
25
Questions on the test
20
80% to pass
Correct answers needed
5
Questions you can miss
15
Minimum age
- Time limit
- The agency does not publish a time limit for the knowledge test, so we do not state one.
- Test fee on record
- $16. The agency's fee page decides exactly what this covers, so confirm it before you go.
- Format
- Computer-based at DMV office
- Online test
- Available. Any Colorado resident who needs to take a Driving Knowledge Test (i. Delivered through Colorado @Home Testing (coathometesting.
- Appointment
- Not required. Walk-ins accepted. Appointments recommended for shorter wait times.
Before you go
Documents to bring in Colorado
The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) asks for these documents for the permit test. Check the agency's current list before you go, because requirements change.
0 of 4 done
- Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
- Social Security number
- Proof of Colorado residency
- Parental consent (if under 18)
If you fail
If you fail: Colorado retake rules
The online @Home knowledge test can be retaken the same day, but only twice in one day, so a third attempt waits until the next day. There is no cap on total attempts, and Colorado publishes no wait for in-office or CDL knowledge retests. Each written retest carries an $11.50 state fee; the @Home vendor adds $5 testing plus $1.50 card processing per attempt, and third-party testers may add fees.
- online_at_home_knowledge_test after failure number 1: you may retest the same day.
- Attempt limit: 2.
- Retest fee: $11.5 per attempt.
Who can test
Age and permit rules in Colorado
- Under 18
- Must be at least 15 for learner's permit. Must hold permit 12 months. Must complete 50 hours supervised driving (10 at night). Must have driver education.
- Permit versus license
- A learner's permit allows supervised driving with a licensed driver 21+. Must hold for 12 months before taking road test. Minor's license has nighttime and passenger restrictions.
- Where the test is given
- In-person at any Colorado DMV office or authorized driver license office.
- How you get results
- Immediate. Results shown on screen.
Study material
Languages and handbook
Our record of exam languages for Colorado: English and Spanish.
The study source is the Colorado Driver Handbook (December 2024 edition). The agency also publishes a Spanish version of the driver manual.
From learner data
Most missed Colorado practice questions
These free Colorado questions have the lowest correct rates among learners on DMV IQ. Percentages are rounded to the nearest 5 and only questions with enough answers are listed. Each one shows the right answer, so read the reasoning in the handbook, not just the answer.
- 1
If you double your speed, your braking distance increases by about:
Four times
About 30% get it right
- 2
A hand signal with the left arm extended downward means:
Slowing down or stopping
About 50% get it right
- 3
If the road is wet, you should reduce your speed by:
5-10 mph or more
About 50% get it right
- 4
A center lane marked on both sides by a solid yellow line and a broken yellow line is used for:
Left turns from either direction
About 50% get it right
- 5
You park on a hill where there is no curb. Your front wheels should point:
Toward the edge of the road
About 55% get it right
- 6
Your car begins to hydroplane on a wet road. You should:
Ease off the accelerator
About 60% get it right
Your plan
Free Colorado study checklist
Work through the free practice runs and topic cards, and tick each one off. Your ticks stay on this device.
Test yourself on the Colorado questions
Free practice tests and topic cards, each question with a hint and an explanation from the driver manual.
Start free practice test 1