Ready for Your Big Day
Taking your Colorado road test is a major milestone. It's the moment when all your practice, studying, and dedication come together. Feeling a little nervous? That's completely normal. Every new driver experiences those pre-test jitters.
The key to walking into the testing center with calm confidence is simple: be prepared. Think of your road test not as a high-pressure exam, but as your final performance—a chance to show off the safe driving skills you've been building.
This guide walks you through exactly what to bring, how to get your car ready, and how to set yourself up for a smooth, stress-free test day. For additional preparation, consider reviewing what specific skills you should practice before your Colorado driving test to maximize your chances of success.
Important Note: Colorado state DMV offices no longer conduct road tests. You must schedule your driving skills test with an approved Colorado driving school from the official state list.
The Essentials Checklist: What to Bring
On test day, the DMV examiner needs to verify your identity, your eligibility to test, and your vehicle's legal status. Here's exactly what to have ready.
Your Personal Documents
Bring the original, physical documents—copies or photos will not be accepted. You'll need:
Valid Colorado Instruction Permit – Must be unexpired. If you're under 18, you must have held it for at least 12 months before testing. You can verify permit requirements on the official Colorado DMV minor permit page.
Completed Drive Time Log Sheet (under 18 only) – Shows at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 at night, signed by a parent or guardian.
Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship (if under 18) – Signed by your parent or guardian in front of a DMV employee or a notary.
Proof of Completed Driver Education (under 16½ only) – Certificate from your approved driver's ed course provider.
Pre-Registration or Appointment Confirmation – Printed or digital proof if you scheduled online. You can schedule your DMV appointment through the official Colorado DMV website.
Acceptable Proof of Identity – Usually your permit covers this, but if the DMV requires additional proof, acceptable documents include a U.S. birth certificate, valid passport, or other state-approved ID.
Understanding Colorado's driver's ed requirements can help ensure you have all the necessary educational certificates ready for test day. You can also review the state's official requirements at the Colorado DMV drivers page.
The Vehicle's Paperwork
Current Vehicle Registration – Must be valid and for the exact car you'll test in.
Proof of Car Insurance – Physical card or digital copy showing coverage meets Colorado's minimum liability limits:
$25,000 bodily injury per person
$50,000 bodily injury per accident
$15,000 property damage
Pro Tip: Take a screenshot of your digital insurance card before you leave.
The Person With You
Must be 21 years or older with a valid Colorado driver's license.
Must come into the DMV to sign the Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship (if under 18).
The Vehicle Readiness Checklist
Before you drive, the examiner will perform a basic safety check. Your test will be canceled if the car fails. Understanding how the Colorado driving test is scored can help you prepare for both the vehicle inspection and the driving portion. Make sure your:
Brakes – Foot brake and parking brake work.
Lights – Headlights, brake lights, and turn signals function.
Horn – Loud enough to alert others.
Tires – At least 2/32" tread depth, no visible damage, properly inflated.
Windshield – Clean and free from large cracks or stickers in your line of sight.
Doors & Seatbelts – Open from inside and outside; all seatbelts work.
The Night-Before Prep
A little organization goes a long way.
Create a "Go-Folder" – Store your permit, drive log, certificates, and vehicle paperwork together.
Do a Car Walk-Around – Test all lights, horn, and brakes; clean the inside of your car.
Plan Your Arrival – Know the route and arrive 15–20 minutes early.
If you want to boost your confidence even further, try taking a Colorado practice driving test to identify any knowledge gaps before test day. The state also provides a free Colorado Driver Handbook Practice Quiz to help you prepare. For those who haven't taken their written test yet, Colorado now offers the convenience of taking the written test at home through their Home Driving Knowledge Tests program.
Even If You Think You're Already Ready…
Even if:
You've been practicing for months
You've driven to the DMV location before
You're confident in your driving skills
One missing document or an unsafe car can stop your test before it begins. Double-checking everything the night before is the best way to ensure you walk in ready.
Many teens find it helpful to review expert tips for passing your driving test to avoid common pitfalls that cause test failures.
What Happens If You Forget Something?
If you forget your permit, drive log, vehicle paperwork, or your car fails the safety check, you won't be able to test. You'll need to reschedule, which can delay your license by weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long must I have my permit before taking the Colorado road test? If you're under 18, you must hold your Colorado instruction permit for at least 12 months before testing. Learn more about Colorado's minimum age requirements for driver's ed or visit the official Colorado DMV minor driver information page.
How many hours of driving practice are required in Colorado? If you're under 18, you need 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night. These must be documented on a drive log sheet.
Can I take the road test in any car? Yes, but it must pass the DMV's safety inspection, have valid registration and insurance, and be legally allowed on the road.
Do I need to bring my own car to the Colorado road test? Yes, you must provide the vehicle for your test. The DMV does not supply cars. You must schedule your test with an approved Colorado driving school, as state DMV offices no longer conduct road tests.
What happens if my car fails the safety inspection? Your test will be canceled, and you'll need to reschedule with a safe, compliant vehicle.
Is there a minimum age for the Colorado road test? Yes. The earliest you can test is age 16 if you've completed driver education and meet all practice and permit requirements.
You're Prepared and Ready
You've put in the work, you know what to bring, and you've ensured your car is safe. Now you can walk into the Colorado DMV ready to pass your road test and take the wheel with confidence.
For additional test preparation, consider taking advantage of comprehensive permit practice tests to sharpen your knowledge of Colorado driving laws, or explore Colorado's approved online drivers education courses to strengthen your overall driving foundation before test day.
