Colorado Permit Next Steps: Hours, BTW Training, and the $30.87 License Fee

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?

Getting your permit starts the mandatory holding period. For application steps, see the Colorado learner's permit guide. and supervised practice required for a Colorado driver's license.

Permit Rules and Practice Requirements

You must follow all permit restrictions and complete the required practice hours.

• Supervised Driving Only: A licensed adult over 21 must be in the front seat.
• No Cell Phones: Drivers under 18 cannot use any cell phone function.
• Mandatory 50-Hour Log: You must document 50 hours of practice, with 10 hours at night.
• Use the Official Log: Download and use the Drive Time Log Sheet (Form DR 2324). Present the signed, physical copy at your driving test.

Just So You Know: Log every drive immediately after parking to avoid forgetting hours and having your test rescheduled at the DMV office.

Waiting Period and Structured Practice Schedule

Minors under 18 have a 12-month holding period before taking the road test. Use this time to build skills systematically.

Example: A teen in Colorado Springs practiced merging on I-25 during light traffic, which helped them pass that part of the test at the Academy DMV office.

Visit the Colorado learner's permit guide for step-by-step rules.

Full Colorado permit rules are at the Colorado learner's permit guide.

Straight From the DMV: Schedule practice during actual DMV operating hours (e.g., 8 AM - 5 PM) to experience the same traffic conditions you'll face on test day.

Preparing for the Driving Test and Next Steps

After the holding period and logged hours, you can take the behind-the-wheel test.

• Master Road Rules: Continuously study right-of-way and traffic signs.
• Know Post-License Restrictions: For the first year, a curfew (midnight-5 AM) and passenger limits apply.
• Budget for Fees: The Minor Driver License fee is $30.87. Permit holders under 16 years 6 months must also complete 6 hours of BTW training with an approved driving school before the road test.

Fort Collins examiners check both pages of the consent form before accepting any submission. One applicant had the first page complete but the witness line on page 2 missing - the form was voided on the spot. Colorado's DR 2460 is two pages; confirm both are filled and signed before your appointment.

Example: An applicant in Fort Collins failed their first road test for not checking blind spots during lane changes, a common mistake noted by the Larimer County DMV examiner.

Do Not Skip This: Test your vehicle's turn signals, brake lights, and horn before the exam to avoid an automatic rejection for equipment issues.

Weather Practice: Use your permit phase to practice in rain and light snow with a supervisor. Learning in adverse conditions with guidance is far safer than encountering them solo during your license year.