Colorado DMV Test Day: What to Expect

The passing score is not published. Neither the handbook nor the agency states one, so treat every question as one you need.

The number of questions is not published. Neither the handbook nor the agency states a count, so prepare for the whole manual rather than budgeting a number of misses.

No fixed waiting period for a first retake, but the rule adds one if you miss badly: an applicant who misses more than half the questions on a first attempt must wait until the next day. The online at-home test may be taken as many times as needed, twice per day at most. Paper tests at a third-party testing site are capped at two per day and four in total, after which you must test at a state driver license office.

Source: 1 CCR 204-30 (Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles), Rule 402.B.8, current version effective 06/30/2026: "If an applicant misses more than 50% of the questions on a first test attempt, the applicant must wait until the next day to test again."

The instruction permit fee is $20, effective June 30, 2026 (it was $19). A permit issued under the Colorado Road and Community Safety Act (a Standard credential) is $23.

Source: Colorado DMV, "Colorado DMV fee adjustments and fee schedule updates for June 30, 2026 and July 1, 2026" ("Learner's Permit Fee (Non-Commercial, Commercial and Motorcycle) $19.00 $20.00"); State DMV fees ("Instruction Permit (includes motorcycle) $20.00")

The first attempt at the driving knowledge test carries no state fee. Each retest costs $11.50. Taking the test online through the @Home program adds a $5 testing fee plus a $1.50 card processing fee on every attempt, and a third-party testing business may charge its own fees.

Source: Colorado DMV, State DMV fees ("Driving Knowledge (Written) Retest (CRS 42-2-114(2)(e)) $11.50"); Colorado DMV, @Home Driving Knowledge Tests ("First attempt: Free + $5 testing fee + $1.50 credit card processing fee")

The driver license fee, including a minor driver license, is $34, effective June 30, 2026 (it was $32). A Standard license issued under the Colorado Road and Community Safety Act is $36.

Source: Colorado DMV, "Colorado DMV fee adjustments and fee schedule updates for June 30, 2026 and July 1, 2026" ("Driver License / Minor DL Fee 32.00 $34.00")

Each written-test retake at a state driver license office costs an additional $11.50 state fee (payable online or at the appointment). The online @Home test charges $5 plus a $1.50 card fee ($6.50) per attempt, plus the $11.50 state fee.

Source: Colorado DMV 'Colorado Permits and First-Time Driver License' page, 'Important Note on Retest Fees': "If you failed the written permit test before passing, you will be required to pay an additional state fee for each retest ... The retest fee is $11.50"