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Colorado Driver Handbook

This manual is published by CO DMV. Open it on the agency site — that copy is always the current edition.

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Colorado Driver Handbook

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Published by CO DMV

We do not host a copy of this manual. The button above opens the current edition on the CO DMV website, which is always the authoritative version.

Testing at a Glance for Colorado

Once you've read the handbook, here's what to expect at the CO DMV knowledge test.

Question count

25

Passing score

80%

Time limit

60 min

Test fee

$6

quiz Start Colorado practice test

Documents You'll Need When You Take the Colorado Test

Proof of identity (legal name, DOB, lawful status), Social Security Number, and two proofs of Colorado address dated within the last year; minors need parent/guardian signature.

Colorado-Specific Rules Covered in This Handbook

Rules unique to Colorado that CO DMV weights heavily in the knowledge test — you'll see these in the handbook chapters.

  • gavel Colorado Chain Law and Traction Law apply on I-70 mountain corridor Sept 1 - May 31
  • gavel Use lower gears when descending steep mountain grades to avoid brake overheating
  • gavel Yield to uphill traffic on narrow mountain roads without shoulders
  • gavel Watch for wildlife (deer, elk) especially at dawn and dusk on mountain highways
  • gavel Move Over Law requires changing lanes or slowing for stopped emergency and maintenance vehicles

After You Pass: Colorado License Renewal

License valid for

5 years

Renewal fee

$30

Standard adult Class C renewal is $30.87.
Renew early

Any time before expiration

arrow_forward Full Colorado renewal guide

More Colorado Driving Resources

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Colorado Practice Tests

Free 25-question practice sets sourced from this handbook.

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CO DMV Offices Near You

Addresses, hours, and directions for every Colorado DMV location.

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Renew Your Colorado License

Fees, timing, online eligibility, and REAL ID requirements.

Colorado Handbook FAQ

Is this the official Colorado driver handbook?

We do not host a copy of it. CO DMV publishes the official manual on its own website, and the button above opens that edition — always the authoritative one.

What documents does CO DMV require when I show up for the test?

Proof of identity (legal name, DOB, lawful status), Social Security Number, and two proofs of Colorado address dated within the last year; minors need parent/guardian signature.

How is the Colorado knowledge test administered after I finish reading?

25 multiple-choice questions, 80% to pass. Available online (@Home with webcam), in-office, or via approved driving school.

Do I have to read the whole Colorado handbook to pass the test?

The CO DMV test has 25 questions and you need 20 correct (80%) to pass. All questions come from the handbook, but strategic readers focus on Signs, Right-of-Way, and Signaling first — those chapters carry the most test weight.

How current is this Colorado handbook version?

CO DMV reissues the handbook when state law changes. Because we link straight to the agency, the button above always opens whatever edition is current.

Where do I actually take the Colorado test after reading the handbook?

At any CO DMV location. Use our /dmv-near-me/co finder for the nearest office with address, hours, and phone.

Is the Colorado driver handbook free to download?

Yes. CO DMV publishes it free as a PDF. If a website is charging to "download" the handbook, it's a scam — the state's official version is always free.

Can I read the Colorado handbook on my phone?

Yes. The CO DMV site serves the manual as a PDF that opens fine on a phone.