Colorado Road Test (2026)What’s on the Driving Test, Scoring & Tips
Colorado's drive test is given mainly by DMV-approved third-party driving schools (state driver license offices are not giving drive tests; some county offices do). An examiner rides with you and scores you for the entire test, following AAMVA guidelines, on turns, intersections, lane changes, merging into and leaving traffic and general driving behavior. The state does not publish a time length, point scale or pass mark; results go on the DMV's DR 2732 score sheet.
Checked October 4, 2026 against official Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles sources. Tap a numbered chip to read the exact wording.
At least 16. Drivers under 18 must hold a permit for a full 12 months (or until turning 18) and turn in a signed log of 50 hours of driving, 10 at night; those younger than 16 and 6 months must also complete 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training with an approved driving school. Applicants 18 to 21 have no required permit holding time. Testers may not test anyone who does not meet the statutory licensing requirements. Official source 1dmv.colorado.gov“You must hold your permit for a full 12 months OR until your 18th birthday, whichever comes first, before applying for a license.”“Eligibility: You must be at least 16 years old to take the driving test Action: Make an appointment to take the Drive Skills Test.”“No Required Time to Hold a Permit Eligible to take the driving test immediately”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 2dmv.colorado.gov“Colorado law requires minors to have an instruction permit for 12 months before applying for a driver license and to submit a completed and signed driving log showing 50 hours of driving experience (10 of which must have been at night).”“If younger than 16 and 6 months, you must also complete 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training with an approved driver education instructor.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 3dmv.colorado.gov“A road test is not allowed if an applicant does not meet statutory licensing requirements.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
What to bring on test day
Tick things off as you pack. Saved on this device.
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SourcesOfficial source 1dmv.colorado.gov“If you failed the driving test before passing, you will be required to pay an additional state fee for each retest when you come to your appointment. The retest fee is $15.40”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 2dmv.colorado.gov“When you take the drive test at a state-approved, certified commercial driving school, the school may provide a vehicle for you to drive or it may require you to provide a vehicle that has current insurance and registration.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 3dmv.colorado.gov“is properly registered and insured. Both the insurance and the registration cards must be in the vehicle and match the vehicle identification numbers; insurance verification can be digital.”“An applicant under 18 years of age holding an out of state instruction permit may take one BOSD with a BOSTO on the permit if the minor has met the statutory requirements.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Vehicle requirements
The examiner checks your car before you drive. If it fails, you usually can’t take the test that day.
Current insurance and registration; cards in the vehicle matching the VIN
Front and rear license plates attached, or temporary tags visible from the back
Working brake lights, turn signals and seat belts; windshield and tires checked
Doors and windows must open from inside
Passes the tester's safety inspection before every test
Only the driver and examiner inside; no interpreters, family, friends or pets
No weapons; radio and cell phone off; nothing on the dashboard or hanging from the rearview mirror
SourcesOfficial source 2dmv.colorado.gov“Regardless of who provides the vehicle, the examiner will check the vehicle for safety including brake lights, turn signals, seat belts, the windshield and tires. Examiners will also check whether the vehicle’s doors and windows open from inside the automobile.”“For safety reasons, only the driver and the examiner are allowed in the vehicle during the test. Interpreters/Translators, family, friends or pets are not allowed. Remove weapons from your vehicle before taking the drive test.”“Turn off any electronic devices in your vehicle, including the radio and your cell phone. Remove objects from the dashboard and the rearview mirror.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 3dmv.colorado.gov“has both front and rear license plates attached to the outside of the vehicle; or temporary tags must be visible from the back of the vehicle;”“has passed a safety inspection by the BOST Tester to ensure all necessary equipment is in safe operating order, and that the vehicle meets all applicable Colorado Revised Statutes for operation on a public roadway;”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
How the Colorado road test is scored
You are scored during the entire test using AAMVA guidelines, on perceptual, motor and attentional skills. Each maneuver has grading factors (lane selection, lane management, turn signals, speed control, stopping, acceleration, searching). The tester records the score and all failures on the DMV's DR 2732 Basic Operator Driving Skill Test score sheet. Colorado does not publish point values or a pass mark. Official source 2dmv.colorado.gov“You will be scored during the entire test. The drive test will be administered using guidelines from the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA).”“Specific maneuvers have grading factors that are associated with the performance requirements.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 3dmv.colorado.gov“Once the car has been secured at the end of the BOSD, the finish time and applicant's score must be written on the score sheet, even if the applicant has failed the test.”“BOST Testers must note all failures on an applicant’s DR 2732 Basic Operator Driving Skill Test score sheet and ensure all failures are entered into DRIVES immediately after the test is completed.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Automatic failures
We found no official list of automatic failures for Colorado. Treat any dangerous action, a crash, or breaking a traffic law as likely to fail the test.
Maneuvers on the Colorado driving test
Steps and scoring come from Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles’s own materials, in their words where possible. Where a state publishes no steps, we say so rather than guess.
Left turns
Always tested
How it’s scored
Lane selection, lane management (stay in the turn lane, both hands on the wheel, hand-over-hand or push-pull-slide steering, turn from the left-most portion of your lane, finish centered in the proper lane), turn signals, speed control and searching.
Steps
Signal continuously 100 feet before the turn in town (200 feet on 4-lane highways)
Approach in the proper lane at a speed that lets you turn without braking during the turn
Keep your wheels straight while waiting; turn from the left-most portion of your lane
Use hand-over-hand or push-pull-slide steering with both hands on the wheel
Finish centered in the proper lane and cancel the signal within 3 seconds
Look behind after each turn
SourcesOfficial source 2dmv.colorado.gov“Your drive test score will be based upon how well you perform the following maneuvers: ● Left and right turns ● Stopping at intersections ● Through intersections ● Lane changes in traffic ● General driving behavior ● Merging into and leaving traffic”“Lane management: Remain entirely within the turning lane, keep both hands on the wheel. Use approved method of steering control (hand-over-hand or push-pullslide).”“when turning right, always turn from the rightmost portion of your lane or when turning left, always turn from the left-most portion of your lane). After completing the turn, ensure the vehicle is centered in the appropriate lane.”“Turn Signals: Turn signal is turned on continuously 100 feet before turning or changing lanes in urban areas and 200 feet before turning or changing lanes on 4-lane highways. Turn signal is cancelled within 3 seconds of turning or changing lanes.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Right turns
Always tested
How it’s scored
Same grading factors as left turns; turn from the right-most portion of your lane and do not drive over lane markings or curbs.
Steps
Signal continuously 100 feet before the turn in town (200 feet on 4-lane highways)
Turn from the right-most portion of your lane
Do not drive over lane markings or curbs
Finish centered in the proper lane and cancel the signal within 3 seconds
SourcesOfficial source 2dmv.colorado.gov“when turning right, always turn from the rightmost portion of your lane or when turning left, always turn from the left-most portion of your lane). After completing the turn, ensure the vehicle is centered in the appropriate lane.”“Start/finish the turn in the proper lane, do not drive over lane markings or over curbs.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Stopping at and driving through intersections
Always tested
How it’s scored
Stopping: a complete stop with no forward motion, not over the stop line or crosswalk, wheels straight while stopped, adequate distance behind other vehicles. Searching: scan when approaching, look left, right, left before entering.
Steps
Approach in the proper lane
Come to a complete stop with no forward motion, behind the stop line and crosswalk
Keep the wheels pointed straight ahead until you begin to turn
Stop where you can see the rear wheels of the vehicle ahead touching the ground
Look left, right, left before entering the intersection
SourcesOfficial source 2dmv.colorado.gov“Stopping: Come to a complete stop, no forward motion of the vehicle. Do not encroach over the stop line and, crosswalk; keep the vehicle’s wheels pointed straight ahead while stopped, do not turn the wheels until beginning to make the turn”“If you can see the rear wheels touching the ground of the vehicle in front of you, you are at an adequate distance”“scans for traffic when approaching an intersection, looks left, right, left before entering intersections, looks behind after each turn.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Lane changes in traffic
Always tested
How it’s scored
Signal 100 feet ahead in town (200 feet on 4-lane highways), keep a steady speed during the lane change, use mirrors and look over your shoulder, and cancel the signal within 3 seconds.
Steps
Check mirrors and look over your shoulder before changing lanes
Signal continuously 100 feet before the change in town (200 feet on 4-lane highways)
Maintain a steady speed during the lane change
Cancel the signal within 3 seconds
SourcesOfficial source 2dmv.colorado.gov“Searching: Observes the traffic environment, looks over shoulder before changing lanes, uses mirrors, scans for traffic when approaching an intersection”“Speed control: Smooth deceleration does not hold up traffic, adjust speed to react to traffic or conditions, maintain steady speed during lane change”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Merging into and leaving traffic
Always tested
How it’s scored
Lane selection (enter and exit traffic from the proper lane) and attentional skill such as monitoring traffic ahead and to the side in a merge.
Steps
Not officially described by DMV.
SourcesOfficial source 2dmv.colorado.gov“Lane selection: Enter/exit traffic from the proper lane, approach intersections in the proper lane, end the maneuver in the proper lane.”“Attentional: The ability to focus and shift attention, e.g. to monitor traffic ahead and the side in a merge.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Skills the examiner watches the whole time
Speed control
Smooth deceleration without holding up traffic, adjusting speed to conditions, steady speed in lane changes, approaching intersections at a speed that allows the turn without braking during it. Official source 2dmv.colorado.gov“approach intersection at a speed that allows the turn to be made without stopping or braking during the turn.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Acceleration
Accelerate smoothly; don't lug the engine, coast, impede traffic, clash gears or stall. Official source 2dmv.colorado.gov“Acceleration: Accelerates smoothly without jerking, doesn’t lug the engine, coast, impede traffic, clash gears or stall the vehicle.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Searching
Observe traffic, use mirrors, look over your shoulder before lane changes, look left-right-left before intersections and behind after each turn. Backup cameras and blind-spot or lane-departure warnings are allowed but do not replace physical searching. Official source 2dmv.colorado.gov“During the test, use of safety-critical technologies such as back-up cameras, and blind spot and lane departure warnings are allowed but do not take the place of physical searching skills.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
General driving behavior
Steering, braking, acceleration, searching, lane usage, and obeying all traffic laws, signs and signals. Official source 2dmv.colorado.gov“General driving behavior: Steering, braking, acceleration, searching, lane usage, and obeying all traffic laws, signs and signals.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Perceptual skills
Perceiving the traffic environment well enough to drive safely, such as judging gaps or identifying hazards. Official source 2dmv.colorado.gov“Perceptual: The ability to perceive characteristics of the many highway traffic environments in a way that permits safe vehicle operation, e.g. judging gaps or identifying hazards.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
If you fail the Colorado road test
Wait until the next business day to retest; testers may give only one complete drive test per applicant per day. Each retest carries an extra state fee of $15.40. After four failed drive tests with a third-party tester, you must test at a Colorado driver license office. Official source 1dmv.colorado.gov“You must purchase a Colorado permit to be able to take the driving skills test again. You can only take the driving test once per day.”“If you fail the driving skills test, you will be required to pay an additional state fee for each retest when you come to your appointment. The retest fee is $15.40”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 2dmv.colorado.gov“If you fail the drive test, you must wait until the next business day before retaking the test.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 3dmv.colorado.gov“A BOST Tester must refer the following applicants to a Colorado driver license office: 1. an applicant requesting a required skills test upon completion of a rehabilitation program; 2. an applicant requesting a BOSD after having failed four previous BOSDs;”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Drive tests are given mainly by DMV-approved third-party driving schools (Basic Operator Skills Testing Organizations); state offices are not giving drive tests, and the DMV does not book these appointments. Some county-operated offices offer drive tests. No official source found describes a road-test waiver for new drivers. Official source 1dmv.colorado.gov“Where: With an approved 3rd party testing school (The DMV does not book these appointments). Click here for a list of approved driving testing partners.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 2dmv.colorado.gov“Some countyoperated offices offer drive tests, please refer to your county website for updated information on testing. Drive tests are primarily being given by Certified Commercial Driving Schools.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 4dmv.colorado.gov“Please note: State Driver License offices are not conducting Driving Skills Tests . If you need to schedule a drive test, please reference our Colorado driving schools list”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Colorado road test questions
What is on the Colorado road test?
Colorado's drive test is given mainly by DMV-approved third-party driving schools (state driver license offices are not giving drive tests; some county offices do). An examiner rides with you and scores you for the entire test, following AAMVA guidelines, on turns, intersections, lane changes, merging into and leaving traffic and general driving behavior. The state does not publish a time length, point scale or pass mark; results go on the DMV's DR 2732 score sheet. Maneuvers covered by official sources: Left turns, Right turns, Stopping at and driving through intersections, Lane changes in traffic, Merging into and leaving traffic.
How is the Colorado driving test scored?
You are scored during the entire test using AAMVA guidelines, on perceptual, motor and attentional skills. Each maneuver has grading factors (lane selection, lane management, turn signals, speed control, stopping, acceleration, searching). The tester records the score and all failures on the DMV's DR 2732 Basic Operator Driving Skill Test score sheet. Colorado does not publish point values or a pass mark.
What do I need to bring to the Colorado road test?
Your instruction permit (an out-of-state permit allows one test for eligible minors only); A vehicle, unless the testing school provides one; Insurance and registration cards for the vehicle, matching its VIN (insurance may be digital); Under 18: the signed 50-hour driving log (needed when you upgrade the permit to a license); and The state retest fee ($15.40) if you have failed the driving test before.
What are the vehicle requirements for the Colorado road test?
Current insurance and registration; cards in the vehicle matching the VIN; Front and rear license plates attached, or temporary tags visible from the back; Working brake lights, turn signals and seat belts; windshield and tires checked; Doors and windows must open from inside; Passes the tester's safety inspection before every test; Only the driver and examiner inside; no interpreters, family, friends or pets; and No weapons; radio and cell phone off; nothing on the dashboard or hanging from the rearview mirror.
When can I take the Colorado road test?
At least 16. Drivers under 18 must hold a permit for a full 12 months (or until turning 18) and turn in a signed log of 50 hours of driving, 10 at night; those younger than 16 and 6 months must also complete 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training with an approved driving school. Applicants 18 to 21 have no required permit holding time. Testers may not test anyone who does not meet the statutory licensing requirements.
What happens if I fail the Colorado road test?
Wait until the next business day to retest; testers may give only one complete drive test per applicant per day. Each retest carries an extra state fee of $15.40. After four failed drive tests with a third-party tester, you must test at a Colorado driver license office.
Can the Colorado road test be waived?
Drive tests are given mainly by DMV-approved third-party driving schools (Basic Operator Skills Testing Organizations); state offices are not giving drive tests, and the DMV does not book these appointments. Some county-operated offices offer drive tests. No official source found describes a road-test waiver for new drivers.
Notes from our check
Score sheet: the DMV's DR 2732 Basic Operator Driving Skill Test score sheet is named in Rule 8 (1 CCR 204-30) but is not published online; no point values, pass mark or automatic-failure list are published, so the scoring rule is 'unpublished' and automatic_failures is empty. Rule 8 quotes come from the hearing (redlined) version posted on dmv.colorado.gov; the adopted rule on the Secretary of State site could not be fetched (service unavailable). Rule 8 also requires drive tests in daylight hours (half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset) on DMV-approved routes, and a post-test critique outside the vehicle. The handbook lists the tested maneuvers as turns, stopping at and driving through intersections, lane changes, general driving behavior and merging into and leaving traffic; it does not list parallel parking, three-point turns or backing as tested, though it explains how to do them, so they are left out. The 'entering-traffic' id is used for 'Merging into and leaving traffic', which could mean pulling away from or to the curb as well as highway merging. The DMV page and handbook differ slightly on retests: the handbook says wait until the next business day; the DMV page says once per day and that you must have a Colorado permit to retest.
Sources
Every fact above links to one of these official pages. Checked October 4, 2026.
This guide summarizes official Colorado sources for study. It is not the test itself, and only a DMV examiner (or a tester the state licenses) can pass or fail you. Rules change; confirm with Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles before test day.