The Ultimate Colorado Road Test Checklist: Pass Your Driving Test with Confidence

The day of your Colorado behind-the-wheel driving test is the final gateway to earning your driver's license. It's perfectly normal to feel a bit nervous, but the best way to conquer those nerves is to be thoroughly prepared. Arriving at the DMV or a third-party testing center knowing your vehicle is ready and your paperwork is in order allows you to focus on what matters most: demonstrating your safe driving skills.

This ultimate checklist will guide you through everything you need to have and know before your appointment. Think of it as your pre-drive inspection for a passing score.

Part 1: Your Document and Personal Checklist

Failing to bring the correct paperwork is one of the most common reasons a test is canceled before it even begins. Organize these documents in a folder the day before your test.

For All Test-Takers:

Valid Colorado Instruction Permit: You must have your current, unexpired permit with you. [8]
Proof of Vehicle Registration: You need the current, valid registration card for the vehicle you plan to use. [8]
Proof of Insurance: You must provide a current, valid insurance card that meets Colorado's minimum liability requirements and covers the vehicle you are testing in. [8, 9]
Appointment Confirmation: Have your appointment confirmation email or number ready.

Additional Items for Applicants Under 18:

Permit Held for 12+ Months: You must have held your instruction permit for at least one full year. [2, 3, 5]
Completed Driving Log: You must present your completed and signed 50-hour driving logbook, certifying you have practiced for at least 50 hours, including 10 at night. [2, 5]
Parent or Legal Guardian: The same parent or guardian who signed your Affidavit of Liability (Form DR2460) when you got your permit should accompany you to the test to sign additional paperwork.

Part 2: Your Vehicle Checklist

Before you start driving, the examiner will conduct a safety inspection of your vehicle. If the vehicle fails this inspection for any reason, your test will be postponed, and you will have to reschedule.

Essential Vehicle Requirements:

Brakes: Both the foot brake and the parking brake must be fully operational.
Lights: The examiner will ask you to demonstrate that all lights are working. This includes:
- Headlights (low and high beams)
- Brake lights (all of them)
- Turn signals (front and back, left and right)
- Hazard lights (four-way flashers)
Horn: The horn must be loud enough to be heard.
Tires: Tires need to have adequate tread depth and be properly inflated.
Windshield: The windshield must be clean and free of any large cracks or chips that obstruct the driver's view.
Windshield Wipers: Wipers must be functional.
Doors: Both the driver and front passenger doors must open and close properly from the inside and outside.
Mirrors: The vehicle must have at least a rearview mirror and a driver's side mirror that are intact and properly adjusted.
Seat Belts: There must be working seat belts for both you and the examiner.
License Plates: The vehicle must have current, valid license plates.
Clean and Safe Interior: The vehicle should be reasonably clean, and the front passenger seat and floorboard must be free of any clutter or debris that could interfere with the examiner's ability to use the brake in an emergency.
Rental Car Note: If you are using a rental car, you must be listed on the rental agreement as an authorized driver.

Part 3: The Driving Skills Checklist

The Colorado driving test assesses your ability to safely operate a vehicle in a variety of real-world traffic situations. The examiner will give you clear instructions and will be evaluating your performance based on a standard scoresheet.

Key Skills You Will Be Tested On:

Vehicle Control: Starting and stopping smoothly, accelerating and braking at a consistent rate.
Observation & Scanning: Consistently checking your mirrors (rearview and side), scanning intersections for cross-traffic, and looking over your shoulder to check your blind spot before any lane change or merge.
Lane Management: Staying centered in your lane and making smooth, deliberate lane changes.
Turns: Signaling at the appropriate distance, slowing to a safe speed, and turning into the correct lane.
Backing Up: You will likely be asked to back the vehicle in a straight line for a certain distance.
Stopping: Making complete stops behind the white limit line or crosswalk at stop signs and red lights.
Parking: You may be asked to perform maneuvers like parallel parking or angle parking. Practice is key.
Right-of-Way: Correctly yielding the right-of-way to other vehicles and pedestrians at intersections and crosswalks.
Following Distance: Maintaining a safe cushion of at least three seconds between your vehicle and the one ahead.
Overall Confidence: Handling the vehicle in a way that is decisive and safe, not overly hesitant or aggressive.

By using this checklist to prepare your documents, your vehicle, and your driving skills, you can walk into your driving test with the confidence needed to pass. Good luck!