FAQs and Resources

The requirements to obtain a learner’s permit for teens aged 15 to 15 and 6 months are as follows:

• Complete a 30-hour driver’s education course.
• Apply for a permit (permit must be held for one year).
• Log 50 hours of supervised drive time.
• Complete six hours of behind-the-wheel training.

Colorado requires teens to have a driving permit for a full 12 months before applying for a driver’s license. More information and resources can be found on the Colorado Department of Revenue Minor Permit webpage.

Learn more about obtaining a learner’s permit in Colorado if you are a person with disabilities on DMV's Rehabilitation Permit Process webpage.

The requirements to obtain a learner’s permit for teens aged 15 and 6 months to 16 are as follows:

• Complete a four-hour driver awareness program or a 30-hour driver’s education course.
• Apply for a permit (permit must be held for one year).
• Log 50 hours of supervised drive time.
• Complete six hours of behind-the-wheel training.Not a requirement but is strongly recommended.)

Colorado requires teens to have a driving permit for a full 12 months before applying for a driver’s license. More information and resources can be found on the Colorado Department of Revenue Minor Permit webpage.

Learn more about obtaining a learner’s permit in Colorado if you are a person with disabilities on DMV's Rehabilitation Permit Process webpage.

The requirements to obtain a learner’s permit for teens aged 16 to 17 are as follows:

• Four-hour driver awareness program or 30-hour driver’s education course.*
• Apply for a permit (permit must be held for one year).
• Log 50 hours of supervised drive time.Six hours of behind-the-wheel training.*
  * Indicates not a requirement but recommended.

Colorado requires teens to have a driving permit for a full 12 months before applying for a driver’s license. More information and resources can be found on the Colorado Department of Revenue Minor Permit webpage.

Learn more about obtaining a learner’s permit in Colorado if you are a person with disabilities on DMV's Rehabilitation Permit Process webpage.

Teens with a permit must be accompanied by a driving instructor, parent, legal guardian or a licensed adult 21 years of age or older (authorized by parent/guardian) in the front seat, buckled up.

Teens with a license have the following restrictions:

• For the first six months, no passengers under 21, unless a parent or other licensed adult driver over 21 is also in the vehicle.
• Siblings and medical emergencies are exceptions (moving this up bc this is one of the most asked questions)
• For the second six months, one passenger under age 21 may be in the vehicle.
• At any time, no more than one passenger is allowed in the front seat.

For the first year as a licensed driver, teens must abide by a curfew. No driving between midnight and 5 a.m. is permitted unless accompanied by an instructor, parent or legal guardian.

Exceptions include driving to/from school/work (signed statement from school/work required), medical emergencies and emancipated minors.

All teens between the ages of 15 and 15 and 6 months are required to complete a 30-hour driver’s education course to obtain a driver’s license. Teens aged 15 and 6 months to 17 are highly encouraged to complete additional training, such as driver’s education, other awareness programs or behind-the-wheel training. All teens aged 15 to 17 must log 50 hours of drive time to obtain a driver’s license.

For more about driving schools, permit applications and testing locations, go to the Colorado Department of Revenue Minor Permit webpage.

Drivers younger than 18 years old are prohibited from using a cellphone for any purpose and can be fined and/or risk losing their license if they violate this law. Exceptions include emergency situations only.

For more information on Colorado’s hands-free law, visit CDOT’s Distracted Driving page.

The minimum age to obtain a driver’s license in Colorado is 16 years old. If a teen wishes to obtain their driver’s license on their 16th birthday, they must begin driver’s education at the age of 14 and 6 months and obtain their permit on their 15th birthday.

All Colorado minors must hold their permit for one full year before obtaining their license.

By law, all teen and adult drivers and passengers must wear a seat belt and may not share a seat belt with another passenger. You can get pulled over and ticketed if you or your friends are not buckled up.

Breaking driving laws, including GDL restrictions, can, at best, put you at risk of losing your license, and, at worst, cause injury or death in the event of a crash. Even one violation comes with hefty fines and may require community service.

Parents can support their future teen driver by understanding the options available when it comes to driver’s education and encouraging their teen to get as much training and exposure as possible. For more about driving schools, permit applications and testing locations, go to the Colorado Department of Revenue Division of Motor Vehicles website.

Driving under the influence of alcohol, cannabis and/or other drugs is dangerous and illegal for drivers of all ages.

In Colorado, you could lose your driver's license if you drink under the legal age limit — even when you're not driving. Even a trace of alcohol for minor drivers is punishable by law. For more information on impaired driving in Colorado, visit No DUI Colorado.