How to Get a Colorado Learner’s Permit

Getting your learner’s permit is the first official step toward earning a driver’s license in Colorado. The process varies slightly depending on your age, but all applicants must meet state-specific eligibility requirements and complete certain educational prerequisites.

Eligibility Requirements

In Colorado, the age at which you may apply for a learner's permit depends on your completion of a driver education program:

Age 15 to 15½: You must first complete a 30-hour driver education course.
Age 15½ to 16: You may complete either the 30-hour course or a 4-hour driver awareness program.
Age 16 and older: No driver education is required, but it is strongly recommended.

You must also be a Colorado resident and provide the following documents:

Proof of identity (e.g., U.S. birth certificate, passport)
Proof of Social Security Number
Two proofs of Colorado residency
Completion certificate for any required driver education

Application Process

Schedule an appointment at your local Colorado DMV office.
Submit required documents including your proof of identity, residency, and education course completion.
Pass the written knowledge test, which covers Colorado road rules, signs, and safe driving practices.
Pass a vision exam.
Pay the permit fee (currently $18.52 as of 2025).

If you're under 18, a parent or legal guardian must accompany you to sign an Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship.

Supervised Driving Requirements

Once you obtain your learner’s permit, Colorado requires new drivers under 18 to:

Hold the permit for at least 12 months before applying for a license.
Complete 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night.
Be supervised by a driver who is at least 21 years old and holds a valid license.

Maintaining a clean driving record during your permit period is crucial. Any serious violations may reset your holding period or delay your license eligibility.

Permit Restrictions

While driving with a learner’s permit, you must adhere to the following restrictions:

Always be accompanied by a licensed adult 21 or older seated next to you.
Do not use cell phones or other handheld devices while driving.
Obey all traffic laws and curfews for minor drivers.

Additional Resources

To prepare for your written test and driving responsibilities, review the Colorado Driver Handbook and consider completing practice tests.

For more guidance on licensing, see the Colorado Driver’s License Eligibility Guide and information on How to Get a REAL ID in Colorado.

For laws you’ll need to understand as a new driver, check out Colorado's Hands-Free Driving Law Explained and Rear-Facing Car Seat Law in Colorado.

Eligibility Requirements

In Colorado, the age at which you may apply for a learner's permit depends on your completion of a driver education program:

Age 15 to 15½: You must first complete a 30-hour driver education course.

Age 15½ to 16: You may complete either the 30-hour course or a 4-hour driver awareness program.

Age 16 and older: No driver education is required, but it is strongly recommended.

You must also be a Colorado resident and provide the following documents:

Proof of identity (e.g., U.S. birth certificate, passport)

Proof of Social Security Number

Two proofs of Colorado residency

Completion certificate for any required driver education

Application Process

Schedule an appointment at your local Colorado DMV office.

Submit required documents including your proof of identity, residency, and education course completion.

Pass the written knowledge test, which covers Colorado road rules, signs, and safe driving practices.

Pass a vision exam.

Pay the permit fee (currently $18.52 as of 2025).

If you're under 18, a parent or legal guardian must accompany you to sign an Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship.

Supervised Driving Requirements

Once you obtain your learner’s permit, Colorado requires new drivers under 18 to:

Hold the permit for at least 12 months before applying for a license.

Complete 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night.

Be supervised by a driver who is at least 21 years old and holds a valid license.

Maintaining a clean driving record during your permit period is crucial. Any serious violations may reset your holding period or delay your license eligibility.