Colorado Permit Requirements for Teen Drivers

Teen drivers in Colorado must meet specific permit requirements before getting behind the wheel. These rules are designed to ensure young drivers gain sufficient experience under safe conditions. The Colorado Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program plays a central role in regulating how and when teens can drive.

Minimum Age Requirements

In Colorado, teens can apply for a learner’s permit at different ages based on their participation in driver education:

• 15 years old: If enrolled in and can show proof of completion of a 30-hour driver education course.
• 15½ years old: If enrolled in a four-hour driver awareness program.
• 16 years old: Without any driver education requirement.

All applicants under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian’s signature on the application.

Driver Education and Awareness Programs

Colorado requires teen drivers to complete specific educational programs depending on their age at the time of applying for a permit. For teens who start the process at 15, a 30-hour driver education course is mandatory. Those applying at 15½ can instead take a 4-hour driver awareness class, which is shorter but still covers essential safety principles.

Parents are also encouraged to be active participants in their teen’s learning process. In fact, the Colorado DMV strongly recommends parental involvement during supervised driving sessions.

To better understand license eligibility, refer to the Colorado Driver’s License Eligibility Guide.

Supervised Driving Requirements

Once a permit is issued, teen drivers must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving, with 10 hours at night, before applying for a license. The supervising adult must be:

• At least 21 years old
• Licensed for at least one year
• Seated in the front passenger seat

These hours must be documented on a state-approved driving log and verified by a parent or guardian.

Permit Restrictions

Holders of a Colorado instruction permit must adhere to several restrictions:

• No driving alone — a supervising licensed adult must be present at all times.
• All passengers must wear seat belts.
• No cell phone use while driving, even if it’s hands-free, unless in an emergency.

For more on Colorado’s phone use laws while driving, visit Colorado's Hands-Free Driving Law Explained.

Holding Period

Teens must hold their learner’s permit for at least 12 months before becoming eligible for a driver’s license. During this period, they should log all required driving hours and avoid any traffic violations that could delay licensure.

Upgrading to a Minor Driver's License

After meeting all permit requirements and holding the permit for a full year, teens can apply for a minor driver’s license at age 16. They will need to pass both a driving skills test and a vision screening. Colorado also enforces specific restrictions for newly licensed teens:

• No passengers under 21 for the first 6 months (unless accompanied by a parent or licensed adult).
• No driving between midnight and 5 a.m. for the first year unless accompanied or traveling for work/school-related activities.
• No cell phone use at any time.

For additional guidance on REAL ID compliance, check out How to Get a REAL ID in Colorado.

Parent and Teen Driving Agreement

Colorado encourages families to use a Parent-Teen Driving Contract. This document outlines agreed-upon rules, consequences for violations, and expectations, helping reinforce safe driving habits and accountability.

Resources such as Rear-Facing Car Seat Law in Colorado can also help parents with younger children stay informed on broader safety laws affecting all occupants in the vehicle.

Summary of Key Permit Milestones

Age	Requirements	Notes
15	30-hour driver ed course	Eligible for permit with proof
15½	4-hour awareness program	Alternative to 30-hour course
16	No course required	Can apply for permit directly
All ages	50 supervised hours (10 at night)	Must log hours with adult supervision
After 1 year	Apply for minor license	Driving test and restrictions apply

To ensure your teen is on track, review the Colorado Express Lane Fines and Rules to understand driving expectations across the state.

For complete and current information, always refer to the Colorado DMV official website.