The training required before you can apply for a license depends on how old you are when you start the process. Colorado requires teens to have a driving permit for 12 full months before applying for a license. So, if you want to get your license on your 16th birthday, you’ll need to start the process before you turn 15.
Permit/Learner stage:
Age 15 to 15 and 6 months
- Complete 30-hour driver’s education course.
- Apply for permit (permit must be held for one year).
- Log 50-hours of supervised drive time.
- Complete 6 hours of behind the wheel training.
Age 15 and 6 months to 16
- Complete 4-hour driver awareness program or 30-hour driver’s education course.
- Apply for permit (permit must be held for one year).
- Log 50 hours of supervised drive time.
- Complete 6 hours of behind the wheel training.*
Age 16 to 17
- 4-hour driver awareness program or 30-hour driver’s education course.*
- Apply for permit (permit must be held for one year).
- Log 50 hours of supervised drive time.
- 6 hours of behind the wheel training.*
*Indicates not a requirement for this stage but recommended
Restricted license stage:
Age 16 to 18
- Restricted license for 12 months.
- Drivers are granted a restricted license after passing a road test.
Restrictions:
- Cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
- No passengers who are not family members under the age of 21 for the first 6 months.
- After 6 months, no more than one passenger under 21.
Full privilege stage:
After 12 months, or at age 18 (whichever comes first)drivers are no longer under GDL restrictions.
For a list of state-approved driving schools visit the website for the Colorado Department of Revenue Division of Motor Vehicles at colorado.gov/revenue/dmv.