For many families, the day a teen starts the licensing process is both exciting and a little overwhelming. Colorado’s driver‑licensing system is designed to build safe, confident drivers — but with several age‑based rules, forms, tests, and requirements, it can feel like a lot to navigate.
Whether you’re preparing your teenager for the road or you’re an adult getting licensed for the first time, here’s a straightforward Brukhouse breakdown of what you need to know.
🚦 1. Start With Colorado’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) System
Colorado has a structured, three‑stage licensing system built to help new drivers build skills over time:
- Instruction Permit
- Restricted (Minor) License
- Full Driver License
This system is especially important for teens, but new adult drivers will complete a similar—but simpler—path.
📘 2. Getting the Instruction Permit (Teens 15–17)
The process depends on age:
Age 15 to 15½
- Must complete a 30‑hour driver education course before taking the written test.
- Bring proof of course completion to the DMV.
Age 15½ to 16
- Can choose between a 30‑hour driver ed course or a 4‑hour driver awareness class.
Age 16–17
- No training required before testing, but highly recommended.
What You’ll Need to Bring:
- Proof of identity and age
- Social Security number
- Colorado residency documents
- Parent/guardian to sign an affidavit of responsibility (for minors)
What Happens at the DMV:
- Vision screening
- Written knowledge exam
- Permit fee payment
- Photo taken
Once the permit is issued, the real learning begins.
🚗 3. Behind‑the‑Wheel Requirements for Teens
Teens must log 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night, with a licensed adult over 21. Many families find it helpful to create a logbook, schedule regular practice sessions, and mix highway, night, rural, and bad‑weather driving.
If the teen is under 16½, they also must complete six hours of behind‑the‑wheel instruction with a certified driving school.
🧭 4. Earning the Minor License (Ages 16–18)
Once your teen has held a permit for at least 12 months and met all training requirements, they can take the driving skills test.
Testing Options:
- At a third‑party driving school
- At the DMV (slots fill quickly, so book early)
What the Minor License Includes:
- Passenger restrictions:
- First 6 months: No passengers under 21 (unless siblings)
- Next 6 months: Up to one passenger under 21
- Curfew restrictions:
- No driving between midnight and 5 a.m. for the first year
- Seatbelts mandatory for all occupants
- No phone use, even hands‑free
These rules may feel strict, but they dramatically reduce crash risks for young drivers.
🧑💼 5. Licensing for Adults (18+)
If you’re an adult getting licensed for the first time, the steps are simpler:
- Study the Colorado Driver Handbook
- Take the written permit test
- Practice driving with a permit (no minimum hours required, but practice is expected)
- Schedule and pass the driving skills test
- Visit the DMV with documentation to receive your license
Adults are not bound by GDL restrictions, but many still choose to take a defensive‑driving course for confidence and safety.
📱 6. Safety First: Phone Use and Distractions
For both teens and adults, Colorado enforces strong distracted‑driving laws. Teens are strictly prohibited from any phone use while driving — and even adults can be cited for texting or other device distractions.
As a parent, reinforce these expectations early and often:
- Phones go in the glovebox, console, or a phone lock app
- No texting at stoplights
- Navigation set before the car moves
A no‑exceptions rule is the safest rule.
💡 7. Insurance Tips As You Enter the Licensing Process
Your insurance choices can impact your teen’s safety and your premiums:
- There are varying views about when to add a teen driver to your insurance. During the permit process, a teen driver is covered by most insurance carriers under what is called “Permissive Use”. Once your teen obtains their license, they will need to be added to your policy.
- Look for discounts:
- Good student
- Driver education
- Telematics/safe‑driving programs
- Multi‑vehicle or multi‑policy bundles
- Choose a safe, moderately powered vehicle with good crash‑test ratings.
- Set clear household driving rules that align with Colorado’s GDL program.
✔️ Final Thoughts
Colorado’s licensing system may feel complex at first, but it’s built around one goal: helping new drivers become safe, capable, and confident behind the wheel. With the right preparation, consistent practice, and a strong focus on safe habits — especially around phone‑free driving — your teen will be ready to hit the road responsibly.
If you’d like help reviewing your policy, adding a teen driver, or exploring discount options, Brukhouse is here to guide you every step of the way.
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