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Whether you’re looking to get a driver’s license for the first time or additional driving privileges, the Colorado Department of Transportation (DOT) has education requirements. That goes for adding a commercial driver’s license (CDL) endorsement or a motorcycle endorsement.
Continue reading to better understand Colorado driver education requirements.
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Testing and Preparing to Drive in CO
The requirements to obtain a CO driver’s license depends on the age of the driver. Teen drivers must complete a CO graduated licensing program that varies based on age.
If you are under 18 years old, you must obtain a valid Colorado learner’s permit from your nearest Colorado DMV office and hold it for 12 months. You’ll need to complete a knowledge test and vision test. You can take an online Colorado DMV Practice Test to study for your written test.
Once you meet all the requirements, you can obtain a CO driver’s license.
Colorado Graduated Driver License
The Colorado graduated driver license system enables teens to start their formal training at 15 years old and obtain a driver’s license when they turn 16 years old.
If you are a teen driver between 15 years old and 15 years and 6 months old in Colorado, you can complete a 30-hour driver’s education course and apply for a learner’s permit. You may practice on a very limited basis with a licensed adult driver for at least 12 months. Then, you must take at least 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training if you are under 16 and 6 months old, before applying for a driver’s license.
A teen driver who is 15 years and 6 months old must complete a 4-hour classroom driver awareness program or a 30-hour driver education course prior to applying for a CO learner’s permit. If you are over 16 years old, you can obtain a learner’s permit right away.
Drive Time Log Sheets in Colorado
You must use a learner’s permit for at least 12 months if between 16 years old and 18 years old. Next, you’ll need to complete Drive Time Log Sheets that affirm you had at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including at least 10 hours of driving after dark. A parent, guardian or licensed adult driver can sign the log sheets.
CO DMV Road Test + Driving Restrictions
After completing 50 hours of driving with a learner’s permit, you may schedule a road test with an approved driver education school in Colorado. Upon completion, you’ll have a restricted license that limits your driving until you are 18 years old. Generally, that means no driving between midnight and 5 a.m., except under special circumstances, like returning home from work.
In California, restricted drivers cannot carry passengers under 21 years old, unless:
- They are siblings.
- Until holding a license for at least 1 year.
- You are turning 18 years old and earn full driving privileges.
Remedial Driver Programs in CO
Drivers can complete remedial driving courses to help improve their driving skills and earn driving privileges or get points removed from their Colorado driving record. Respective municipal courts might require completion of specific courses.
Colorado Defensive Driving Courses
The Colorado DMV does not provide defensive driving courses but does generally recommend them to hone driving skills. The Colorado Safety Association does provide motorists with several defensive driving courses that will improve safety and driving skills. You can also take an online Colorado defensive driving course.