CO New Drivers – Under 18

The most common new drivers in Colorado are those teens that have finally reached the appropriate licensing age, with nothing more on their mind but getting behind the wheel and dominating the road. It is just that thinking that causes states like Colorado to impose stricter standards and guidelines when it comes to obtaining a driver’s license, in order to ensure safer streets for everyone. There are several statistics that prove that teens aren’t always on the right track when they get behind the wheel, often becoming a bit reckless and even leading to injuries and deaths from unexpected accidents due to misjudged maneuvers or unaware driving.

  • Within not only Colorado, but the entire U.S. as well, the most likely cause of teen deaths is motor vehicle accidents.
  • Within Colorado and on national level, new drivers aged 16 are the most accountable for vehicle crashes.
  • Within the U.S. drivers between 16 and 19 have a 4 times higher chance of a fatal accident than older, more experienced drivers.
  • The driver death rate for drivers between 16 and 17 raises with each new driver that reaches roadways.
  • Of all new drivers on Colorado roadways, teen drivers make up 6%, however still reach 11% of all Colorado traffic-related deaths.
The old ways of teaching young drivers would include hour long films showing the gory remains of a traffic accident in the worst case scenario. They were pretty much scared straight and would practice a safer method of driving due to the fear of ending up like John Doe on “Driver Deaths 4”. But did the teens then really learn safe driving? Well, the odds could go either way, but the truth is, teens these days are over the high school specials, the scare tactics, and the awful imagery adults throw at them expecting them to adhere. Instead of nightmares, it is just best to provide teens with strong skill building and that can only truly be achieved with the Colorado Graduated License Program which is in effect now.

Graduated License Program in Colorado

Starting in 1999, all teens have been mandated to follow a process to becoming a licensed driver in Colorado, starting within one of three learner’s permits and the graduation up from the age appropriate permit. So, while you could be 17 and skip the first two, you will still be required to obtain at least the minor instruction permit, which is the last step before a standard license.

Colorado Instructional Permits

  • There are 3 different learner’s permits in Colorado, offered by age. When you reach the age of 15, you will be offered the first permit – driver education permit. This permit requires that you enroll within a Colorado DMV approved driver’s ed program, completing the completion affidavit before you can receive the permit. The Affidavit of Completion for the driver’s ed course can be found online at  Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship.
  • When you reach 15 ½, you are eligible for the Driver Awareness Permit in Colorado, which requires that you have first completed the appropriate driver awareness course, which is a 4-hour course taken within a state approved facility. The affidavit of completion for this course must also be completed and turned in to the DMV, and can be found online at Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship.
  • If you decide that you don’t want to take these practice courses, you do lose out on the option of receiving your permit as much as a year early, as you will have to wait until you have reached the age of 16 before your permit will be offered.
  • For any of the permits offered, you will require a parent/guardian signature on the Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship. which will too have to be submitted to the DMV if you are under 18,  before you apply for your Colorado permits.

Upgrading to Standard Colorado License

If you have held your instructional permit for at least one year, you can begin application for your standard driver’s license, as it will not be upgraded without you taking the right steps. First make sure that you have the appropriate information, which will include your Time Log Sheet, showing that you drove the required 50 practice hours, 10 of which were at night.

Colorado Teen Driver Restrictions

Even with a driver’s license, if you are under the age of 18, you will be required to follow similar restrictions to driving with a permit. This is to ensure that drivers under 18 first learn the appropriate level of responsibility before having full freedom on Colorado roads.

  • No passengers under the age of 21 while you are driving until you have held your license for at least 6 months. If the passenger is a sibling or in need of emergency care to which you are providing transport, you are exempt from this rule.
  • No more than one passenger under the age of 21 while you are behind the wheel until you have held your license for a minimum of one year. The same exemptions apply.
  • No more than one passenger in the front seat while you are driving.
  • All persons in the vehicle including yourself and passengers must be securely fastened in your seatbelts.
  • No driving between 12a.m. and 5a.m. until you have held your license over one year. If you are driving to and from work, school, a destination for school or work, or if you are accompanied by your parent/guardian, you are exempt from this rule.

Driving on the Phone in Colorado

Colorado remains one of the stricter states when it comes to driving while using your cellular phone. In fact, it is completely banned for any reason other than emergencies.