Provisional Driving Permit In Colorado

As most people are aware, teenagers are a high-risk group when it comes to driving. According to statistics, 25% of 16-year-old drivers receive a traffic ticket or are involved in a traffic accident during their first year of driving. As a result, Colorado passed a graduated driver's license law on July 1, 1999. By gradually introducing teenagers to driving, the law hopes to reduce the number of vehicle-related deaths among teens. A teenager is required by law to go through several stages before obtaining a full driver's license. This article will explain what age you can get your permit in Colorado.

Colorado Graduated Driver's License Program

Colorado's graduated driver's license law is similar to that of other states. A teenager attempting to obtain a driver's license must go through three stages:
  • Stage 1 is to obtain an instruction permit.
  • Stage 2 is to obtain a minor license.
  • Stage 3 is to obtain a full driver's license.

Driving Permits

Your age determines the type of permit you receive in Colorado. If you are between the ages of 15 and 15 and a half when you apply for your permit, you will be issued a Driver Education Permit. To qualify for your permit after age 15, you must complete a DMV-approved driver's education course and obtain an affidavit of completion. As of April 23, 2007, you can take an approved Colorado driver's education course online and receive a DMV-approved Affidavit of Completion if you are at least 1412 years old. If you are under 15 and 6 months old and pass the written permit test, you will be issued a Driver Education Permit. If you are between the ages of 15 and 6 months and 16 years old, you will be issued a Drivers Awareness Permit, and if you are between the ages of 16 and 21 years old, you will be issued a Minor Instruction Permit. All three types of permits have a three-year expiration date.

Restrictions on Provisional License

  • You can drive with a driver's education instructor or any licensed adult over the age of 21 if you are under the age of 18. Only the person who signed the DR2460 is authorized to record your 50 hours of driving time.
  • You cannot use a "mobile communication device" (e.g., a cell phone) while driving with an instruction permit unless you are attempting to contact the police or fire department, there is an emergency, or you have already parked your vehicle.
  • If you are under 18, you must have the permit for at least 12 months before applying for a driver's license. You must complete 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training with an instructor from an approved driving school if you are under 16 and a half. Suppose there is no approved driving school within 30 miles of your home that offers at least 20 hours of behind-the-wheel training per week. In that case, you may instead complete 12 hours of behind-the-wheel training with your parent, guardian, or alternative permit supervisor.
If you have held your instruction permit for at least 12 months and meet all of the above requirements, you can apply for the road test and obtain a minor driver's license, which will expire 20 days after you reach the age of 21. The following restrictions apply to minor driver's licenses:
  • You cannot transport a passenger under 21 who is not a family member until you have had your license for at least six months.
  • Until you have held your license for at least one year, you are not permitted to transport more than one passenger under the age of 21 who is not a family member.
  • You cannot drive between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. if you are under the age of 18. unless you've had your license for at least a year