When applying for your Colorado driver permit with Division of Motor Vehicle, it is important to know the permit requirements. Make sure you have the necessary ID and documentation ready for your trip to DMV.
A Colorado resident can obtain a learner’s permit at the age 15. Applicants must provide proof of identity and age to be presented to the DMV office. A parent or legal guardian must also sign for the minor to get a driver’s permit.
There are three levels of permits in Colorado for minors, based on age:
- 15 to 15 ½ - Driver’s Education Permit – after completing the classroom portion of driver education.
- 15 ½ to 16 – Driver’s Awareness Permit – after completing the practical road driver instruction of driver ed.
- 16 to 21 – Minor Instruction Permit – driver educated not required.
Colorado Permit Documentation
An original birth certificate and an original Social Security card are required to obtain a permit in Colorado. A parent may need to contact where the child was born to get a replacement birth certificate. A replacement Social Security card can be obtained by the Social Security Administration.
Affidavit of Liability of Guardianship must be completed. This states that the parent will only allow the minor to operate a vehicle with those adults that are on the affidavit. They must be at least 21 years of age.
Proof of residency is required in Colorado. This can be any bill that has the physical address of the parent on it. Bills that have a P.O. Box will not be accepted.
Colorado Driver Education
Prior to going to the DMV for testing, a 30-hour classroom or online driving program needs to be completed. Checking our page on understanding driver education for a listing of the approved classes. Once such testing verification is presented, then a written test can be given to the minor in the testing facility. They will also need to pass a vision exam.
The 30-hour course is only required for minors that are between 15 years of age and 15 ½ years of age. After the age of 15 ½, only the written test and the eye test are required in addition to the above mentioned verifications.
Colorado Written Test
The multiple choice test consists of 25 questions, and the student driver must get at least 20 of them correct. If they pass and meet all other criteria, a permit will be issued. If not, the applicant can return to take the test as often as they like. However, there must be at least one business day between tests. Additional fees will be assessed for each permit test.
Costs of the Colorado Permit
The cost of a permit in Colorado is $14. The DMV accepts cash and checks. They don’t accept debit or credit cards.
Colorado Permit Log Sheets
There are mandatory log sheets for the required 50 hours that the driver must record for practiced supervision. This is to document all of their driving time with an approved supervising adult. Other drivers over the age of 21 with a valid license can supervise a minor who has a permit. However, only those hours with the approved supervising driver can count toward the required practice hours.
The log sheets need to include the date, amount of time driven, and it if was daylight or nighttime driving. At least 12 of the 50 hours must be nighttime driving. A permit must be held for at least 12 months before getting a driver’s license.
Colorado Permit Restrictions
A minor with a Colorado permit cannot operate a vehicle with any passengers other than a parent, another adult that is 21 or older who has a valid driver’s license, and their own siblings. Passengers with medical emergencies are exempt from these restrictions.
Colorado law states that all passengers in a vehicle must wear a seat belt. As the operator of the vehicle, the minor driver will be responsible for enforcing this rule in the vehicle. Cellphones are restricted for calls or texting by any driver under the age of 18 in Colorado. There is also a zero tolerance policy for any level of alcohol and driving.
