Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) Programs in Colorado

1. What are the minimum age requirements for obtaining a driver’s license in Colorado?


The minimum age to obtain a driver’s license in Colorado is 15 years and 6 months.

2. What are the age-specific restrictions of the GDL program in Colorado?


In Colorado, the GDL program applies to drivers under the age of 21. During the first 6 months of having a license, drivers are not allowed to have any passengers in their vehicle who are not family members. From 6-12 months, drivers are only allowed 1 passenger who is not a family member. After 12 months, drivers may have as many passengers as the vehicle can hold.

3. How does the GDL program in Colorado define a supervised driving period?


In the state of Colorado, a supervised driving period is defined as a six-month period in which a driver under the age of 21 must complete 50 hours of supervised driving with an adult over the age of 21 who has held a valid license for at least three years. This includes 10 hours of night driving and five hours of inclement weather driving.

4. What are the restrictions on night-time driving for drivers under the age of 18 in Colorado?


In Colorado, drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from driving between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m., unless they are accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or older, or they are driving for work or agricultural purposes.

5. Are there any common exceptions to the GDL program in Colorado?


Yes, there are several exceptions to the Colorado GDL program. Exceptions include active-duty military, drivers enrolled in a driver education course, drivers with a learner’s permit from another state, and drivers who have already held a license for at least one year. In addition, farmers operating vehicles within 150 miles of their home farm and certain members of volunteer fire departments may be exempt from the GDL program.

6. How many hours of supervised driving must be completed before a provisional license can be obtained in Colorado?


In Colorado, teens must complete 50 hours of supervised driving, 10 of which must be at night, before a provisional license can be obtained.

7. What type of restrictions are placed on drivers with a provisional license in Colorado?


Drivers with a provisional license in Colorado are subject to the following restrictions:
* Must be accompanied by a licensed driver over 21 years of age who has held a valid driver’s license for at least 3 years.
* Driving is limited to daylight hours, for the first 6 months.
* No more than one passenger under 21 years of age, unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, for the first 12 months.
* For the first 6 months, any passenger must be over 21 years of age and have held a valid driver’s license for at least 3 years.
* No cell phone use, including hands-free devices, for the first 12 months.

8. How many passengers is a driver with a provisional license allowed to carry in Colorado?


In Colorado, a driver with a provisional license is only allowed to carry one passenger under the age of 21 who is not a family member.

9. How long must a driver keep a provisional license before they can apply for an unrestricted license in Colorado?


In Colorado, drivers must hold a valid provisional license for at least 12 months before they can apply for an unrestricted license. The driver must also be at least 16 years of age and have completed the mandatory 50 hours of supervised driving, 10 hours of which must be at night.

10. Is there an age requirement for drivers to be accompanied by an adult when driving in Colorado?


Yes, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to operate a motor vehicle without an adult who is at least 21 years of age in the vehicle.

11. Are there any restrictions on cell phone use for drivers under 18 years old in Colorado?


In Colorado, cell phone use is not restricted for drivers under 18 years old. However, the state does have laws against distracted driving. It is illegal for anyone to text and drive or use their cell phone to read or write messages while operating a vehicle.

12. Are drivers with provisional licenses allowed to drive on highways in Colorado?


No, drivers with provisional licenses are not allowed to drive on highways in Colorado.

13. Are there any restrictions on where drivers with provisional licenses can drive in Colorado?


Yes. Drivers with a provisional license may not drive between midnight and 5 am unless accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or licensed adult age 21 or older. They are also prohibited from carrying more than one passenger under age 21 who is not an immediate family member.

14. What are the requirements for taking a driving test to receive a driver’s license in Colorado?


In order to take a driving test to receive a driver’s license in Colorado, applicants must:

-Be 16 years old or older
-Complete a Driver’s Education Course (30 hours of in-class and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction)
-Have held an instruction permit for at least 12 months, unless they are 18 or older, in which case they can skip the permit stage
-Pass a vision exam and written knowledge test
-Show proof of identity and Social Security number
-Pay the applicable license fees

15. Are drivers with provisional licenses required to take and pass a road test before being granted an unrestricted license in Colorado?


Yes. Drivers with provisional licenses are required to take and pass a road test before being granted an unrestricted license in Colorado.

16. Does the GDL program in Colorado require drivers to keep a log of supervised hours driven?


Yes, the Colorado GDL program requires drivers under 21 years of age to complete 50 hours of supervised driving, 10 of which must be completed at night. The log must be signed by a licensed driver who is 21 years or older.

17. Are there any special provisions for GDL program participants who complete a driver’s education program in Colorado?


Yes, Colorado has special provisions for GDL program participants who complete a driver’s education program. The Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) allows teens between the ages of 15 and 15 ½ to complete a driver’s education program and take the permit exam. Upon successful completion of the driver’s education program, the teen is issued a “Beginner Driver Education Certificate” which allows them to obtain a permit without having to hold a permit for 6 months.

18. Are there any exceptions to the GDL program regulations for drivers under 18 years old in Colorado?


Yes. Drivers enrolled in the Colorado Farm Driver Training Program are exempt from the GDL program regulations. This program is designed to teach rural drivers safety and defensive driving techniques. They are trained to safely operate farm vehicles on public roads in order to transport crops, livestock, farm supplies and equipment.

19. Is there an age at which drivers are no longer subject to the GDL program regulations in Colorado?


Yes, drivers are no longer subject to the GDL program regulations in Colorado once they reach 21 years of age.

20. What are the penalties for violating the GDL program rules in Colorado?


Penalties for violating the GDL program rules in Colorado include fines, license suspension or revocation, and/or jail time. Some violations also require a mandatory court appearance. In addition, drivers may be required to complete a traffic safety course or community service.