Obtaining an instruction permit is generally the first step that a beginner driver takes toward becoming a fully licensed driver in Colorado. You are eligible to apply for an instruction permit if you are at least 15 years old and:

• you have never been licensed to operate a vehicle, or
• you are a new resident of Colorado who has been licensed in another state, but your driver's license has been expired for longer than one year

[edit] TYPES OF INSTRUCTION PERMITS

There are three types of instruction permits available for minors depending on age. All have a validity of three years.

1. Driver Education Permit - for minors aged 15 years to 15 years 6 months.
2. [http://www.revenue.state.co.us/mv_dir/wrap.asp?incl=faqdrli/faqdrli21 ]Driver Awareness Permit - for minors aged 15 years 6 months to 16 years. [http://www.revenue.state.co.us/mv_dir/wrap.asp?incl=faqdrli/faqdrli21 ][http://www.revenue.state.co.us/mv_dir/wrap.asp?incl=faqdrli/faqdrli21 ]
3. Minor Instruction Permit - for minors aged 16 years to 21 years.

[edit] HOW TO OBTAIN AN ORIGINAL INSTRUCTION PERMIT

1. Download a copy of the Colorado Driver's Manual, or get a hard copy by visiting a local DMV office. [http://www.revenue.state.co.us/mv_dir/formspdf/2460.pdf ]
2. If you are between the age of 15 and 15 year 6 months, you have to present an Affidavit of Completion of a Driver Education Classroom Course or Behind the Wheel (BTW) training. You will find this on the back of the Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship (DR2460) form.
3. If you are between 15 years 6 months and 16 years of age, you need to present documentation indicating completion of a driver awareness program.
4. Visit your local DMV office to submit the application. You must bring with you:
   • Proof of age, identity and lawful presence as specified by the DMV. If you have changed your name, you must bring documents that support and clearly indicate your current name.
   • Your Social Security card.
   • The correct fee payable in cash, check or money order. Credit cards are not accepted.
   • You should provide your Colorado residence address.
5. You will be given a written knowledge test and an eye screening at the Driver License Center. If you pass these tests, you will be issued an instruction permit, which is valid for three years.

All minors under 18 years of age should:

1. Hold this permit for a period of 12 months before they can apply for a driver's license.
2. Present a completed Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship (DR2460) form signed by a parent or a legal guardian.
3. Drive only with a drivers ed instructor or the person(s) who have signed the Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship (DR2460). This requirement will be automatically lifted when the minor attains 18 years of age.
4. The person(s) who signs the Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship DR2460 can appoint an Alternate Permit Supervisor, if they do not hold a valid Colorado drivers license, to accompany the minor while driving. The Alternate Permit Supervisor must be at least 21 years of age and hold a valid Colorado drivers license. They can also authorize any other person who is at least 21 years of age and holds a valid Colorado license.
5. Only the drive time when accompanied by the Alternate Permit Supervisor will count toward the 50 hour total required on the Driver Time Log Sheet (DR2324).

Applicants 18 or older do not need to hold the instruction permit for any period of time before applying for a driving license

[edit] MINOR LICENSE

If you are under 18, you must wait at least 12 months after being issued your instruction permit, and complete a minimum of 50 hours of behind-the-wheel driving experience (under direct supervision of an experienced adult driver) before taking the driver's license road test. If you pass the road test, you will be issued a minor license which will expire 20 days after your 21st birthday. This driver license comes with the following restrictions (applicable until you are 18):

1. Minor drivers are not permitted to drive between 12 am and 5 am (unless going to or from work, school event, religious event or an emergency; or accompanied by an adult over 21 with a valid driver's license held for a year for the same category of vehicle).
2. They may not carry passengers below 21 years of age unless they are his family members and wear seat belts.
3. A minor driver's license will be suspended if the driver accumulates six points (under 18 years of age) or nine points (between 18 and 21 years of age) within a year, on his or her license, or is convicted of a high speed violation.
4. All drivers, including junior drivers, must ensure that the vehicle has adequate seat belts to accommodate all passengers in the vehicle.

[edit] THE UNRESTRICTED LICENSE

A full, unrestricted Class R license may be issued when you are at least 18 years old. In Colorado you do not need to graduate from one license class to another, you can get a Class R license directly if you are 18 years or above. But you have to first get an instruction permit, though you do not need to hold it for any length of time, before applying for your driver's license.

[edit] ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• For more information, see our Beginner Drivers section.
• See also Applying for a Drivers License.
• See also Driver's Education, Driving Schools and Practice Tests
• Bear in mind that in order to drive legally in the state of Colorado, you must have valid auto insurance. See our Auto Insurance section for more information, or to obtain a competitive quote on car insurance.