General License and Insurance Guidelines for Teens in Colorado

Licensing Requirements for Teens

Colorado has a multi-tier licensing program that is dependent on the age of the applicant.

Age 15 years to 15 years, 6 months – Driver Education Permit:

Drivers who obtain a Driver Education permit may only drive with a Colorado licensed driver over the age of 21. Drivers must complete 50 hours of behind the wheel practice before they will be eligible for a driver’s license.

Requirements:

• Must complete and pass the written examination
• Must pass a vision test
• Must provide parental consent
• Must prove completion of the classroom portion of an approved driver education course.
• 30 hours may be completed online or in a classroom setting

Age 15 years, 6 months to 16 years – Driver Awareness Permit:

Drivers who obtain a Driver Awareness permit may only drive with a Colorado licensed driver over the age of 21. Drivers must complete 50 hours of behind the wheel practice before they will be eligible for a driver’s license.

Requirements:

• Must complete and pass the written examination
• Must pass a vision test
• Must provide parental consent
• Must prove completion of an approved driver education course or a 4 hour Driver Awareness pre-qualification course or 30 hours of classroom drivers study.

Age 16 years to 21 years old – Minor Instruction Permit:

Drivers who obtain a Minor Instruction permit may only drive with a Colorado licensed driver over the age of 21. Drivers must complete 50 hours of behind the wheel practice before they will be eligible for a driver’s license.

Requirements:

• Must complete and pass the written examination
• Must pass a vision test
• Must provide parental consent

Drivers Under 21 – License:

To obtain a driver’s license in Colorado a driver under 21 years old must comply with the following requirements:

• Must possess a Minor Instruction Permit for a minimum of 12 months
• Must pass a road skills test
• Must complete a 50 hour drive time log (if under 18)

Insurance Requirements for Teens

Colorado requires all drivers to carry valid liability insurance regardless of their age or the permit or license they hold.

Minimum Liability Insurance

In Colorado, the current minimum liability insurance requirements are:

• $25,000 in bodily injury liability insurance per person;
• $50,000 in bodily injury liability insurance per accident; and
• $15,000 in property damage insurance per accident

Colorado insurance companies are required to offer drivers $5,000 in Medical Payments coverage. The driver may elect not to carry the coverage but we recommend MedPay along with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. These types of coverage protect you and your passengers in the event of an accident.

Penalties for Driving without Insurance

In Colorado, if you are caught driving without insurance you may face some very severe penalties including:

• Four points against your driver license (which can increase future insurance costs)
• Minimum $500 fine for the first offense
• Up to 40 hours of court ordered community service