How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Colorado?

You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit in Colorado. You must hold your permit for at least 12 months before moving to the next stage.

What are the restrictions for an intermediate license in Colorado?

Colorado intermediate license holders must be at least 16 years old. There is a curfew from 12:00 AM to 5:00 AM.

When can you get a full unrestricted license in Colorado?

In Colorado, you can get a full unrestricted driver's license at age 17.

Colorado Graduated Driver License (GDL) Laws

Last verified: 2026-03

Colorado uses a graduated driver license (GDL) system to help new drivers build skills in stages. Here is a breakdown of each stage, the requirements, and the restrictions you need to know.

Stage 1

Learner's Permit

Minimum age

Stage 2

Intermediate License

Minimum age

Stage 3

Full License

Minimum age

Stage 1: Learner's Permit

Minimum age: 15
Holding period: 12 months
Supervised driving hours: 50 hours
Nighttime driving hours: 10 hours
Supervisor minimum age: 21 years old

Stage 2: Intermediate (Provisional) License

Minimum age: 16
Curfew hours: 12:00 AM to 5:00 AM
Passenger exceptions: No passengers first 6 months; 1 non-family passenger allowed after 6 months. Family members exempt. Secondary enforcement for curfew.
Cell phone use banned: Yes

Stage 3: Full Unrestricted License

Minimum age for full license

At this age, all GDL restrictions are removed and you can drive without limits on passengers, curfew, or supervision.

Penalties for GDL Violations

Violations may result in license suspension for up to 6 months; additional points on driving record

Colorado-Specific Information

Permit available at 15 with driver education, 15.5 with awareness program, or 16 without any program. Longer 12-month holding period. Exceptions to curfew for work, school, and emergencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

A graduated driver license (GDL) is a system that lets new drivers in Colorado gain experience in stages. You start with a learner's permit, move to an intermediate license, and then earn a full unrestricted license. Each stage has its own rules and restrictions.

You can get your learner's permit in Colorado at age 15. You must hold your permit for at least 12 months before moving to the intermediate license stage.

During the intermediate license stage, Colorado restricts driving between 12:00 AM and 5:00 AM. This curfew is in place until you get your full unrestricted license at age 17.

You can get your full unrestricted driver's license in Colorado at age 17. At that point, all GDL restrictions on curfew, passengers, and supervision are removed.

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This information is based on nonprofit-research sources. Requirements can change. Visit your state's official DMV website for the most current information.