Colorado (CO)

How many practice hours do you need in Colorado?

In Colorado, a learner driver must log 50 hours of supervised driving practice—including 10 at night—before applying for a license.

50
Total practice hours
10
Night hours
15
Permit age
16
License age

Colorado learner permit requirements

  • Minimum permit age: 15
  • Supervised practice required: 50 hours total, 10 at night
  • Permit hold period: 12 months
  • License eligibility age: 16
  • How hours are certified: Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship plus a certified 50-hour driving log.

Colorado requires 50 hours of supervised driving with at least 10 at night, logged and certified by a parent or guardian. The permit must be held a full 12 months for applicants under 16½.

Requirements change and have exceptions. Always confirm the current rules with the Colorado DMV before applying.

Colorado's graduated licensing stages

1
Instruction permit · age 15

Drive only with a licensed adult 21+; log 50 hours (10 at night) over 12 months.

2
Minor driver's license · age 16

Issued after 12 months with the permit; night and passenger limits apply.

3
Full license · age 18

Graduated restrictions are removed.

Driving restrictions for new Colorado drivers

Night driving

For the first 12 months, you can't drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless a licensed adult 21+ is with you, or you're driving for work, school, or a medical emergency.

Passengers

No passengers under 21 for the first 6 months; only one for the next 6 months — unless a licensed adult 21+ is in the car.

Phone use

Drivers under 18 may not use a cell phone while driving except to report an emergency.

Log every Colorado practice hour automatically

DriveMint tracks each supervised drive with GPS, separates day and night hours, and generates a DMV-ready report—so you can prove all 50 hours without a paper logbook.

Colorado driving practice FAQs

How many driving hours do you need in Colorado?+

Colorado requires 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours at night, before a teen can apply for a license.

How many hours of driving do you need in Colorado?+

50 hours of supervised practice, including at least 10 at night, certified by a parent or guardian on the license application.

How long must a Colorado teen hold a permit?+

12 months if you're under 16½. Applicants 16½ or older have a shorter hold period — check current DMV rules for your age.

Requirements in other states

Compare practice hours in all 50 states side by side, or read what actually counts as a night driving hour.