When your
teen is in the
driver’s seat,
you’re far more
than just a
passenger.
Your job is to steer your teen into a lifetime of safe
driving. As a team, the two of you can navigate
Colorado’s new laws and safety guidelines.
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death
and injury for teenagers because teens lack driving
experience. Colorado has implemented Graduated
Driver Licensing (GDL) Laws to decrease this risk by
introducing teenagers to driving in phases. This
brochure explains those phases and suggests tips for
keeping your teen safe when he or she is in the
driver’s seat.
What parents should do:
• Know the 3 Stages of Colorado’s Graduated
Driver Licensing Law.
• Supervise your teen’s driving.
• Set family driving rules and limits by creating a
Parent/Teen Contract.
• Impose consequences for violations.
• Talk to other parents.
By doing so, you’ll know:
You are being a responsible parent who is keeping
your teen safe in the driver’s seat.
TEEN DRIVING
AND GRADUATED DRIVER
LICENSING LAWS
IN COLORADO
When Your Teen
IS IN THE
Driver’s Seat
YOUR TEEN IS IN THE
DRIVER’S SEAT
What’s your role?
DID YOU KNOW?
Teens face the greatest
risk of crashing during the
first year of their restricted
license. One out of every 5
licensed 16-year-olds
will be in a motor
vehicle crash.
What else should you know?
Visit www.coteendriver.com for up-to-date information
on teen driving laws and links to other resources,
such as insurance information, driving schools and
where to get a driver’s license.
Make sure you call your family’s insurance agent to
find out what kind of coverage is available while your
teen is learning to drive and when he or she
becomes a licensed driver. Some companies offer
discounts for good grades or completing an approved
driver’s education course.
TEEN DRIVER RESOURCES:
AAA Colorado www.aaacolorado.com
Alive at 25 www.aliveat25.us
Colorado Department www.coteendriver.com
of Transportation www.dot.state.co.us
Colorado State Patrol www.csp.state.co.us
Colorado Department of Revenue
Division of Motor Vehicles
Rocky Mountain Insurance
Information Association
Colorado Department of
Public Health and Environment
Colorado Department of Human Services
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division
Revised 06/2007
A Guide for Parents
(303) 205-8400
www.revenue.state.co
.us/mv_dir/home.asp
www.rmiia.org
(303) 692-2589
(303) 866-7480
43172_ParentCover_English.qxp 7/11/07 7:18 PM Page 1
When your
teen is in the
driver’s seat,
you’re far more
than just a
passenger.
Your job is to steer your teen into a lifetime of safe
driving. As a team, the two of you can navigate
Colorado’s new laws and safety guidelines.
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death
and injury for teenagers because teens lack driving
experience. Colorado has implemented Graduated
Driver Licensing (GDL) Laws to decrease this risk by
introducing teenagers to driving in phases. This
brochure explains those phases and suggests tips for
keeping your teen safe when he or she is in the
driver’s seat.
What parents should do:
• Know the 3 Stages of Colorado’s Graduated
Driver Licensing Law.
• Supervise your teen’s driving.
• Set family driving rules and limits by creating a
Parent/Teen Contract.
• Impose consequences for violations.
• Talk to other parents.
By doing so, you’ll know:
You are being a responsible parent who is keeping
your teen safe in the driver’s seat.
TEEN DRIVING
AND GRADUATED DRIVER
LICENSING LAWS
IN COLORADO
When Your Teen
IS IN THE
Driver’s Seat
YOUR TEEN IS IN THE
DRIVER’S SEAT
What’s your role?
DID YOU KNOW?
Teens face the greatest
risk of crashing during the
first year of their restricted
license. One out of every 5
licensed 16-year-olds
will be in a motor
vehicle crash.
What else should you know?
Visit www.coteendriver.com for up-to-date information
on teen driving laws and links to other resources,
such as insurance information, driving schools and
where to get a driver’s license.
Make sure you call your family’s insurance agent to
find out what kind of coverage is available while your
teen is learning to drive and when he or she
becomes a licensed driver. Some companies offer
discounts for good grades or completing an approved
driver’s education course.
TEEN DRIVER RESOURCES:
AAA Colorado www.aaacolorado.com
Alive at 25 www.aliveat25.us
Colorado Department www.coteendriver.com
of Transportation www.dot.state.co.us
Colorado State Patrol www.csp.state.co.us
Colorado Department of Revenue
Division of Motor Vehicles
Rocky Mountain Insurance
Information Association
Colorado Department of
Public Health and Environment
Colorado Department of Human Services
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division
Revised 06/2007
A Guide for Parents
(303) 205-8400
www.revenue.state.co
.us/mv_dir/home.asp
www.rmiia.org
(303) 692-2589
(303) 866-7480
43172_ParentCover_English.qxp 7/11/07 7:18 PM Page 1
Colorado’s GDL Laws
>INSTRUCTION PERMIT
>RESTRICTED LICENSE
>FULL PRIVILEGE LICENSE
DID YOU KNOW?
Teens are less likely than
adults to understand the risks
of driving because they lack
experience. Their brains are
still developing well into their
20s, affecting their
judgment while driving.
Parent-imposed penalties
• Listen or lose. Make
consequences relate to losing
driving privileges with the length
of time dependent on the
seriousness of the violation. For example,
if caught with a passenger, take the car keys away
for a week.
• Make consequences known. Set consequences
for common violations before they occur so your teen
knows what to expect. Some common violations:
carrying a passenger under 21 years of age within
the first 6 months of licensure, coming home after
curfew, speeding, being untruthful about his or her
whereabouts, not wearing a seatbelt.
DID YOU
KNOW?
Under Colorado
law, parents can
have their teen’s
license
revoked.
All new drivers under age 18 require a
parent/legal guardian’s signed Affidavit of
Liability to get an instruction permit,
which allows them to drive - with restrictions - under the
supervision of a parent or guardian. Whoever signs the
affidavit is responsible for any financial liability.
How old must my teen be to get an instruction
permit?
• 15-year-olds who have completed and passed the
classroom portion of a state-approved driver’s
education course within 6 months of applying for their
permit may apply.
• Teens who are 15 years and 6 months to 16 years
and have completed a 4-hour driver awareness
course may apply.
• All 16-year-olds may apply.
What are the laws for teens with a permit?
• Teens under the age of 18 may not drive with anyone
except their driving instructor, parent, legal guardian
or a licensed adult 21 years of age or older who is
authorized by the parent or legal guardian.
• Teens age 18 and older may drive with any licensed
driver 21 years of age or older who holds a valid
Colorado driver’s license.
• The law prohibits the use of cell phones while driving
with an instruction permit. That means no talking or
texting.
After my teen has a permit, what does he or
she need to do before applying for a driver’s
license?
• Hold an instruction permit for at least one year.
• Log 50 hours of driving time with an authorized,
licensed parent, legal guardian or alternate permit
supervisor. Ten of those hours must be nighttime
driving.
• Any minor issued a driver’s education permit (the
permit for minors 15 years up to 15 years and 6
months) on or after April 23, 2007, must complete
behind-the-wheel training prior to applying for their
driver’s license. For details, go to
www.coteendriver.com or contact your local Driver’s
License Office.
> PHASE 1
The
Instruction
Permit
Remember!
Download a
Parent/T
Parent/T
een
een
Driving Contract
Driving Contract at
www.coteendriver.com
43172_ParentCover_English.qxp 7/11/07 7:18 PM Page 2
Colorado’s GDL Laws
>INSTRUCTION PERMIT
>RESTRICTED LICENSE
>FULL PRIVILEGE LICENSE
DID YOU KNOW?
Teens are less likely than
adults to understand the risks
of driving because they lack
experience. Their brains are
still developing well into their
20s, affecting their
judgment while driving.
Parent-imposed penalties
• Listen or lose. Make
consequences relate to losing
driving privileges with the length
of time dependent on the
seriousness of the violation. For example,
if caught with a passenger, take the car keys away
for a week.
• Make consequences known. Set consequences
for common violations before they occur so your teen
knows what to expect. Some common violations:
carrying a passenger under 21 years of age within
the first 6 months of licensure, coming home after
curfew, speeding, being untruthful about his or her
whereabouts, not wearing a seatbelt.
DID YOU
KNOW?
Under Colorado
law, parents can
have their teen’s
license
revoked.
All new drivers under age 18 require a
parent/legal guardian’s signed Affidavit of
Liability to get an instruction permit,
which allows them to drive - with restrictions - under the
supervision of a parent or guardian. Whoever signs the
affidavit is responsible for any financial liability.
How old must my teen be to get an instruction
permit?
• 15-year-olds who have completed and passed the
classroom portion of a state-approved driver’s
education course within 6 months of applying for their
permit may apply.
• Teens who are 15 years and 6 months to 16 years
and have completed a 4-hour driver awareness
course may apply.
• All 16-year-olds may apply.
What are the laws for teens with a permit?
• Teens under the age of 18 may not drive with anyone
except their driving instructor, parent, legal guardian
or a licensed adult 21 years of age or older who is
authorized by the parent or legal guardian.
• Teens age 18 and older may drive with any licensed
driver 21 years of age or older who holds a valid
Colorado driver’s license.
• The law prohibits the use of cell phones while driving
with an instruction permit. That means no talking or
texting.
After my teen has a permit, what does he or
she need to do before applying for a driver’s
license?
• Hold an instruction permit for at least one year.
• Log 50 hours of driving time with an authorized,
licensed parent, legal guardian or alternate permit
supervisor. Ten of those hours must be nighttime
driving.
• Any minor issued a driver’s education permit (the
permit for minors 15 years up to 15 years and 6
months) on or after April 23, 2007, must complete
behind-the-wheel training prior to applying for their
driver’s license. For details, go to
www.coteendriver.com or contact your local Driver’s
License Office.
> PHASE 1
The
Instruction
Permit
Remember!
Download a
Parent/T
Parent/T
een
een
Driving Contract
Driving Contract at
www.coteendriver.com
43172_ParentCover_English.qxp 7/11/07 7:18 PM Page 2
After fulfilling the instruction permit
requirements, teens may apply for a
driver’s license.
This first driver’s license is a restricted license, the
only type of license they may receive until they turn
18.
Arestricted license means:
• No passengers under age 21 until driver has
held a driver’s license for at least six months.
No more than one passenger under age 21
until driver has held a driver’s license for at
least one year. (Siblings and passengers with
medical emergencies are exceptions.)
• All passengers with drivers under
18 must wear seatbelts. This is
a primary, enforced law.
• Only one passenger may
ride in the front seat.
• No driving between midnight
and 5 a.m. until teen has
had a driver’s license for at
least one year, unless
accompanied by an instructor,
parent or legal guardian. For exceptions, go to
www
.coteendriver.com.
• No drinking and driving. Colorado has a ZERO
TOLERANCE law for minor drivers.
• Obey all traffic laws.
• Carry proof of insurance.
• Buckle up. Seatbelts save lives.
Learn more at www.coteendriver.com
> PHASE 2
The
Restricted
License
DID YOU
KNOW?
The majority of
crashes happen
between 9 p.m.
and midnight.
Colorado’s laws and your family’s rules
are meant to keep your teen driver –
and everyone else on the road – safe.
But the laws won’t work unless they are enforced.
Law enforcement will do its part to enforce state laws,
and you must do yours to enforce consequences for
violations of family rules.
Primary and secondary offenses.
Law enforcement can only stop and cite you for a
primary offense. If officers have pulled you over for a
primary offense, they can also cite you for a
secondary offense. Seatbelt violations are a primary
offense for teens under 18. All other GDL violations
are secondary offenses. Violations can result in fines,
accumulation of points on your driver’s license,
community service and/or loss of your license.
Impose Consequences
for Violations
Violation
1st Offense
2nd Offense
Subsequent
Offense
Fine
Up to $50
Up to $100
$150
Hours of
Community
Service
8 to 24
16 to 40
16 to 40
License
Suspension
Points
2
2
2
If a driver accumulates 6 or more points through age 18,
his or her license may be revoked.
Restricted License penalties for seatbelt and passenger
restriction violations
43172_ParentInside_English.qxp 7/11/07 7:18 PM Page 1
> PHASE 3
The Full Privilege
License
Upon turning 18, the teen is
issued a full privilege license
and restrictions are removed.
DID YOU KNOW?
Your teen may not need
to be added to your
auto insurance policy until
your teen receives his or her
restricted license.
However, you should let
your insurance company
know that your teen
is starting to drive.
Limit distractions.
New drivers need to focus. Minimize things that might
draw their attention away from driving. Consider
prohibiting
• cell phone usage;
• eating and drinking;
• adjusting the radio/CD player;
• passenger “horseplay.”
Don’t let your teen drive when tired.
Sleep-related crashes are most common in young
people. Teach your teen to recognize when he or she is
too tired to drive.
Don’t let your teen drive when overly emotional.
Tell your teen not to drive when he or she is highly
emotional, regardless of whether angry, happy
or sad.
Enforce the passenger restriction law.
Prohibit riding with someone who has
used alcohol or drugs.
Learn more at www.coteendriver.com
DID YOU KNOW?
For 16 and 17-year-
olds, carrying just one
passenger increases
the crash risk by
about 50%.
43172_ParentInside_English.qxp 7/11/07 7:18 PM Page 3
Your teen is in the driver’s seat. But as
a parent, you still have a lot of steering
to do.
Learning to drive is a complex, ongoing process that
requires patience and dedication. So is teaching
someone to drive.
The law requires a minimum of 50 hours of practice
driving before your teen can even apply for a license.
Here are tips for making those hours productive and
pleasant.
Practice a lot. Limit passengers.
Practice as much as possible. It’s best to practice
with just you and your teen in the vehicle.
Get in the mood.
Only practice when you are both ready, in good
moods and have plenty of time.
Start simple.
Learning to drive can be overwhelming – for your
teen and for you. Begin with the basics, such as
turning, parking and backing up. When you both feel
comfortable, progress to more advanced skills
including merging, changing lanes and parallel
parking.
Start sunny.
Begin practicing during the day, in good weather. As
your teen improves, gradually start driving during
different driving conditions, including a variety of
times of day, weather and types of roads.
Learn more at www.coteendriver.com
Supervise
your teen’s
driving.
The state of Colorado
has set laws for young
drivers. Parents need to
determine their own family
rules in addition to the state
laws. Make sure both sets of
rules are clear from the start.
Driving Rules for Your Family
Create a written contract with your teen.
AParent/Teen Contract reduces teens’ exposure to the
riskiest driving conditions:
1.) Teen passengers
2.) Driving at night
3.) Unsafe roads
4.) Weather conditions
Download a Parent/Teen Contract at
www.coteendriver.com
Choose an appropriate vehicle for your
teen driver.
Mid- to full-size sedans and wagons with airbags are
safest. Under certain conditions, SUVs and small
trucks may be more likely to roll over than other types
of vehicles.
Require a full report.
Require information about each trip before your teen
leaves, including where your teen is going, with whom
and when he or she will return.
Consider setting an earlier driving curfew,
especially for the first 6 months. Set clear expectations
and ensure your teen obeys the state laws.
Set Family
Driving Rules
and Limits
DID YOU KNOW?
Most families set rules
around teen driving.
Teens with strong family
rules have fewer
crashes.
43172_ParentInside_English.qxp 7/11/07 7:18 PM Page 5
REMIND YOUR TEEN OF THESE TIPS FOR
SAFE DRIVING:
• Buckle up.
• Adjust mirrors and seats before turning on the
vehicle.
• Turn on your headlights, day and night, for safety.
• Stop completely at stop signs and red lights. Brake
smoothly and avoid slamming on the brakes.
When stopping behind another car, stay at a
distance from which you can see the tires of the
vehicle in front of you.
• When proceeding from a stop: look left, right,
straight ahead, then left again before moving.
• When backing up, do not rely on the rear view
mirror. Always turn and look directly behind you.
Check all directions to make sure the way is clear.
• Remain 15 feet away from trucks on all sides. If
you can’t see truck drivers in their mirrors, they
can’t see you either.
• Speed increases braking distance: If you double
your speed, quadruple your braking distance.
• Vehicle weight increases braking distance: The
greater the vehicle weight, the greater the breaking
distance.
In Winter and Wet Conditions:
• Maintain traction: Start and stop gradually and
drive at steady speeds.
• Skids: If your vehicle begins to skid, remove your
foot from the accelerator or brake, and steer in the
direction of the skid.
• Braking: Be gentle with brake pressure during
slippery road conditions. Avoid braking on curves
by driving through them at a safe, steady speed.
Gear down for both uphill and downhill driving.
For more driving tips, go to
www.coteendriver.com
Go to class.
Find a class that
teaches parents how
to drive with their teen.
Talk with your teen.
Keep the lines of communication
open so your teen feels comfortable talking with you. This
builds trust and respect.
Take deep breaths.
Remember, new drivers need a lot of practice. Making
mistakes is part of learning. Remain calm and focused.
Teens will show the greatest improvement in the first 1,000
to 5,000 miles of driving.
DID YOU KNOW?
Practicing under
supervision builds
confidence, reinforces good
habits and builds a
foundation for safe
driving.
Be a good role model.
43172_ParentInside_English.qxp 7/11/07 7:18 PM Page 7
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TOTALS
Driving Time
Driving Time
Driving Time
Driving Time
Driving Time
Driving Time
Driving Time
Driving Time
Driving Time
Driving Time
Driving Time
Driving Time
Night Driving
Night Driving
Night Driving
Night Driving
Night Driving
Night Driving
Night Driving
Night Driving
Night Driving
Night Driving
Night Driving
Night Driving
The verifying signature must be from one of the signers of the Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship, form DR 2460, or
from the driver Education Instructor. Please check all totals prior to signing.
BY SIGNING BELOW, I certify that the above total hours of driving experience is true and accurate.
Signed Date
Parent/Guardian or Driver Education Instructor
Minimum of 50 hours Minimum of 10 hours
Drive Time Log
USE THIS LOG to track your
teen’s 50 hours of practice driving –
including 10 hours at night.
YOUR INSTRUCTION PERMIT...
If you are under 18, you must comply with the
following requirements:
You must be 16 years of age to be issued an instruction permit
unless…
you have completed and passed the classroom portion of an
approved driver’s education course, then you may be issued an
instruction permit at the age of 15 years. You must submit proof of
completion, along with your identification, at the time you apply for
the permit.
Or, if you have completed a State-approved 4-hour driver
awareness course, then you may be issued a permit at 15 years/6
months. You must submit proof of completion, along with your
identification, at the time you apply for the permit.
You are required to hold your first instruction permit for at least
twelve months and be at least 16 years of age before you can get a
driver's license in Colorado. This means that if you get your permit
on your 15th birthday, you will have to hold the permit until your
16th birthday before you can apply for the license.
Before you can be issued your driver’s license, you are required, by
law, to complete behind-the-wheel (BTW) training if you were
issued your driver’s education permit on or after April 23, 2007, and
you were under the age of 15/6 months at the time you were
issued your permit. The BTW training can be administered two
ways: you can take 6 hours with a driving instructor from a
department-approved school or, if there isn’t a driving school that
offers BTW training at least 20 hours per week with an address that
is within 30 miles of the permit holder’s residence, you may
complete 12 hours with a parent, guardian or alternate permit
supervisor.
At the time you apply for your driver's license, you are required, by
law, to submit a log of your driving experience. The log sheet must
show a minimum total of 50 hours, with 10 hours of those 50 hours
having been at night. The Drive Time Log Sheet is used any time
you drive. The appropriate box is filled in by the parent/guardian
driving with you or by the driver authorized by your parent/guardian
to accompany you while you are driving. They will fill in the date,
the total drive time, the amount of night driving (if any) and their
initials. The Comments section is optional for licensing purposes,
but is useful for you to track your progress. The Drive Time Log
Sheet is the only log sheet acceptable as proof of the required 50
hours of driving experience, unless the log sheet you are
presenting is from a state-approved Commercial Driving School,
Driver Education or 3rd party testing organization. The 50-hour total
may include your BTW training, if administered by your driver’s ed
teacher or the person who signed your Affidavit of Liability for you
to get your permit. You may make photocopies of the log sheet if
you need more than one to complete your 50 hours.
43172_LogPullout_English.qxp 7/11/07 7:20 PM Page 1
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Driving Time
Driving Time
Driving Time
Driving Time
Driving Time
Driving Time
Driving Time
Driving Time
Driving Time
Driving Time
Driving Time
Driving Time
Driving Time
Night Driving
Night Driving
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When you have reached your required totals, your parent,
stepparent, guardian or grandparent with Power of Attorney
(the same person that signed the DR 2460, Affidavit of Liability
and Guardianship, for you to get your permit) or your driver
education instructor must then verify total driving time and total
night driving time on your log sheet(s). These totals are entered on
the appropriate lines on the back of the last log sheet. The
parent/guardian or driver education instructor will then sign and
date only the back of the log sheet that has the final completed
totals.
Once you have held your instruction permit for at least twelve
months and are at least 16 years of age, you are eligible to apply
for your license. You will need to bring the completed original
Drive Time Log Sheet(s) with you when you come in. You must
submit the completed Drive Time Log Sheet at the time you
apply for your license. If your parent/guardian/alternate permit
supervisor administered the required behind-the-wheel training,
they will complete the back of a DR2460, the Affidavit of
Completion of a Driver Education Classroom Course or BTW.
Reminder, drive tests at driver's license offices are by appointment
only.
Effective August 8, 2005, regardless of your age, if you are driving
with an instruction permit you cannot use a “mobile
communication device” (example: a cell phone) while you are driving
unless you are trying to contact the police or fire department, it is an
emergency or you have parked your vehicle.
YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE...
When you are issued your driver's license, if you are under
the age of 18, there are still a few things you need to be
aware of. The law does not allow you to carry a passenger
under the age of 21 until you have held your license for at
least 6 months. And, you can’t carry more than one passenger
under 21 until you’ve held your license for at least one year.
The exceptions to this are if your parent/guardian is with you,
or there is an adult passenger 21 or older who has a valid
license and has held that license for at least one year, or the
passenger under 21 needs emergency medical assistance or
is a member of your immediate family.
While you are under 18, you cannot drive between the hours
of 12:00 midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless you have held your
license for at least one year. The exceptions to this are if your
parent/guardian is with you, or there is an adult passenger 21
or older who has a valid license and has held that license for
at least one year, or it is an emergency, or you are an
emancipated minor with a valid license. You may drive between
midnight and 5:00 a.m. if it’s to a school or school-authorized
activity where the school doesn’t provide transportation. You will
need a signed statement from the school official showing the date
of the activity. And, you may drive between midnight and 5:00
a.m., if it’s to and from work. You must carry a signed statement
from your employer verifying your employment.
While you are under the age of 18, when you carry any allowed
passengers, everyone riding with you must wear their seat belt.
Only one passenger can ride in the front seat with you. You can
only carry as many passengers in the back seat as there are seat
belts.
Once you reach 18 years of age, these restrictions will no longer
apply to you. Your license expires 20 days after your 21st birthday.
Have a safe journey and we will see you when you turn 21.
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TOTALS
Driving Time
Driving Time
Driving Time
Driving Time
Driving Time
Driving Time
Driving Time
Driving Time
Driving Time
Driving Time
Driving Time
Driving Time
Night Driving
Night Driving
Night Driving
Night Driving
Night Driving
Night Driving
Night Driving
Night Driving
Night Driving
Night Driving
Night Driving
Night Driving
The verifying signature must be from one of the signers of the Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship, form DR 2460, or
from the driver Education Instructor. Please check all totals prior to signing.
BY SIGNING BELOW, I certify that the above total hours of driving experience is true and accurate.
Signed Date
Parent/Guardian or Driver Education Instructor
Minimum of 50 hours Minimum of 10 hours
Drive Time Log
USE THIS LOG to track your
teen’s 50 hours of practice driving –
including 10 hours at night.
YOUR INSTRUCTION PERMIT...
If you are under 18, you must comply with the
following requirements:
You must be 16 years of age to be issued an instruction permit
unless…
you have completed and passed the classroom portion of an
approved driver’s education course, then you may be issued an
instruction permit at the age of 15 years. You must submit proof of
completion, along with your identification, at the time you apply for
the permit.
Or, if you have completed a State-approved 4-hour driver
awareness course, then you may be issued a permit at 15 years/6
months. You must submit proof of completion, along with your
identification, at the time you apply for the permit.
You are required to hold your first instruction permit for at least
twelve months and be at least 16 years of age before you can get a
driver's license in Colorado. This means that if you get your permit
on your 15th birthday, you will have to hold the permit until your
16th birthday before you can apply for the license.
Before you can be issued your driver’s license, you are required, by
law, to complete behind-the-wheel (BTW) training if you were
issued your driver’s education permit on or after April 23, 2007, and
you were under the age of 15/6 months at the time you were
issued your permit. The BTW training can be administered two
ways: you can take 6 hours with a driving instructor from a
department-approved school or, if there isn’t a driving school that
offers BTW training at least 20 hours per week with an address that
is within 30 miles of the permit holder’s residence, you may
complete 12 hours with a parent, guardian or alternate permit
supervisor.
At the time you apply for your driver's license, you are required, by
law, to submit a log of your driving experience. The log sheet must
show a minimum total of 50 hours, with 10 hours of those 50 hours
having been at night. The Drive Time Log Sheet is used any time
you drive. The appropriate box is filled in by the parent/guardian
driving with you or by the driver authorized by your parent/guardian
to accompany you while you are driving. They will fill in the date,
the total drive time, the amount of night driving (if any) and their
initials. The Comments section is optional for licensing purposes,
but is useful for you to track your progress. The Drive Time Log
Sheet is the only log sheet acceptable as proof of the required 50
hours of driving experience, unless the log sheet you are
presenting is from a state-approved Commercial Driving School,
Driver Education or 3rd party testing organization. The 50-hour total
may include your BTW training, if administered by your driver’s ed
teacher or the person who signed your Affidavit of Liability for you
to get your permit. You may make photocopies of the log sheet if
you need more than one to complete your 50 hours.
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REMIND YOUR TEEN OF THESE TIPS FOR
SAFE DRIVING:
• Buckle up.
• Adjust mirrors and seats before turning on the
vehicle.
• Turn on your headlights, day and night, for safety.
• Stop completely at stop signs and red lights. Brake
smoothly and avoid slamming on the brakes.
When stopping behind another car, stay at a
distance from which you can see the tires of the
vehicle in front of you.
• When proceeding from a stop: look left, right,
straight ahead, then left again before moving.
• When backing up, do not rely on the rear view
mirror. Always turn and look directly behind you.
Check all directions to make sure the way is clear.
• Remain 15 feet away from trucks on all sides. If
you can’t see truck drivers in their mirrors, they
can’t see you either.
• Speed increases braking distance: If you double
your speed, quadruple your braking distance.
• Vehicle weight increases braking distance: The
greater the vehicle weight, the greater the breaking
distance.
In Winter and Wet Conditions:
• Maintain traction: Start and stop gradually and
drive at steady speeds.
• Skids: If your vehicle begins to skid, remove your
foot from the accelerator or brake, and steer in the
direction of the skid.
• Braking: Be gentle with brake pressure during
slippery road conditions. Avoid braking on curves
by driving through them at a safe, steady speed.
Gear down for both uphill and downhill driving.
For more driving tips, go to
www.coteendriver.com
Go to class.
Find a class that
teaches parents how
to drive with their teen.
Talk with your teen.
Keep the lines of communication
open so your teen feels comfortable talking with you. This
builds trust and respect.
Take deep breaths.
Remember, new drivers need a lot of practice. Making
mistakes is part of learning. Remain calm and focused.
Teens will show the greatest improvement in the first 1,000
to 5,000 miles of driving.
DID YOU KNOW?
Practicing under
supervision builds
confidence, reinforces good
habits and builds a
foundation for safe
driving.
Be a good role model.
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Your teen is in the driver’s seat. But as
a parent, you still have a lot of steering
to do.
Learning to drive is a complex, ongoing process that
requires patience and dedication. So is teaching
someone to drive.
The law requires a minimum of 50 hours of practice
driving before your teen can even apply for a license.
Here are tips for making those hours productive and
pleasant.
Practice a lot. Limit passengers.
Practice as much as possible. It’s best to practice
with just you and your teen in the vehicle.
Get in the mood.
Only practice when you are both ready, in good
moods and have plenty of time.
Start simple.
Learning to drive can be overwhelming – for your
teen and for you. Begin with the basics, such as
turning, parking and backing up. When you both feel
comfortable, progress to more advanced skills
including merging, changing lanes and parallel
parking.
Start sunny.
Begin practicing during the day, in good weather. As
your teen improves, gradually start driving during
different driving conditions, including a variety of
times of day, weather and types of roads.
Learn more at www.coteendriver.com
Supervise
your teen’s
driving.
The state of Colorado
has set laws for young
drivers. Parents need to
determine their own family
rules in addition to the state
laws. Make sure both sets of
rules are clear from the start.
Driving Rules for Your Family
Create a written contract with your teen.
AParent/Teen Contract reduces teens’ exposure to the
riskiest driving conditions:
1.) Teen passengers
2.) Driving at night
3.) Unsafe roads
4.) Weather conditions
Download a Parent/Teen Contract at
www.coteendriver.com
Choose an appropriate vehicle for your
teen driver.
Mid- to full-size sedans and wagons with airbags are
safest. Under certain conditions, SUVs and small
trucks may be more likely to roll over than other types
of vehicles.
Require a full report.
Require information about each trip before your teen
leaves, including where your teen is going, with whom
and when he or she will return.
Consider setting an earlier driving curfew,
especially for the first 6 months. Set clear expectations
and ensure your teen obeys the state laws.
Set Family
Driving Rules
and Limits
DID YOU KNOW?
Most families set rules
around teen driving.
Teens with strong family
rules have fewer
crashes.
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> PHASE 3
The Full Privilege
License
Upon turning 18, the teen is
issued a full privilege license
and restrictions are removed.
DID YOU KNOW?
Your teen may not need
to be added to your
auto insurance policy until
your teen receives his or her
restricted license.
However, you should let
your insurance company
know that your teen
is starting to drive.
Limit distractions.
New drivers need to focus. Minimize things that might
draw their attention away from driving. Consider
prohibiting
• cell phone usage;
• eating and drinking;
• adjusting the radio/CD player;
• passenger “horseplay.”
Don’t let your teen drive when tired.
Sleep-related crashes are most common in young
people. Teach your teen to recognize when he or she is
too tired to drive.
Don’t let your teen drive when overly emotional.
Tell your teen not to drive when he or she is highly
emotional, regardless of whether angry, happy
or sad.
Enforce the passenger restriction law.
Prohibit riding with someone who has
used alcohol or drugs.
Learn more at www.coteendriver.com
DID YOU KNOW?
For 16 and 17-year-
olds, carrying just one
passenger increases
the crash risk by
about 50%.
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After fulfilling the instruction permit
requirements, teens may apply for a
driver’s license.
This first driver’s license is a restricted license, the
only type of license they may receive until they turn
18.
Arestricted license means:
• No passengers under age 21 until driver has
held a driver’s license for at least six months.
No more than one passenger under age 21
until driver has held a driver’s license for at
least one year. (Siblings and passengers with
medical emergencies are exceptions.)
• All passengers with drivers under
18 must wear seatbelts. This is
a primary, enforced law.
• Only one passenger may
ride in the front seat.
• No driving between midnight
and 5 a.m. until teen has
had a driver’s license for at
least one year, unless
accompanied by an instructor,
parent or legal guardian. For exceptions, go to
www.coteendriver.com.
• No drinking and driving. Colorado has a ZERO
TOLERANCE law for minor drivers.
• Obey all traffic laws.
• Carry proof of insurance.
• Buckle up. Seatbelts save lives.
Learn more at www.coteendriver.com
> PHASE 2
The
Restricted
License
DID YOU
KNOW?
The majority of
crashes happen
between 9 p.m.
and midnight.
Colorado’s laws and your family’s rules
are meant to keep your teen driver –
and everyone else on the road – safe.
But the laws won’t work unless they are enforced.
Law enforcement will do its part to enforce state laws,
and you must do yours to enforce consequences for
violations of family rules.
Primary and secondary offenses.
Law enforcement can only stop and cite you for a
primary offense. If officers have pulled you over for a
primary offense, they can also cite you for a
secondary offense. Seatbelt violations are a primary
offense for teens under 18. All other GDL violations
are secondary offenses. Violations can result in fines,
accumulation of points on your driver’s license,
community service and/or loss of your license.
Impose Consequences
for Violations
Violation
1st Offense
2nd Offense
Subsequent
Offense
Fine
Up to $50
Up to $100
$150
Hours of
Community
Service
8 to 24
16 to 40
16 to 40
License
Suspension
Points
2
2
2
If a driver accumulates 6 or more points through age 18,
his or her license may be revoked.
Restricted License penalties for seatbelt and passenger
restriction violations
43172_ParentInside_English.qxp 7/11/07 7:18 PM Page 1
Colorado’s GDL Laws
>INSTRUCTION PERMIT
>RESTRICTED LICENSE
>FULL PRIVILEGE LICENSE
DID YOU KNOW?
Teens are less likely than
adults to understand the risks
of driving because they lack
experience. Their brains are
still developing well into their
20s, affecting their
judgment while driving.
Parent-imposed penalties
• Listen or lose. Make
consequences relate to losing
driving privileges with the length
of time dependent on the
seriousness of the violation. For example,
if caught with a passenger, take the car keys away
for a week.
• Make consequences known. Set consequences
for common violations before they occur so your teen
knows what to expect. Some common violations:
carrying a passenger under 21 years of age within
the first 6 months of licensure, coming home after
curfew, speeding, being untruthful about his or her
whereabouts, not wearing a seatbelt.
DID YOU
KNOW?
Under Colorado
law, parents can
have their teen’s
license
revoked.
All new drivers under age 18 require a
parent/legal guardian’s signed Affidavit of
Liability to get an instruction permit,
which allows them to drive - with restrictions - under the
supervision of a parent or guardian. Whoever signs the
affidavit is responsible for any financial liability.
How old must my teen be to get an instruction
permit?
• 15-year-olds who have completed and passed the
classroom portion of a state-approved driver’s
education course within 6 months of applying for their
permit may apply.
• Teens who are 15 years and 6 months to 16 years
and have completed a 4-hour driver awareness
course may apply.
• All 16-year-olds may apply.
What are the laws for teens with a permit?
• Teens under the age of 18 may not drive with anyone
except their driving instructor, parent, legal guardian
or a licensed adult 21 years of age or older who is
authorized by the parent or legal guardian.
• Teens age 18 and older may drive with any licensed
driver 21 years of age or older who holds a valid
Colorado driver’s license.
• The law prohibits the use of cell phones while driving
with an instruction permit. That means no talking or
texting.
After my teen has a permit, what does he or
she need to do before applying for a driver’s
license?
• Hold an instruction permit for at least one year.
• Log 50 hours of driving time with an authorized,
licensed parent, legal guardian or alternate permit
supervisor. Ten of those hours must be nighttime
driving.
• Any minor issued a driver’s education permit (the
permit for minors 15 years up to 15 years and 6
months) on or after April 23, 2007, must complete
behind-the-wheel training prior to applying for their
driver’s license. For details, go to
www.coteendriver.com or contact your local Driver’s
License Office.
> PHASE 1
The
Instruction
Permit
Remember!
Download a
Parent/T
Parent/T
een
een
Driving Contract
Driving Contract at
www.coteendriver.com
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