If your teen is getting ready to drive, Colorado’s Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program is the roadmap you’ll follow from first permit to full license. Here’s a quick breakdown of how it works and what’s required at each step.

What’s New: Colorado’s Updated GDL Requirements (April 2026)

Colorado recently updated its GDL laws to expand driver’s education requirements to more age groups. Here’s what’s changing:

• Ages 15-18: The 30-hour classroom driver’s education course is now required for all teens through age 18.
• Ages 18-21: Adults in this age group who don’t yet have their permit will need to complete a 4-hour Driver Awareness course before obtaining one.
• Ages 21 and older: No changes. The standard adult process applies.

Important: These laws are officially on the books as of April 1, 2026, but the State of Colorado has confirmed that enforcement will not begin until January 2027. We encourage families to get ahead of the requirements now. Classes fill quickly and starting early ensures your teen is prepared well before the deadline.

Want the full breakdown? See our complete guide to Colorado’s updated GDL requirements →

The 3 Stages of Colorado’s GDL Program

• Stage 1, Instruction Permit (Age 15+): Complete driver’s ed (now required through age 18 under the new 2026 laws), pass the written test, and hold the permit for a full 12 months while logging 50 hours of supervised driving (10 at night).
• Stage 2, Minor Driver’s License (Age 16+): After the permit period, teens earn their license, but with restrictions. No cell phones, a midnight to 5 a.m. curfew, and passenger limits for the first year.
• Stage 3, Full License (Age 18): All GDL restrictions lift. Standard Colorado traffic laws apply.

Key Restrictions to Know

• Passenger limit: No non-family passengers under 21 for the first 6 months; only one for the following 6 months
• Curfew: No driving midnight to 5 a.m. for the first year (with exceptions for work, school, or emergencies)
• No cell phones: Zero cell phone use while driving, including hands-free, for all drivers under 18 unless during an emergency.
• Points: License can be suspended for too many points before age 18

How Community Driving School Helps

We offer everything your teen needs to meet Colorado’s GDL requirements at four Denver metro locations:

• 30-hour classroom course (in-person on weekends or self-paced online)
• 4-hour Driver Awareness Course for teens 15.5 to 16, and adults ages 18-21 under new laws
• 6-hour behind-the-wheel training with a certified instructor
• Written permit testing and DMV-approved driver’s license road testing

Want the full picture? Read our complete guide to Colorado’s GDL laws, including step-by-step requirements, a stage comparison, and every course your teen needs:

Read more: Colorado GDL Laws: Complete Guide

Ready to get started? Explore our teen courses or contact us today.