Getting Started Guide for New Colorado Drivers

One thing teenagers look forward to is getting their driver’s license. In Colorado, young ones who reach the legal age for a learner’s permit can officially take the steps to acquire driving privileges. While the process isn’t exactly difficult, deliberate steps must be followed.

Luckily, the state isn’t ambiguous about the process; clear details about the steps are written in the law.

Following the steps requires some effort, but most teens will be enthusiastic about receiving their license.

If you’re a teen driver looking for the best and most affordable auto insurance in Colorado, enter your ZIP code above and compare at least three to four policies today!

Driving Requirements in Colorado

Colorado’s driving laws consider someone under the age of 21, not 18, to be a minor. Therefore, the process of acquiring a driver’s license during the teen years means following additional rules.

An 18-year-old doesn’t have pure independence behind the wheel; the process starts with a learner’s permit that cannot be acquired before the age of 15.

Those under the age of 16 must also complete a driver’s education program. An “Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship” shall be submitted when under the age of 18. Establishing an identity, paying a fee, and also passing a written test are required as well.

The Different Learner’s Permits in Colorado

Colorado authorities want to make sure any new driver, young or old, who takes to the road with a learner’s permit understands the basics of traffic laws and safety. The issuance of three age-based learner’s permits supports this approach.

The Driver Education Permit is for drivers between 15 and 15 1/2, while the Driver’s Awareness Permit is for those between 15 1/2 and 16.

Differences exist between the two. The Awareness Permit offers the choice between classroom work and a behind-the-wheel drivers education course or four-hour driver’s awareness course.

With the Driver Education Permit, both the 30-hour classroom session and six hours of behind-the-wheel drivers education courses are mandatory.

Older drivers may find things a little easier. New drivers between 16 and 21 years of age only need to pass a written test to receive a learner’s permit. To be awarded an actual driver’s license, those 16 to 21 years of age must pass both a written test and a road test.

– Reviewing and Learning the Laws

Those wishing to drive in Colorado must become familiar with the rules, laws, and regulations described in the Colorado Driver Handbook.

Drivers test on the material in the handbook during the road and written examinations. The Colorado Driver’s Education course also covers topics related to defensive driving and DUI laws.

Restrictions for Teen Drivers Under 18 Years of Age in Colorado

Since young drivers lack experience, the state has imposed certain rules to increase safety.

Drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and several others experience a reduced risk of injury thanks to the implementation of the rules. Adhering to the law isn’t difficult as the rules focus mainly on curtailing distractions and potential hazards.

– Curfew

A driver under 18 who has been licensed for less than one year must abide by a curfew that bars driving between midnight and 5 AM. The curfew does not apply when accompanied by a parent, guardian, or driving instructor.

Certain exceptions do exist such as traveling to school or work with proper written authorization.

– Number and Age of Passengers

When a teen only has a learner’s permit, they may only ride with a “driving instructor, parent, legal guardian or a licensed adult [authorized by parent/guardian] 21 years of age or older” who must remain in the front seat.

When a teen acquires a license, for the first six months, no passengers under 21 are allowed in a vehicle unless the driver is accompanied by a parent/guardian. For the second six months, only one passenger under age 21 is allowed when driving without adult supervision.

– Cell Phone Use

No one under the age of 18 is allowed to use a cellphone when driving. Unless making an emergency police or fire call, cell phone use is completely banned.

A citation may be issued to a driver who violates this rule.

New drivers need to concentrate on the road and do so during times of the day when conditions are less hazardous. Drivers should not contend with distractions that might further increase the chance of an accident.

From these perspectives, the regulations make sense. It also makes sense to acquire the best possible insurance policy.

Insuring Teen Drivers in Colorado

Insurance coverage protects against losses due to causing an accident or other negligent act. In Colorado, drivers must carry auto insurance. The state has established certain minimum amounts for coverage:

• $25,000 to cover bodily injury or death to one person
• $50,000 to cover bodily injury or death to more than one person per accident
• $15,000 to cover property damage

The low coverage limits probably aren’t enough. Parents and guardians should look for deals on increased liability coverage. Adding more coverage options such as collision, comprehensive, and uninsured/underinsured motorist would make sense as well.

Additional coverage does come with a higher premium price, but looking at numerous quotes can lead to getting solid deals. In fact, reviewing several quotes may uncover the following cost-saving discounts:

– Good Driver

As the new driver takes to the road and logs experience, they also establish adherence to the law. Drivers who do not receive citations within a set amount of time might be rewarded with a policy discount.

A young person may need to wait some time for this discount to become accessible, but time eventually passes.

– Good Student

Being a good student is about more than being smart. Good students usually embrace diligence and personal responsibility.

Such positive traits extend outside of the classroom and to other aspects of life. Driving, for example.

If the young one frequently brings home good grades, auto insurance companies take notice and may issue a discount.

– Driver Training

Enrolling in a formal defensive driving or another educational course can save money on premiums. Through enrolling in a formal course, the student gains solid training on how to be safe and conscientious behind the wheel.

The chances of the student causing an accident decrease as a result. A driver who poses less risk won’t cost as much to insure.

– Multi-Vehicle Discounts

If the teen drives a separate car owned by a parent or guardian, the owners can purchase insurance from the same company that covers their vehicles.

Even when the teen buys and owns their own car, a discount may be possible when the young one lives in the same household as the parent/guardian.

Consumers purchasing more than one policy definitely are preferred by insurance companies and find themselves rewarded.

Filling out a quote request application online also leads to the receipt of several quotes. New drivers who never purchased an auto insurance policy before may be surprised to discover things such as credit history and criminal background are examined.

Still, there may be scores of excellent discounts a new driver can take advantage of such as ones for green vehicles or anti-lock brakes. Just take the necessary time out to look over each quote carefully to acquire the best coverage.

Looking to save on the best auto insurance? Enter your ZIP code below and start comparison shopping today!