C.R.S. Section 42-2-106
Instruction permits and temporary licenses


(1)(a)(I) A person who is sixteen years of age or older and who, except for the person’s lack of instruction in operating a motor vehicle or motorcycle, would otherwise be qualified to obtain a license under this article may apply for a temporary instruction permit in accordance with sections 42-2-107 and 42-2-108. The department shall issue a permit entitling an applicant, who is sixteen years of age or older but under eighteen years of age, while having the permit in the applicant’s immediate possession, to drive a motor vehicle or motorcycle upon the highways when accompanied by the parent, stepparent, grandparent with power of attorney, or guardian or foster parent, who signed the affidavit of liability pursuant to section 42-2-108 (1)(a), who holds a valid Colorado driver’s license, and who occupies the front seat in close proximity to the driver or, in the case of a motorcycle, under the immediate proximate supervision of a licensed driver, who holds a valid Colorado driver’s license and is twenty-one years of age or older, authorized under this article to drive a motorcycle. In addition, the parent, stepparent, grandparent with power of attorney, or guardian or foster parent, who is authorized pursuant to this section to supervise the minor driver while the minor is driving, may allow the minor, while having the permit in the applicant’s immediate possession, to drive with an individual who holds a valid driver’s license and is twenty-one years of age or older for additional driving experience, but such additional driving experience shall not count toward the requirement established in section 42-2-104. The permit shall expire three years after issuance. The department shall issue a permit entitling the applicant, who is eighteen years of age or older, while having the permit in the applicant’s immediate possession, to drive a motor vehicle or motorcycle upon the highways when accompanied by a driver, who holds a valid Colorado driver’s license and is twenty-one years of age or older, who occupies the front seat of the motor vehicle, or if the vehicle is a motorcycle under the immediate proximate supervision of a driver, who is authorized under this article to drive a motorcycle. The permit shall expire three years after issuance.

(II)

If the parent, stepparent, grandparent with power of attorney, or guardian or foster parent, who signed the affidavit of liability pursuant to section 42-2-108 (1)(a), does not hold a valid Colorado driver’s license, the parent, stepparent, grandparent with power of attorney, or guardian or foster parent may appoint an alternate permit supervisor. An alternate permit supervisor shall hold a valid Colorado driver’s license and be twenty-one years of age or older or, if the vehicle is a motorcycle, is authorized under this article to drive a motorcycle. A minor who is issued a permit under this paragraph (a) may drive a motor vehicle, including a motorcycle, under the supervision of the alternate permit supervisor if the minor has the permit in the minor’s immediate possession and the alternate permit supervisor occupies the front seat of the motor vehicle or, if the vehicle is a motorcycle, is in close proximity to the driver.

(III)

If the parent, stepparent, grandparent with power of attorney, or guardian or foster parent, who signed the affidavit of liability pursuant to section 42-2-108 (1)(a), does not hold a valid Colorado driver’s license but holds a valid driver’s license from another state and is authorized to drive a motor vehicle or motorcycle and has proper military identification, then the applicant, while having the permit in the applicant’s immediate possession, shall be authorized to drive a motor vehicle, including a motorcycle, under the supervision of the parent, stepparent, grandparent with power of attorney, or guardian or foster parent, who cosigned the application for the minor’s instruction permit, if the parent, stepparent, grandparent with power of attorney, or guardian or foster parent occupies the front seat of the motor vehicle or, if the vehicle is a motorcycle, is in close proximity to the driver while the minor is driving.

(b)

Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(I)

A minor who is fifteen years of age or older and has completed a department-approved driver education course within the last six months may apply for a minor’s instruction permit, pursuant to sections 42-2-107 and 42-2-108. Nothing in this subparagraph (I) shall require a minor who is fifteen years of age or older and in the foster care system to complete and present an affidavit of liability to register for a department-approved driver education course prior to applying for a minor’s instruction permit. Upon presentation of a written or printed statement signed by the parent, stepparent, grandparent with power of attorney, or guardian or foster parent and the instructor of the driver education course that the minor has passed an approved driver education course, and a signed affidavit of liability pursuant to section 42-2-108, the department shall issue the permit entitling the applicant, while having the permit in the applicant’s immediate possession, to drive a motor vehicle, including a motorcycle, under the supervision of the parent, stepparent, grandparent with power of attorney, or guardian or foster parent, who cosigned the application for the minor’s instruction permit, if the parent, stepparent, grandparent with power of attorney, or guardian or foster parent holds a valid Colorado driver’s license and occupies the front seat of the motor vehicle or, if the vehicle is a motorcycle, is authorized under this article to drive a motorcycle and is in close proximity to the driver while the minor is driving. In addition, the parent, stepparent, grandparent with power of attorney, or guardian or foster parent, who is authorized pursuant to this section to supervise the minor driver while the minor is driving, may allow the minor, while having the permit in the applicant’s immediate possession, to drive with an individual who holds a valid driver’s license and is twenty-one years of age or older for additional driving experience, but such additional driving experience shall not count toward the requirement established in section 42-2-104. The permit shall also entitle the applicant to drive a motor vehicle, including a motorcycle, that is marked to indicate that it is a motor vehicle used for instruction and that is properly equipped for instruction, upon the highways when accompanied by or under the supervision of an approved driver education instructor who holds a valid Colorado driver’s license. Driver education instructors giving instruction in motorcycle safety shall have a valid motorcycle driver’s license from Colorado and shall have successfully completed an instruction program in motorcycle safety approved by the department. The permit shall expire three years after issuance.

(II)

If the parent, stepparent, grandparent with power of attorney, or guardian or foster parent, who signed the affidavit of liability pursuant to section 42-2-108 (1)(a), does not hold a valid Colorado driver’s license, the parent, stepparent, grandparent with power of attorney, or guardian or foster parent may appoint an alternate permit supervisor. An alternate permit supervisor shall hold a valid Colorado driver’s license and be twenty-one years of age or older or, if the vehicle is a motorcycle, is authorized under this article to drive a motorcycle. A minor who is issued a permit under this paragraph (b) may drive a motor vehicle, including a motorcycle, under the supervision of the alternate permit supervisor if the minor has the permit in the minor’s immediate possession and the alternate permit supervisor occupies the front seat of the motor vehicle or, if the vehicle is a motorcycle, is in close proximity to the driver.

(III)

If the parent, stepparent, grandparent with power of attorney, or guardian or foster parent, who signed the affidavit of liability pursuant to section 42-2-108 (1)(a), does not hold a valid Colorado driver’s license but holds a valid driver’s license from another state and is authorized to drive a motor vehicle or motorcycle and has proper military identification, then the applicant, while having the permit in the applicant’s immediate possession, shall be authorized to drive a motor vehicle, including a motorcycle, under the supervision of the parent, stepparent, grandparent with power of attorney, or guardian or foster parent, who cosigned the application for the minor’s instruction permit, if the parent, stepparent, grandparent with power of attorney, or guardian or foster parent occupies the front seat of the motor vehicle or, if the vehicle is a motorcycle, is in close proximity to the driver while the minor is driving.

(c)

A person sixteen years of age or older who, except for his or her lack of instruction in operating a motorcycle would otherwise be qualified to obtain a driver’s license under this article to drive a motorcycle may apply for a temporary instruction permit, pursuant to sections 42-2-107 and 42-2-108. The department shall issue the permit entitling the applicant, while having the permit in the applicant’s immediate possession, to drive a motorcycle upon the highways while under the immediate supervision of a licensed driver, who holds a valid Colorado driver’s license and is twenty-one years of age or older, authorized under this article to drive a motorcycle. The permit shall expire three years after issuance.

(d)

Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(I)

A minor fifteen and one-half years of age but less than sixteen years of age who has completed a four-hour prequalification driver awareness program approved by the department may apply for a minor’s instruction permit pursuant to sections 42-2-107 and 42-2-108. Upon presenting a written or printed statement signed by the parent, stepparent, grandparent with power of attorney, or guardian or foster parent of the applicant and documentation that the minor completed the driver awareness program, the department shall issue a permit entitling the applicant, while having the permit in the applicant’s immediate possession, to drive a motor vehicle, including a motorcycle, under the supervision of the parent, stepparent, grandparent with power of attorney, or guardian or foster parent, who cosigned the application for the minor’s instruction permit, if the parent, stepparent, grandparent with power of attorney, or guardian or foster parent holds a valid Colorado driver’s license and occupies the front seat of the motor vehicle or, if the vehicle is a motorcycle, is authorized under this article to drive a motorcycle and is in close proximity to the driver while he or she is driving. In addition, the parent, stepparent, grandparent with power of attorney, or guardian or foster parent, who is authorized pursuant to this section to supervise the minor driver while the minor is driving, may allow the minor, while having the permit in the applicant’s immediate possession, to drive with an individual who holds a valid driver’s license and is twenty-one years of age or older for additional driving experience, but such additional driving experience shall not count toward the requirement established in section 42-2-104. The permit shall expire three years after issuance.

(II)

If the parent, stepparent, grandparent with power of attorney, or guardian or foster parent, who signed the affidavit of liability pursuant to section 42-2-108 (1)(a), does not hold a valid Colorado driver’s license, the parent, stepparent, grandparent with power of attorney, or guardian or foster parent may appoint an alternate permit supervisor. An alternate permit supervisor shall hold a valid Colorado driver’s license and be twenty-one years of age or older or, if the vehicle is a motorcycle, is authorized under this article to drive a motorcycle. A minor who is issued a permit under this paragraph (d) may drive a motor vehicle, including a motorcycle, under the supervision of the alternate permit supervisor if the minor has the permit in the minor’s immediate possession and the alternate permit supervisor occupies the front seat of the motor vehicle or, if the vehicle is a motorcycle, is in close proximity to the driver.

(III)

If the parent, stepparent, grandparent with power of attorney, or guardian or foster parent, who signed the affidavit of liability pursuant to section 42-2-108 (1)(a), does not hold a valid Colorado driver’s license but holds a valid driver’s license from another state and is authorized to drive a motor vehicle or motorcycle and has proper military identification, then the applicant, while having the permit in the applicant’s immediate possession, shall be authorized to drive a motor vehicle, including a motorcycle, under the supervision of the parent, stepparent, grandparent with power of attorney, or guardian or foster parent, who cosigned the application for the minor’s instruction permit, if the parent, stepparent, grandparent with power of attorney, or guardian or foster parent occupies the front seat of the motor vehicle or, if the vehicle is a motorcycle, is in close proximity to the driver while the minor is driving.

(e)

Repealed.

(f)

Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) to (d) of this subsection (1), a temporary instruction permit to operate a commercial motor vehicle as defined in section 42-2-402 shall expire one year after issuance.

(g)

A person who qualifies for a permit under subsection (1)(a), (1)(b), (1)(c), or (1)(d) of this section and who has a disability that requires the person to use a special vehicle or qualifies the person for parking privileges under section 42-3-204 may apply for an instruction permit in accordance with the subsection under which the person qualifies for a permit. Upon determining that a person is qualified for the permit, the department shall issue a permit entitling an applicant to drive a motor vehicle or motorcycle upon the highways in accordance with the requirements of the subsection under which the person qualifies for the permit and any further requirements the department may reasonably require due to the person’s disability. The permit expires three years after issuance.

(h)

Notwithstanding subsections (1)(b) to (1)(d) of this section, a foster child, to obtain an instruction permit under subsections (1)(b) to (1)(d) of this section, may drive with any person who:

(I)

Holds a valid driver’s license;

(II)

Is at least twenty-one years of age; and

(III)

Occupies the front passenger seat, in close proximity to the foster child, for the purposes of instruction.

(2)

Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a)

The department, in its discretion, may issue a temporary driver’s license to an applicant, who is not a first time applicant in Colorado or who is under eighteen years of age and is accompanied by a responsible party meeting the requirements of section 42-2-108 (1), for a minor driver’s or driver’s license which will permit such applicant to operate a motor vehicle while the department completes its verification of all facts relative to such applicant’s right to receive a minor driver’s or driver’s license.

(b)

The department shall issue a temporary driver’s license to a first time applicant in Colorado for a minor driver’s or driver’s license that will permit such applicant to operate a motor vehicle while the department completes its verification of all facts relative to such applicant’s right to receive a minor driver’s or driver’s license including the age, identity, and residency of the applicant, unless such applicant is under eighteen years of age and is accompanied by a responsible adult meeting the requirements of section 42-2-108 (1). Such verification shall include a comparison of existing driver’s license and identification card images in department files with the applicant’s images to ensure such applicant has only one identity.

(c)

A temporary license is valid for up to one year as determined by the department, unless extended by the department, and must be in such applicant’s immediate possession while operating a motor vehicle. It shall be invalid when the permanent license has been issued or has been refused for good cause.

(3)

Any person who violates any provision of this section commits a class A traffic infraction.

Source: Section 42-2-106 — Instruction permits and temporary licenses, https://leg.­colorado.­gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2023-title-42.­pdf (accessed Oct. 20, 2023).

42‑2‑101
Licenses for drivers required - penalty - definition
42‑2‑102
Persons exempt from license
42‑2‑103
Motorcycles - autocycles - low-power scooters - driver’s license required
42‑2‑104
Licenses issued - denied
42‑2‑105
Special restrictions on certain drivers
42‑2‑105.5
Restrictions on minor drivers under eighteen years of age - penalties - legislative declaration
42‑2‑106
Instruction permits and temporary licenses
42‑2‑107
Buckner organ and tissue donation awareness fund - legislative declaration - rules - annual report - repeal
42‑2‑108
Application of minors - rules
42‑2‑109
Release from liability
42‑2‑110
Revocation upon death of signer for minor
42‑2‑111
Examination of applicants and drivers - when required
42‑2‑112
Medical advice - use by department - provider immunity
42‑2‑113
License examiners appointed
42‑2‑114
License issued - voluntary disability identifier symbol - fees - rules - report - definitions
42‑2‑114.5
Fees for drivers’ licenses, identification cards, and related services - crediting to DRIVES account - fee setting procedures - rules - repeal
42‑2‑115
License, permit, or identification card to be exhibited on demand - penalty
42‑2‑116
Restricted license
42‑2‑117
Duplicate permits and minor licenses - replacement licenses
42‑2‑118
Buckner organ and tissue donation awareness fund - rules - report - repeal
42‑2‑118.1
Driver restoration and payment incentive program
42‑2‑119
Notices - change of address or name
42‑2‑120
Methods of service
42‑2‑121
Records to be kept by department - admission of records in court
42‑2‑121.5
Emergency contact information - website form - license application - driver’s license database
42‑2‑122
Department may cancel license - limited license for physical or mental limitations - rules
42‑2‑123
Suspending privileges of nonresidents and reporting convictions
42‑2‑124
When court to report convictions
42‑2‑125
Mandatory revocation of license and permit
42‑2‑126
Revocation of license based on administrative determination
42‑2‑126.5
Revocation of license based on administrative actions taken under tribal law - repeal
42‑2‑127
Authority to suspend license - to deny license - type of conviction - points
42‑2‑127.5
Authority to suspend license - violation of child support order
42‑2‑127.7
Authority to suspend driver’s license - uninsured motorists - legislative declaration
42‑2‑127.9
Authority to suspend driver’s license - leaving the scene of an accident
42‑2‑128
Vehicular homicide - revocation of license
42‑2‑129
Mandatory surrender of license or permit for driving under the influence or with excessive alcoholic content
42‑2‑132
Period of suspension or revocation
42‑2‑132.5
Mandatory and voluntary restricted licenses following alcohol convictions - rules
42‑2‑133
Surrender and return of license
42‑2‑134
Foreign license invalid during suspension
42‑2‑135
Right to appeal
42‑2‑136
Unlawful possession or use of license
42‑2‑137
False affidavit - penalty
42‑2‑138
Driving under restraint - penalty - definitions
42‑2‑139
Permitting unauthorized minor to drive
42‑2‑140
Permitting unauthorized person to drive
42‑2‑141
Renting or loaning a motor vehicle to another
42‑2‑142
Violation - penalty
42‑2‑143
Legislative declaration
42‑2‑144
Reporting by certified level II alcohol and drug education and treatment program providers - notice of administrative remedies against a driver’s license - rules
42‑2‑201
Legislative declaration concerning habitual offenders of motor vehicle laws
42‑2‑202
Habitual offenders - frequency and type of violations
42‑2‑203
Authority to revoke license of habitual offender
42‑2‑204
Appeals
42‑2‑205
Prohibition
42‑2‑206
Driving after revocation prohibited
42‑2‑207
No existing law modified
42‑2‑208
Computation of number of convictions
42‑2‑301
Definitions
42‑2‑302
Department may or shall issue - limitations - rules
42‑2‑303
Contents of identification card - disability identifier symbol - rules - definition
42‑2‑304
Validity of identification card - rules
42‑2‑305
Lost, stolen, or destroyed cards
42‑2‑306
Fees - disposition
42‑2‑307
Change of address - penalty
42‑2‑308
No liability on public entity
42‑2‑309
Unlawful acts
42‑2‑310
Violation
42‑2‑313
Department consult with counties on county jail identification processing unit
42‑2‑401
Short title
42‑2‑402
Definitions
42‑2‑403
Department authority - rules - federal requirements
42‑2‑404
Commercial driver’s license - limitations - rules
42‑2‑405
Driver’s license disciplinary actions - grounds for denial - suspension - revocation - disqualification
42‑2‑405.5
Violations of out-of-service order
42‑2‑406
Fees - rules
42‑2‑407
Licensing of testing units and driving testers - hearings - regulations
42‑2‑408
Unlawful acts - penalty
42‑2‑409
Unlawful possession or use of a commercial driver’s license
42‑2‑501
Short title
42‑2‑502
Legislative declaration
42‑2‑503
Definitions
42‑2‑504
Applicability
42‑2‑505
Identification documents - individuals not lawfully present - rules
42‑2‑506
Identification documents - individuals temporarily lawfully present
42‑2‑507
Taxpayer identification number - confidentiality
42‑2‑508
Fees - operations - rule
42‑2‑509
Renewal - duplicate - replacement - rules
42‑2‑510
Peace officers - arrest authority
42‑2‑511
Driving test - third-party option - definition
42‑2‑601
Definitions
42‑2‑602
Equipment of vehicles
42‑2‑603
Rules
42‑2‑604
Violations - penalty
Green check means up to date. Up to date

Current through Fall 2024

§ 42-2-106’s source at colorado​.gov