Colorado motorcycle learner's permit restrictions at a glance

A Colorado motorcycle learner's permit (also called a motorcycle endorsement learner's permit) lets you practice riding on public roads, but with significant limits on when, where, and how you can ride. The main restrictions are: you must wear a helmet and eye protection at all times, you cannot ride alone, you cannot ride at night, and you cannot ride on interstate highways. You also cannot carry passengers, and you must display a red "L" plate on your motorcycle so other drivers know you are learning.

These restrictions exist because learner's permit holders have not yet passed the motorcycle skills test. Colorado enforces them through traffic stops and citations, so understanding exactly what you can and cannot do matters before you get on the road.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a licensed motorcycle rider at least 18 years old with you at all times while riding on a learner's permit.
  • You cannot ride between sunset and sunrise, and you cannot ride on interstate highways under any circumstances.
  • A helmet and eye protection (goggles or face shield) are required every time you ride, with no exceptions.
  • You must display a red "L" plate on the rear of your motorcycle so other drivers can see you are a learner.
  • Once you pass the Colorado motorcycle skills test, you can remove these restrictions and ride with a full endorsement.

The supervising rider requirement

You cannot ride alone on a learner's permit. Colorado law requires a licensed motorcycle rider to be with you at all times. That rider must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid motorcycle endorsement on their own driver's license. They do not have to be riding their own motorcycle — they can be a passenger on yours, but they must be physically present on the bike with you.

This is one of the most commonly misunderstood restrictions. The supervising rider is not just a safety suggestion; it is a legal requirement. If you are stopped by law enforcement and riding alone, you can receive a citation regardless of how safely you were riding or how short the distance was.

Nighttime riding prohibition

You cannot ride between sunset and sunrise while holding a learner's permit. This means if the sun sets at 5:30 p.m., you must be off the road by then. The restriction applies every single day of the year, and sunset times change with the seasons, so the actual cutoff time shifts throughout the year.

Colorado does not define "sunset" by a specific clock time — it is based on the actual time the sun goes down in your location. If you are unsure whether it is still legal to ride, err on the side of caution and stop before dusk. Law enforcement can cite you for riding after sunset, and the citation will appear on your driving record.

Interstate highway restrictions

You cannot ride on any interstate highway in Colorado while on a learner's permit, even during daylight hours with a supervising rider present. This includes Interstate 25, Interstate 70, Interstate 76, and all other interstate routes. The restriction applies regardless of traffic conditions, weather, or how experienced you feel.

If you need to travel a distance that would normally use an interstate, you must use US highways or state highways instead. This may add time to your trip, but it is a legal requirement. Riding on an interstate while on a learner's permit can result in a citation and points on your driving record.

Helmet and eye protection requirements

Colorado law requires you to wear a helmet and eye protection every time you ride, with no exceptions. The helmet must meet Department of Transportation (DOT) standards — you can check the inside of the helmet for a DOT sticker. Eye protection means goggles or a face shield that covers your eyes and protects them from wind and debris.

These are not suggestions or best practices; they are legal requirements. Riding without a helmet or without eye protection can result in a citation. If you are in an accident and were not wearing required safety gear, it can also affect insurance claims or liability in court.

The red "L" plate requirement

You must display a red "L" plate on the rear of your motorcycle. The plate signals to other drivers that you are a learner and may be riding more slowly or cautiously than experienced riders. Colorado does not issue this plate automatically — you need to obtain one when you get your learner's permit, usually from the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles office where you received the permit.

The "L" plate must be visible and securely attached. If it falls off or becomes unreadable, you should replace it before riding again. Riding without the plate visible can result in a citation, even if you are otherwise following all other restrictions.

Passenger restrictions

You cannot carry passengers on your motorcycle while on a learner's permit. The only person allowed on your bike is the supervising rider who is required to be with you. This means no friends, no family members, and no one else — only the licensed rider who is supervising your practice.

This restriction exists because carrying a passenger adds complexity and weight to the motorcycle, making it harder to control while you are still learning. Once you pass your skills test and receive a full motorcycle endorsement, you can carry passengers if your motorcycle is designed to do so.

What happens when you pass your skills test

Once you pass the Colorado motorcycle skills test through the Department of Motor Vehicles, you receive a full motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license. At that point, all learner's permit restrictions are removed. You can ride alone, ride at night, ride on interstate highways, and carry passengers (if your motorcycle has passenger seating).

You do not need to do anything special to remove the restrictions — they automatically end when your endorsement is issued. However, you should remove your red "L" plate, as it is no longer required and signals that you are still a learner. You still must wear a helmet and eye protection, as Colorado requires this for all motorcycle riders regardless of endorsement status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my supervising rider be on a different motorcycle?

No. The supervising rider must be on your motorcycle with you. They cannot follow you on their own bike or ride alongside you. They must be a passenger on your bike at all times while you are riding on a learner's permit.

What if I ride after sunset by accident?

Riding after sunset is a violation regardless of whether it was intentional. If you are stopped, you can receive a citation. The best approach is to check sunset times for your area before you ride and plan your practice sessions to end well before dark.

Do I need the red "L" plate if I am riding on private property?

The learner's permit restrictions explore only to public roads. If you are riding on private property with the owner's permission, the restrictions do not explore. However, once you are on any public road, all restrictions are in effect, including the "L" plate requirement.

Can I get a waiver for any of these restrictions?

Colorado does not issue waivers for learner's permit restrictions. The restrictions are set by state law and explore to all learner's permit holders. The only way to remove them is to pass your motorcycle skills test and receive your full endorsement.

What is the penalty for violating learner's permit restrictions?

Violations can result in citations, fines, and points added to your driving record. The specific penalty depends on which restriction you violated. Multiple violations can affect your ability to renew your license or obtain your full endorsement, so it is important to follow all restrictions while practicing.