Handing over the car keys to a teenage son or daughter earlier than anticipated might be every parent’s worst nightmare.

As of July 1, 1999, however, Colorado teenagers became eligible for this early dose of responsibility as long as they are enrolled in a drivers’ education course.

"In the past, kids had to be 15 years and 3 months [old] in order to be eligible to receive their driver’s permit," says Diane Webb of the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles in Cortez. "Now, if a kid is enrolled in a drivers ed course they can get their permit at 15," she said.

Without drivers’ education, says Webb, kids need to wait until they are 15 and a half before they can apply for their permit. Sixteen years of age is still the cutoff for when a young person can apply for a license.

"Kids will get an entire year of driving experience with their parents before they go to get their license," says Webb. "They will begin driving with more practice, experience and confidence."

Other recent changes to the driving laws state that a student driver must hold his permit for at least six months and must also complete 50 hours of practice driving [including 10 hours at night] before attempting to obtain a driver’s license.

A student’s practice driving sessions must be completed with a valid license holder present who is at least 21 years of age. The supervising party must then sign a drive time log sheet, verifying the number of hours that the permit holder spent behind the wheel.

Don Burton, a driver’s license administrator for the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles, said that Marcy Morrison (R- Colorado Springs) introduced the bill in the legislature after a number of teen driving deaths occurred along the Front Range.

"The idea is that this will encourage kids to enroll in a drivers’ education course," says Burton.

The new law also breaks down drivers’ licenses into three categories, Burton says. "16 to 18 year olds receive a minor license, 18 to 21 year olds get a provisional license and if you are 21 or older you get an adult license," he said. "With each step up the driver gets to have added privileges, such as driving at night or being able to carry more passengers."

Burton added that with each step up, drivers are also allowed more driving points before losing their license. "Minors get 5 points, provisional drivers get 9 and adults get 12 points," said Burton.

Right now the motor vehicles department is in the process of developing a core curriculum for the state-wide drivers’ education classes, says Burton. During a drivers’ education course, instructors discuss road signs, safe operation, rules of the road, driving under the influence and safe driving tips.