30-hour driver education course and 4-hour driver awareness program
Overseen by Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (Driver Testing and Education unit)
- Age
The DMV's current permit guide tells applicants aged 15 to 15 years and 6 months to complete a 30-hour driver education course.
What the source says
“Age 15 years to 15 years and 6 months: Complete a 30-hour driver education course.”
Colorado Permits and First-Time Driver License - Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, read October 7, 2026
The DMV's current permit guide tells applicants aged 15 years and 6 months to 16 to complete either a 4-hour driver awareness program or a 30-hour driver education course.
What the source says
“Age 15 years and 6 months to 16 years: Complete either a 4-hour driver awareness program OR a 30-hour driver education course.”
Colorado Permits and First-Time Driver License - Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, read October 7, 2026
Applicants aged 15 through 17 will be required to complete a 30-hour driver education course before obtaining an instruction permit.
What the source says
“Ages 15 through 17: Will be required to complete a 30-hour driver education course before obtaining an instruction permit.”
HB24-1021: Motor Vehicle Minor Driver Education - Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, read October 7, 2026
Applicants aged 18 through 20 can choose between a 30-hour driver education course and a 4-hour driver awareness program, which must be in person, before obtaining an instruction permit.
What the source says
“Ages 18 through 20: Can choose between completing a 30-hour driver education course or a 4-hour driver awareness program (must be in person) before obtaining an instruction permit.”
HB24-1021: Motor Vehicle Minor Driver Education - Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, read October 7, 2026
- Taking it online
State law says the thirty-hour driver education course must be approved by the department, must have been completed within the last six months, and may be completed online.
What the source says
“Has successfully completed within the last six months a thirty-hour driver education course that is approved by the department, which course may be completed online; and”
Colorado Revised Statutes 2026, Title 42, Vehicles and Traffic (sections 42-2-106, 42-2-127.1, 42-2-601 to 42-2-604 and 42-4-1717), read October 7, 2026
The approved 30-hour driver education course may be taken online or in person.
What the source says
“Must complete an approved 30-hour driver education course (online or in-person) before receiving a permit.”
New 2027 Colorado driving laws targeting teen safety - Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles press release, read October 7, 2026
- Deadline
The driver education requirements change for Coloradans under 21 who apply for an instruction permit on or after January 1, 2027.
What the source says
“Learn about the changes to driver education requirements for Coloradans under the age of 21 applying for an instruction permit or motorcycle endorsement on and after January 1, 2027.”
HB24-1021: Motor Vehicle Minor Driver Education - Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, read October 7, 2026
The new requirements apply to minors who receive their permit after January 1, 2027; people who already have a permit are not affected.
What the source says
“These changes apply to minors receiving their permit AFTER January 1, 2027. If you already have your permit, these new requirements will not apply to you.”
HB24-1021: Motor Vehicle Minor Driver Education - Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, read October 7, 2026
- Certificate
A completed driver education class is valid for 6 months from the date of completion.
What the source says
“Driver education classes are valid for 6 months from the date of completion.”
HB24-1021: Motor Vehicle Minor Driver Education - Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, read October 7, 2026
- Who approves it
Driving education and testing schools in Colorado are state-approved.
What the source says
“Use the map below to find state-approved driving education and testing schools for passenger, commercial, and motorcycles across Colorado.”
Driver Education School Locations - Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, read October 7, 2026
- Good to know
Permit holders under 16 years and 6 months old must complete 6 hours of in-car driving with an approved third-party driving school.
What the source says
“Permit holders under 16 years and 6 months old must complete 6 hours of in the car driving with an approved 3rd party driving school.”
Colorado Permits and First-Time Driver License - Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, read October 7, 2026