HB24-1021: Motor Vehicle Minor Driver Education

To get your permit, you must:

• Pre-register online before your appointment.
  • Not required if you've had an ID, permit, or DL.
• Complete a 30-hour driver education course.
• Study for the written permit test.
  • Find the driver handbook and practice written tests on the Driver Education page here.
• Pass the written test.
  • The written test can be taken:
    • Online here,
    • In person, or 
    • Through a 3rd party provider found here.
  • If you don’t pass the written permit test, you will have to pay a fee of $11.50 for each retest.
  • You may only take two tests per day.
• Schedule an appointment.
  • Click here to visit the appointment page.

To get your permit, you must:

• Pre-register online before your appointment.
  • Not required if you've had an ID, permit, or DL.
• Complete a 30-hour driver education course OR a 4-hour driver awareness course.
• Study for the written permit test.
  • Find the driver handbook and practice written tests on the Driver Education page here.
• Pass the written test.
  • The written test can be taken:
    • Online here,
    • In person, or 
    • Through a 3rd party provider found here.
  • If you don’t pass the written permit test, you will have to pay a fee of $11.50 for each retest.
  • You may only take two tests per day.
• Schedule an appointment.
  • Click here to visit the appointment page.

• Must successfully complete a motorcycle safety training program approved by the Colorado State Patrol.
  • This is required for in-state applicants and out-of-state transfers.
  • Find approved MOST courses here.
• Schedule an appointment.
  • Click here to visit the appointment page.

Colorado is enhancing road safety by introducing more comprehensive training for new drivers under 21 years old. Under House Bill 24-1021, the path to obtaining a driver’s permit will include updated education hours and stricter instructor qualifications.

Teen drivers face various risks behind the wheel, from inexperience to distractions. This legislation shifts Colorado’s approach toward more comprehensive young driver education and safety protocols for those teaching the next generation of motorists.

Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws are designed to keep drivers under 18 safe by limiting distractions and high-risk driving situations while they gain experience. Since the passage of GDL laws in 2002, total teen fatalities have fallen by 35%, dropping from 103 in 2002 to 67 in 2025.

Increasing the exposure of minors to driver education is another step in helping them become safe and better drivers.

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.

If you are under the age of 18, you MUST hold your learner’s permit for at least 12 months.

If you are 18 years old or older, there is no minimum hold time for your learner's permit.

Driver education classes are valid for 6 months from the date of completion.

All behind-the-wheel driving school instructors must now complete a fingerprint background check in place of a CBI background check.

Our rules have always prohibited us from allowing anyone with a felony or moral turpitude on their records from providing driver education to minors and at-risk adults. The Act now expands on that and also includes specific language for the conviction of certain violent or sexual crimes.

If you're applying for a new permit on or after January 1, 2027, after your previous license or permit was surrendered, cancelled, suspended, or revoked, you will need to meet the driver education requirements applicable to your age group, which may require taking (or re-taking) a course.

If you are applying for a Colorado permit on or after Jan. 1, 2027, you will need to meet the new Colorado requirements.

15 to 17 years old: You must complete a 30-hour driver education course before you can receive your Colorado permit.

18 to 20 years old: You must complete a 30-hour driver education course OR a 4-hour driver awareness course before you can receive your Colorado permit.