Colorado Driver Education FAQs

Under the rules currently applicable before January 1, 2027, an approved 30-hour driver education course can allow a teen to qualify for an instruction permit at 15. An approved four-hour driver awareness course can allow qualification at 15½, while a teen who completes neither course generally qualifies at 16.

Yes. For applications submitted on or after January 1, 2027, minors ages 15 through 17 must complete an approved 30-hour driver education course before receiving an instruction permit.

Teendrivingcourse's Colorado FAQ states that its online Colorado driver education course is approved by the Colorado Department of Revenue. Because Colorado's requirements change for applications beginning January 1, 2027, confirm the current approval requirements when you apply.

The approved driver education course discussed here is 30 hours. Colorado law also permits the 30-hour course to be completed online under the new requirements that apply to qualifying applications beginning January 1, 2027.

No. You must have an authorized supervising driver in the front passenger seat whenever you drive with an instruction permit.

If you are under 18, you must hold your instruction permit for at least 12 months before receiving a minor driver's license. You must also meet the required driving-experience and testing requirements.

You need at least 50 hours of actual driving experience, including at least 10 hours at night, before receiving a minor driver's license. The required driving experience must be documented on an accepted log or other approved record.

You do if you apply for a driver's license before turning 16 years and six months. The standard requirement is six hours with an instructor from an approved driver education school, with a limited 12-hour alternative when no qualifying school is available within 30 miles.

You cannot receive a minor driver's license before age 16. If you are under 18, you must also have held your permit for at least 12 months and completed the required driving experience and testing.

Passenger restrictions apply during your first year as a Colorado minor driver. Generally, you cannot carry passengers under 21 during the first six months, and during the second six months you are generally limited to one passenger under 21, subject to listed exceptions.

Generally, not during your first year as a licensed driver. Exceptions include certain trips involving school or work, medical emergencies, or a qualifying parent, guardian, or adult driver.

No, except to contact police or fire authorities or in an emergency. Colorado prohibits drivers under 18 from using a cell or mobile phone while driving.

At least 10 of the required 50 hours of supervised driving must be completed at night. Your driving log must document the required nighttime experience.

Colorado's minimum liability coverage is $25,000 for bodily injury or death to one person, $50,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage.

No. The course can provide driver education and preparation, but you still must complete the Colorado supervised-driving, behind-the-wheel, permit-holding, and testing requirements that apply to you.