Most new drivers in Colorado are required to successfully complete a State-approved driver's education program in order to obtain a Colorado driver's license. In fact, for many applicants, the driver's education certificate of completion is part of the actual driver's license application.

WHO MUST TAKE DRIVER'S EDUCATION

• Colorado residents between the ages of 15 years and 6 months can obtain a Driver's Education permit after successfully completing a Driver Education Classroom Course or equivalent behind the wheel training.
• Colorado residents between the ages of 15 years and 6 months and 16 years applying for a Driver's Awareness permit must successfully complete a 4 hour Driver Awareness Program. /co/colorado/drivers-license/co/colorado/learners-permits-for-beginner-drivers/co/colorado/drivers-license/co/colorado/learners-permits-for-beginner-drivers/co/colorado/drivers-license

WHERE TO TAKE DRIVER'S EDUCATION

Driver's education classroom courses are offered through both public and private school programs. Driving schools, licensed by the Division of Motor Vehicles, cover the same course content.

WHAT'S COVERED IN A DRIVER'S EDUCATION COURSE

While driver's education courses vary from one school to another, all licensed programs must include the following components:

• Classroom periods, focusing on issues including alcohol safety and drug abuse awareness, defensive driving, motorcycle awareness and organ and tissue donation.
• In-car instruction sessions with a qualified instructor.
• For Drivers Education Permit holders, at least 6 hours of behind the wheel instruction sessions with a driving instructor are required. Alternately, where approved driving schools are not available within 30 miles of your residence, at least 12 hours of behind the wheel instruction by a parent, local guardian or alternate permit supervisor is acceptable.

After the successful completion of the driver's education course, your driving school will a send a copy of the completion certificate to the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, after which you may be issued a permanent driver's license. Drivers under the age of 18 must have their certificate signed and authorized by a parent or legal guardian, who must certify that the student has had at least 50 hours of driving practice.

OPTIONAL PROGRAMS

In addition to the core requirements of a driver's education course, many driving schools in Colorado offer optional programs that focus on particular aspects of driver education. Specialized courses include Auto Insurance Discount Courses or Defensive Driving courses, either of which may qualify students for a discount on auto insurance. These and other courses may also enable students to reduce points on their license, and/or get their license back sooner after a suspension. See our section on Colorado driving schools for more information.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• See also Learner's Permits and Driver's Handbook.
• See also Commercial Driver's Education.