NEWS BRIEF
The Denver Gazette reports that Colorado’s expanded driver education requirements will take effect Jan. 1, 2027, under House Bill 24-1021. People ages 15 through 17 will need a 30-hour driver education course before receiving an instruction permit. Those ages 18 through 20 will need either the 30-hour course or a four-hour driver awareness program.
The law also requires people under 21 to complete Colorado State Patrol-approved motorcycle safety training before receiving a motorcycle instruction permit or endorsement. Existing behind-the-wheel training and supervised-driving requirements remain in place, while instructor background checks will move to fingerprint-based criminal history reviews.
What to know
Beginning in 2027, all Colorado teens under 18 will need a 30-hour driver education course before obtaining an instruction permit. Young adults ages 18 through 20 will have a separate course-or-awareness-program option.
Reporting: Scott Weiser · Denver Gazette · 10-08-2026
