Colorado Driver's Ed: Required or Optional?

Colorado requires driver’s ed. If you’re under 18 and want a license, you’ll need to complete a state-approved course before you can take the road test.

How it connects to your practice hours

Driver’s ed is separate from the 50 supervised driving hours Colorado requires. You need both. The course teaches rules and theory. The 50 hours (including 10 at night) build actual driving experience with a parent or guardian in the car.

See the full hour breakdown at Colorado permit hours.

How the requirement works

Drivers under 18 must complete an approved driver education program. Programs vary, but most run 30 to 40 classroom hours and include some behind-the-wheel time. You’ll get a certificate when you finish. Bring that to the DMV when you apply for your license.

Must complete driver education within 6 months of applying.

Inside a driver’s ed program

Most courses break into two parts: classroom (or online) and behind-the-wheel. The classroom half runs 30+ hours and covers laws, signs, right-of-way, and accident prevention. Behind-the-wheel training, if included, puts you in a car with a certified instructor for 6 to 10 sessions. Costs range from $200 to $800.

Keep track of your progress

Moda logs your supervised driving hours automatically. It tracks day vs. night, shows your running total against Colorado’s requirements, and generates the driving log you’ll need for the DMV. One less thing to worry about during the permit process.

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