In a significant move aimed at enhancing road safety, Colorado lawmakers have passed House Bill 24-1021, the Motor Vehicle Minor Driver Education Standards bill. Signed into a new driving education law in mid-May, this new legislation mandates an increase in the education hours required for drivers under 18 to obtain an instruction permit. The bill, set to take effect on April 1, 2026, represents a major overhaul of the state’s approach to young driver education.
Previously, young drivers aged 15 and a half to 16 could receive an instruction permit after completing either a driver education course or a four-hour driver awareness course. Those under 15 and a half were required to complete a driver education course, including 30 hours of classroom instruction and six hours of behind-the-wheel training with a professional instructor or 12 hours with a qualified adult.
Under the new driving education law, these requirements have been standardized and expanded. All drivers under 18 must now complete a 30-hour driver education course and at least six hours of behind-the-wheel training with a professional instructor or 12 hours with a guardian or responsible adult. Additionally, minors aged 18 to 21 must complete a four-hour prequalification driver awareness program before obtaining a permit. These measures are designed to ensure that young drivers are better prepared for the challenges of driving, thereby reducing the risk of accidents.
Enhanced Instructor Monitoring
In a further bid to safeguard young and vulnerable drivers, the new driving education law includes stringent measures to monitor driving instructors. The bill explicitly prohibits individuals convicted of violent or sexual crimes from providing behind-the-wheel instruction to minors and at-risk adults. To enforce this, commercial driving instructors will be required to undergo fingerprinting to verify they have not committed any disqualifying offenses. This provision aims to enhance the safety and integrity of the driver education process, ensuring that only qualified and trustworthy individuals are entrusted with the critical task of teaching young drivers.
New Driving Education Law to change requirements for driver’s ed in Colorado
Implementation and Impact
While the new requirements mark a significant shift in the driver education landscape, their implementation is set for April 1, 2026. This lead time allows driver education programs, instructors, and families to adjust to the new standards. The phased approach aims to minimize disruption while maximizing the benefits of enhanced driver education.
The passage of House Bill 24-1021 reflects Colorado’s commitment to improving road safety and ensuring that young drivers are adequately prepared for the responsibilities of driving. By increasing education hours and imposing stricter regulations on instructors, the state hopes to cultivate a new generation of well-trained and safety-conscious drivers.
As Colorado looks ahead to the implementation of these changes, the overarching goal remains clear: to reduce accidents and fatalities on the roads by equipping young drivers with the knowledge and skills they need to drive safely. The new driving education law underscores the importance of comprehensive driver education and the critical role it plays in fostering a safer driving environment for all.
In summary, the Motor Vehicle Minor Driver Education Standards bill is a forward-thinking piece of legislation that addresses the need for more rigorous training and oversight in young driver education. Its successful implementation could serve as a model for other states looking to enhance their own driver training programs.
