✓ Checked against official sources · 2026-10-18

Driver training rules in Colorado for teen and adult driver's education, CDL schools, carriers that train their own drivers and school bus drivers, each with a link to the official source. Federal ELDT rules (49 CFR Part 380) apply in every state on top of these.

Driver education (teens)	Until Dec. 31, 2026: permit at 15 to 15.5 needs a 30-hour driver ed course; 15.5 to 16 needs the 30-hour course or a 4-hour driver awareness program. From Jan. 1, 2027 all permit applicants 15-17 need the 30-hour course (HB24-1021). Under 16 1/2 at license: 6 hours behind-the-wheel at a driving school, or 12 extra logged hours if 30+ miles from one.source 1 · source 2 · source 3
Supervised practice (teens)	Under 18: 50 logged hours, 10 at night; hold permit 12 months or until 18.source 1
New adult drivers	Ages 18-20: no driver ed required for a permit before Jan. 1, 2027. For permits applied for on or after Jan. 1, 2027, a 30-hour driver ed course or a 4-hour driver awareness program is required. No permit hold time or logged hours at 18+ (HB24-1021).source 2 · source 1
Who licenses driving schools	Colorado DMV (Driver Testing and Education unit) certifies commercial driving schools. A certified school must offer a Department-approved 30-hour driver ed curriculum; behind-the-wheel training is 6 hours (1 CCR 204-30 Rule 8).source 4 · source 5
CDL training: state rules beyond federal ELDT	Federal ELDT required; plus initial Class A applicants from a DPOS-approved school must affirm human trafficking recognition training before the skills test.source 6 · source 7
CDL schools: state license	Yes. Trucking schools are private occupational schools approved by the Division of Private Occupational Schools (Dept. of Higher Education) unless exempt under C.R.S. 23-64-104.source 8
CDL schools: state hours or curriculum	No state hours. One add-on: Class A applicants from a DPOS-approved school must affirm human trafficking recognition training before the skills test (1 CCR 204-30 Rule 7).source 7 · source 6
CDL schools: instructor rules	No separate instructor license. DPOS rules require school instructors in a job that needs a credential (such as a CDL) to have at least 2 years / 4,000 hours of related work experience and keep the credential in good standing. Schools report new instructors to DPOS within 30 days (8 CCR 1504-1 Sec. III.E; C.R.S. 23-64-112(1)(e)).source 9 · source 10 · source 11
Carriers training their own drivers: license	Exempt: an employer training its own employees is outside the private occupational school law (C.R.S. 23-64-104(1)(i); 2024 printout).source 11
Carriers: hours or curriculum	No state hours. The trafficking affidavit applies only to applicants from DPOS-approved schools, so carrier-trained drivers need federal ELDT only.source 7
Carriers: instructor rules	No. DPOS instructor review applies to approved schools; employer in-house training is exempt. Federal 380.605 applies.source 11
New school bus drivers	No set hours. Pre-service training on vehicle type, duties, mountain/adverse weather and mandatory reporting before transporting students (1 CCR 301-26).source 12
School bus refresher	At least 6 hours in-service training every year, plus the CDE written test each school year.source 12

Driving manuals and handbooks

Official publications from Colorado, checked 2026-10-19. Read them here or download them; the state's own copy is always linked.

Driver's manual

The Colorado Driver Handbook - What every motorist needs to know about driving in the Centennial State

Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles · DR 2337 (12/05/24) · 36 pages

Download PDF Official copy on the state site

Teen and parent guides

The Parent's Supervised Driving Program

J.F. Griffin Publishing and Safe Roads Alliance ('A program of the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles') · 52 pages

Open on the state siteCopyright J.F. Griffin Publishing and Safe Roads Alliance, so it opens on the state's site.

Commercial (CDL)

Commercial Driver License Manual (2023 CDL Testing System)

Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles · June 2023, DR 2251 (06/15/23) · 156 pages

Open on the state siteCopyright AAMVA, so it opens on the state's site.

Motorcycle and moped

Motorcycle Operator's Handbook

Colorado Department of Revenue · DR 2336 (03/27/18) · 24 pages

Download PDF Official copy on the state site

Driving jobs in Colorado

25,350heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers employed (May 2025)

$61,500median yearly pay (May 2025)

3,550projected openings each year, 2024 to 2034

11.8%projected job growth, 2024 to 2034

U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsOccupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Colorado, May 2025 Projections CentralLong-Term Occupational Projections (2024-2034)

Rules change. Always confirm with the state agency before you rely on a rule. Something out of date? Email terry@eldt.courses.

Federal rules in every state

CDL entry-level driver training must come from a provider listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry, for a first Class A or B CDL, an upgrade to Class A or B, or a first P, S or H endorsement (49 CFR 380.609). See ELDT record keeping under 49 CFR 380.

Sources

See all states