Your Roadmap to Getting a Driver’s License in Colorado
Your Roadmap to Success
Begin Your Driver Education Course
Learn the rules of the road, safe driving habits, and key Colorado driving laws through state-approved instruction designed to build a strong foundation for new drivers.
Complete the Written Permit Exam
Take your written permit test once education requirements are met. Passing this exam allows students to begin supervised driving practice with a parent or guardian.
Log 50 Hours of Supervised Driving
Log 50 hours of driving with a guardian before beginning professional sessions. Parents serve as the coach during this vital phase of skill development.
Complete State-Required Drive Time
Work with certified instructors to complete six hours of professional behind-the-wheel training focused on improving awareness, correcting habits, and strengthening real-world driving ability.
Take Your Driving Test
Take your final drive test after holding a permit for 365 days. Then, officially embark on your driving career.
A Supportive Approach to Driver Education
Experience a family-owned approach to driver education with supportive instruction designed for a variety of learning styles. Find a convenient WSDI location and discover guidance that helps students feel comfortable and ready for the road ahead.
The Parent’s Playbook
Active involvement from parents transforms nervous beginners into steady, confident drivers. Explore resources and guidance that help parents reinforce skills, encourage responsibility, and support lifelong safe driving habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started: The Permit Phase
When can my student start driver education in Colorado?
Students are eligible to begin classroom driver education at 14 years and 6 months of age under Colorado state law.
How old do you need to be to take the Colorado permit test?
Per Colorado state law, students are eligible to take the written permit test at 14 years and 11 months old.
What must be completed before taking the permit test?
Students must complete a 30-hour classroom or online driver education course before the state can process permit paperwork.
What time are in-person WSDI driver education classes?
In-person driver education classes run for four days from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM each scheduled day of class.
Can students attend only certain days of an in-person driver education class?
No. Students are required to attend all four scheduled days of their selected in-person class.
Can students combine in-person and online courses?
No. Once a student selects either in-person or online instruction, the full 30-hour course must be completed in that format. Hours cannot be transferred between programs (including expired programs).
When will my student take the written permit test?
For in-person classes, students take the written permit test on the final day of class as long as they are at least 14 years and 11 months old per Colorado state law. For online programs, testing information is submitted by 10:00 AM on the following business day after course completion. Students cannot complete the online course, take the written permit test, and visit the DMV all on the same day.
Does my student still need to take the written permit test after completing the online course?
Yes. The written permit test is separate from the 30-hour online driver education course and is still required by the state of Colorado.
What happens after completing the online driver education course?
Once the online program is completed, testing information is submitted the following business day. Students cannot complete the online course, take the permit test, and visit the DMV all on the same day.
Behind the Wheel: Training & Hours
How much driving practice is required in Colorado?
Colorado requires students to complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice with a parent or guardian. Active participation outside of class is one of the most important parts of becoming a safe driver.
Is the 6-hour behind-the-wheel training required?
Yes. Drivers until they are 16 years and 6 months must complete six hours of professional behind-the-wheel instruction. Colorado state law requires this training to help students develop safe defensive driving habits and real-world driving awareness.
Does the 6-hour behind-the-wheel program count toward the required 50 driving hours?
No. The state-required 6-hour behind-the-wheel instruction completed with WSDI is separate from the required 50 hours of supervised driving practice completed with a parent or guardian.
Do students need parent driving hours before scheduling instructor sessions?
Yes. Students must complete at least 15 hours of driving practice with a parent or guardian before scheduling sessions with WSDI. Early practice helps students become more comfortable with basic vehicle control before professional instruction begins. Students must also have prior nighttime driving experience before scheduling evening sessions with WSDI.
Do WSDI instructors use set driving routes?
No. Our instructors use adaptive driving routes tailored to each student’s individual skill level and experience. Practice takes place on a variety of road types and traffic conditions to help students develop real life capabilities.
What happens if my student forgets or loses their permit card?
Colorado state law requires students to carry a valid instruction permit during all drive sessions. If the physical permit card is unavailable, students may use the official MyColorado app as an accepted form of identification. Once students receive their permit, we recommend downloading the official MyColorado app as a backup form of identification. WSDI will not accept screenshots.
The Road Test: Final Steps
When can my student take the Colorado drive test for their license?
Per Colorado state law, students are eligible to take the drive test after holding their permit for one full year (365 days) from the issue date, completing all 50 required driving hours with a parent or guardian, and finishing 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction.
Do I need an appointment to take a drive test?
WSDI drive testing operates on a first-come, first-served walk-in basis at most of our locations. Appointments are required only for our Grand Junction location.
Where are drive tests completed?
Drive tests are conducted through certified third-party testing schools like WSDI. Colorado DMVs no longer provide road testing services.
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Are drive test fees included in driver education packages?
Depending on the package, it might be included. Check your specific location for package information.
Where do I schedule a Colorado DMV appointment?
Colorado DMV appointments can be scheduled directly through the Colorado DMV website.
Paperwork & Logistics
When is payment due for WSDI driver education programs?
Payments and signed contracts must be completed within 24-48 hours to secure your selected class dates and drive times. Unconfirmed reservations may reopen to the public if payment is not received in time.
Does WSDI offer payment plans?
No. WSDI does not currently offer payment plans. Deposits are collected at registration or within 24 hours of signing up, and final balances are due no later than 60 days before the scheduled class start date.
Can payments be split between parents?
Yes. WSDI can send separate payment links through PandaDoc when multiple parents are contributing to the balance. Payments cannot be split across other methods or systems. If multiple parents are paying, the additional parent must also sign the contract.
Why can’t I log in to my online driver education course?
Contracts and balances must be completed before online course access can be activated. Once your account is approved, login information is sent during normal business hours. Additional login support after activation is provided directly through AAA Online Program Assistance at 877-476-1254 or aaasupport@certus.com.
How does WSDI schedule driving hours?
WSDI uses a third-party platform called Schedule2Drive to schedule behind-the-wheel hours. A one-time $10 fee is required to activate the platform.
Do I need to sign up for Schedule2Drive right away?
Yes. WSDI recommends creating your Schedule2Drive account early, even though it will not be used until after a student receives their permit and completes 15 hours of parent-supervised driving. Early setup helps prevent scheduling issues later in the process.
Why am I being charged a $10 Schedule2Drive fee?
The $10 Schedule2Drive fee is a one-time activation fee required to use the scheduling platform.
Is the drive test included in my driver education package?
The drive test is only included in the Elite Package. If purchasing a different program or needing to complete the drive test without taking a program with WSDI, the drive test is separate a separate cost from all other WSDI driver education packages.
Building safe driving habits starts long before the final road test. Teen programs combine classroom learning, parent-supervised practice, and state-required drive time to help students gradually gain experience behind the wheel.
Adult student drivers often need a straightforward path to getting licensed while balancing work, school, or family responsibilities. Work through Colorado’s streamlined adult licensing process so you can start driving independently as soon as possible.
The Road to Safe Independence Starts Here
The habits student drivers develop today impact their safety and confidence for years to come. Enroll today to secure the expert foundation they deserve.
