Summer is the Perfect Time to Talk About Teen Driving

Summer is one of the busiest seasons for new teen drivers in Colorado. With school out, flexible schedules, summer jobs, and family travel, many teens spend more time behind the wheel gaining experience and independence.

It’s also the perfect time for families to review Colorado’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws and learn about important upcoming changes to young driver education requirements.

At Fitness to Drive, we know that learning to drive is a major milestone — and not every teen learns best through a traditional driving school model. As occupational therapists and driver rehabilitation specialists, we help teens and young adults with unique learning, medical, physical, or neurodivergent challenges develop safe driving skills through individualized behind-the-wheel instruction.

Colorado’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Laws

Colorado’s GDL laws are designed to help reduce distractions and high-risk situations while new drivers gain experience. These laws are especially important during the first year of independent driving.

Current restrictions for drivers under 18 include:

• No passengers under age 21 during the first six months after receiving a license

• No more than one passenger under age 21 during the second six months

• No cellphone use while driving

• Mandatory seat belt use for all occupants

• No driving between midnight and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent, legal

• guardian, or instructor

• Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

• Violating GDL laws can result in license suspension and significantly increases crash risk for inexperienced drivers.

Parents and teens can learn more through the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Teen Driving resources:

• https://www.codot.gov/safety/colorado-teen-drivers

• https://www.codot.gov/handsfreeco

Important Changes Coming in 2027

Beginning January 1, 2027, Colorado will implement updated young driver education standards through HB24-1021. These changes are intended to improve public safety and provide more comprehensive training for new drivers.

Key updates include:

• Drivers ages 15–17 will be required to complete a 30-hour driver education

  course

• Drivers ages 18–20 must complete either a 30-hour course or a 4-hour driver

  awareness program

• Drivers under age 16.5 must still complete six hours of behind-the-wheel training

• New requirements for motorcycle permit applicants under age 21

• Expanded options for approved permit supervisors

• Increased safety standards and criminal background requirements for driving

  instructors

These changes reflect Colorado’s continued commitment to reducing crashes and improving driver readiness for teens and young adults.

Learn more about the upcoming education changes at: https://www.codot.gov/teeneducation

Not Every Teen Learns the Same Way

For some teens, learning to drive can feel overwhelming. Anxiety, ADHD, autism,

executive functioning challenges, medical conditions, physical disabilities, or slower processing speed can make traditional driving school environments difficult. That’s where Fitness to Drive can help.

Our occupational therapy-based driving services provide one-on-one behind-the-wheel instruction tailored to the individual learner. We focus on building confidence, safety awareness, decision-making skills, and practical driving strategies in a supportive environment.

We often work with:

● Neurodivergent teens and young adults

● New drivers who need extra practice or individualized support

● Individuals with medical or physical challenges

● Families looking for an alternative to traditional driving schools

Summer is a great time to start the process, build driving experience gradually, and establish safe habits that will last a lifetime. To learn more about Fitness to Drive’s driving evaluations and individualized driving instruction services, visit:

www.fitnesstodrive.org