AURORA, CO — As portions of Colorado House Bill 24-1021 begin taking effect on April 1, American Driving Academy is highlighting how the new law strengthens student safety, accountability, and driver preparedness across the state.
HB24-1021 introduces several major updates to Colorado’s driver education system, including enhanced background checks for instructors and expanded education requirements for young drivers. The legislation reflects growing concerns around roadway safety and the need for consistent, professional instruction for teens and at-risk adults.
One of the most impactful provisions of the law is a new fingerprint-based criminal history record check requirement for all driving instructors who teach minors or at-risk adults. Under the law, instructors must complete fingerprinting through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, with prints also submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a national records check.
“This is a meaningful step forward for student safety,” said Kevin Hughes, spokesperson for American Driving Academy. “Parents trust driving schools with their children during a very important learning phase. This added layer of screening reinforces accountability and helps ensure that only qualified, vetted professionals are working with young drivers.”
American Driving Academy has long supported enhanced safety and transparency measures within the driver education industry. In addition to meeting all licensing and instructor requirements, the school equips every training vehicle with two-way dash cameras that record the full interaction between student and instructor.
“While dash cameras are not required by law, we believe they are essential,” says Hughes. “Recording every lesson protects students, instructors, and families, and it reinforces professionalism and trust. Transparency should be the standard in driver education.”
HB24-1021 also addresses a long-standing gap in Colorado’s licensing system for drivers under 21. Previously, many teens delayed obtaining a permit until age 16, allowing them to receive both a permit and a driver’s license without completing formal driver’s education. As a result, many young drivers missed structured instruction on seatbelt use, impaired and distracted driving, emergency response, adverse weather conditions, and traffic laws.
Under the new law, individuals who choose not to complete driver’s education will now be required to wait until age 21 to obtain a permit. Supporters say the change significantly raises the baseline level of education and preparedness for young drivers.
“This provision ensures that teens receive critical, life-saving education at the right time,” Hughes added. “Driver’s education is about much more than passing a test. It is about understanding responsibility, risk, and how to make safe decisions behind the wheel.”
In addition to HB24-1021, Colorado regulators are also considering updates to driver education rules under 1 CCR 204-30, Rule 8. Proposed changes would adjust the minimum age to begin driver’s education from 14 years and 6 months to 14 years and 9 months. Students would still be eligible to receive their permit at age 15, with instruction beginning slightly later in the process.
American Driving Academy has served Colorado communities for more than 17 years and has taught tens of thousands of students to become safe, confident drivers. American Driving Academy offers classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel training, home study options, and third-party testing, operating in 13 different locations across the Front Range — including Aurora, Pueblo, and Colorado Springs.
For more information about American Driving Academy and its programs, visit https://americandrivingacademy.com.
About American Driving Academy
American Driving Academy Inc. is one of the nation’s most comprehensive driving schools, providing high-quality driver education programs for teens and adults across Colorado. With experienced instructors, dual-controlled vehicles, and a strong commitment to safety, the academy prepares students for lifelong success on the road.
