12
Convenient
locations
AAA
Approved
School
40+
Years of
Experience
200,000
Students Expertly
Trained
A+
Accredited
Business
12
Convenient
locations
40+
Years of
Experience
200,000
Students Expertly
Trained
Scholarship Program
Now Accepting Applications for the Mile-High RETAC Teen Driver Education Scholarship!
The 2025 Driver's ED Scholarship Is Now Open
DriveSafe Driving Schools College Scholarship Form
Please fill in the information below to submit your application for the 2022-2023 DriveSafe Driving Schools Scholarship Competition.
About the Mile-High RETAC Teen Driver Education Scholarship
DriveSafe is proud to partner with the Mile-High Regional Emergency and Trauma Advisory Council (MHRETAC) to help expand access to driver education for teens. The Teen Driver Education Scholarship covers the cost of a 30-hour driver education course (in-person or virtual), written permit test, and six hours of behind-the-wheel training. The maximum award amount is $629, and payment is made directly to DriveSafe for qualifying programs.
Scholarships are awarded based on eligibility and a brief application review process. Colorado requirements for driver education vary by age — please see current law at the bottom of this page or check with the Colorado DMV.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the MHRETAC Teen Driver Education Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be between the ages of 15–20
- Live in one of the following counties: Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, or Elbert
- Include a reference from a teacher, coach, or school counselor (via application field or separate letter)
- Ensure all required information is submitted; incomplete applications will not be considered
Applications are reviewed monthly with notice of award status within 30 days.
How to Apply
Application Process
- Click here to access the Scholarship Application. Make a copy of the document, download, and fill out. Take your time with the application. Details are appreciated. A teacher, coach, or school counselor may complete the reference field in your application OR submit a letter of recommendation to that email.
- Submit a completed thorough application to Shirley Terry, Mile-High RETAC Executive Director, via email at [email protected]. Please do not submit paper copies.
- All applications will be reviewed by the Save a Life Injury Prevention Sub-Committee. A minimum of up to twenty-five scholarships will be awarded, and the process is competitive.
- Scholarship awards will be sent to the email included in your application.
- Once you receive your award notification, you may enroll in a qualifying program and submit an invoice to Shirley Terry at [email protected]. Payment will be made directly to the DriveSafe Driving Schools. Mile-High RETAC is unable to reimburse students or parents.
If you have any questions about the application process, please email Shirley Terry at [email protected]
Colorado State Driver’s Education Requirements
For students between 14½ and 15½ years old:
- 30-hour Driver’s Education Course (online or in-person) is required
- Written Permit Test may be taken at 14 years and 11 months
- Permit can be issued at 15 years old
- Must complete 6 hours of professional behind-the-wheel instruction with a certified driving instructor
- Must log 50 hours of supervised driving with a parent or guardian (including 10 hours at night)
- Drive Test Eligibility: One year from the date the permit is issued
Teens may begin their driver’s education at 14 years and 6 months. They are required to complete a 30-hour course, either online or in-person. The written permit test can be taken at 14 years and 11 months, and the permit can be issued at age 15. After that, students must hold the permit for a full year, complete 6 hours of professional instruction, and log 50 hours of supervised driving practice (10 at night) before becoming eligible to take the driving test.
For students between 15½ and 16 years old:
- 4-hour Driver Awareness Course is required (instead of the 30-hour course)
- Must pass the written permit test and obtain a permit from the DMV
- Must log 50 hours of supervised driving with a parent or guardian (10 at night)
- Drive Test Eligibility: One year from the permit issue date
- Note: Professional behind-the-wheel training is not required at this age but is highly recommended
Teens at this age are required to complete a 4-hour driver awareness class and pass the written permit test to obtain a permit. They must then log 50 hours of supervised practice driving (10 at night) over the course of one year before taking the driving test. Professional lessons are not required, but strongly recommended.
For students between 16 and 18 years old:
- No driver’s education or behind-the-wheel training is required
- Must pass the written permit test and obtain a permit from the DMV
- Must log 50 hours of supervised driving with a parent or guardian (10 at night)
- Drive Test Eligibility: Either one year from permit issue date or on or after their 18th birthday—whichever comes first
- Note: While not required, both driver’s ed and professional driving lessons are recommended for safety.
Teens between 16 and 18 are not required to take any formal driver’s education to get their permit. They must pass the written permit test and obtain a permit, then log 50 hours of supervised practice (10 at night). They are eligible to take the driving test either one year from the date the permit is issued or on or after their 18th birthday, whichever comes first.
