Third-party drive tests with state-certified examiners.
Class, permit test, and 6 hours of lessons.
Course online, testing and lessons in person.
Behind-the-wheel lessons with patient and certified instructors.
From the first learner’s permit to the driver’s license test, American Driving Academy helps Colorado families by teaching safe and confident driving.
We provide Colorado driver’s ed, permit testing, authorized third-party drive testing, and behind-the-wheel lessons. Our programs serve teens, adults, and families across Colorado, with services available in English and Spanish.
American Driving Academy started in 1999 with one classroom and one clear goal: to save lives by educating students to be successful drivers, in safe and lawful compliance, by offering driver’s ed that is accessible, relatable, and proven to deliver results.
That mission has guided us through more than 25 years of changes in Colorado licensing rules. It still guides us today whether a student is a teen earning a learner’s permit, an adult learning to drive, or a family preparing for the next step toward a Colorado driver’s license.
American Driving Academy is locally owned and operated in Colorado. We offer driver’s ed, permit testing, drive testing, and behind-the-wheel training so families can move through the licensing process with clear support at every step.
Watch a quick overview of American Driving Academy and see why Colorado families choose us for driver’s ed, permit testing, drive tests, and behind-the-wheel lessons.
American Driving Academy offers Colorado’s 30-hour driver education course in person and online. Students may begin driver education at 14½ years old. The course meets Colorado’s 30-hour driver education requirement for eligible permit applicants.
Learn more →American Driving Academy offers written permit testing at participating Colorado locations. Students can complete the permit test through American Driving Academy as part of the Colorado licensing process.
Learn more →American Driving Academy is authorized to provide third-party drive testing for the Colorado DMV. Students and adults can schedule a Colorado drive test directly through American Driving Academy.
Learn more →American Driving Academy offers one-on-one behind-the-wheel driving lessons in dual-control vehicles. Lessons are taught by state-certified driving instructors who train students on Colorado driving standards and testing expectations.
Learn more →Colorado Family-Owned Since 1999
American Driving Academy has been Colorado family-owned from day one. Melanie Hughes — a Colorado native with a degree and background in teaching — founded American Driving Academy in 1999 with one goal: build the most comprehensive driving school in the country, with the best safety record, and one that truly meets the community’s driver-training needs. More than 400,000 students and customers later, that mission still runs the business.
Kevin Hughes grew up in the family business. Born and raised in Colorado, he earned a business degree from the University of Colorado Boulder’s Leeds School of Business — graduating top of his class — and first found his love of teaching while teaching business statistics at CU.
Kevin joined American Driving Academy in 2019 and became an owner in 2022. Today he leads Colorado’s largest driving school across 16 locations, while Melanie remains a co-owner and active teacher.
Teaching is still at the heart of the company — Kevin and Melanie both continue to teach classes and conduct driving lessons themselves. Kevin has become an expert in Colorado driver education, having created countless hours of Colorado-specific driver’s ed content including workbooks, videos, and blogs. He has been a trusted source for Colorado news outlets and continues to advocate for Colorado driver safety.
American Driving Academy serves Colorado families through 16 locations. Our locations extend from Pueblo and Colorado Springs in the south, through metro Denver communities including Aurora, Westminster, and Centennial, and north to Erie, Longmont, Loveland, and Fort Collins. We also provide select services in Cañon City and Trinidad.
Services vary by location. Choose the office that fits the service you need, including a permit test, drive test, classroom course, online course, or behind-the-wheel lesson.
American Driving Academy is an AAA Approved driving school. This respected credential reflects our commitment to quality driver education.
American Driving Academy is authorized by the State of Colorado to administer written permit tests, driver’s license testing, teen classes, and behind-the-wheel lessons. Our instructors, cars, and locations are all state-approved.
American Driving Academy goes beyond state requirements to ensure safety and quality instruction. This includes dash cameras in every vehicle, ongoing instructor training, and continuous curriculum review.
American Driving Academy has been Colorado-owned and operated since 1999. We answer to Colorado families, not a national chain.
American Driving Academy has been recognized for its work in driver education and service.
Colorado’s driver education requirements are changing on January 1, 2027, under HB24-1021.
American Driving Academy is fully compliant with current Colorado rules and ready for the 2027 transition. Our team is actively preparing families for the upcoming changes so students can understand what the new law means for permit eligibility, driver education, and the path to a Colorado driver’s license.
Read the 2027 Guide →Ofrecemos clases de permiso, exámenes de manejo y lecciones detrás del volante en español en varias ubicaciones de Colorado.
Nuestro objetivo es ayudar a las familias de Colorado a entender el proceso de licencia de conducir con información clara, servicios confiables y apoyo en español.
Más Información →Some insurance companies offer discounts for students who complete an approved driver education course.
Insurance discounts vary by carrier and policy. Ask your insurance provider what discounts may be available for your family after completing driver education with American Driving Academy.
Whether you need driver’s ed, a permit test, a drive test, behind-the-wheel lessons, or help understanding Colorado’s licensing requirements, American Driving Academy is here to help.
Since 1999, Colorado families have trusted us for clear guidance, state-certified instruction, authorized testing, and local support from the first permit to the driver’s license.
If under the age of 16, you need to first complete a driver's ed course. In-person and online options are available.
This 25 multiple-choice test is offered at many of our locations.
After passing the course and the permit test, you will need to go to the DMV to get your driving permit. To make a DMV appointment…
If you are under 16.5 years of age, you are required to take six hours of driving lessons before getting your driver's license. Learn to drive with our state-certified, friendly, and patient instructors.
After holding your permit for one full year, it is time to take your driver's license test.
You need to pass this test to get your permit. It is 25 multiple choice questions. We offer this test at many of our locations.
After passing the permit test, you will need to go to the DMV to get your driving permit. To make a DMV appointment…
If you are new to Colorado or you don’t have driving experience, we offer driving lessons 7 days a week. These are 2-hour lessons with state-certified, patient, and friendly instructors.
You are required to pass the driver's license test in order to get your driver's license. After passing, you may be eligible to get your license that same day without even having to visit the DMV.
