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School Transportation
Welcome to the CDE School Transportation home page!
Mission
To create a supportive, encouraging learning environment for the school districts serving Colorado's public school children, through professional, knowledgeable ideas, utilizing the best resources available to achieve safe transportation programs.
Contact Us
Colorado Dept of Education
Transportation
201 E. Colfax Ave., Room 209
Denver, CO 80203
Our Staff
- Fred Stewart, Supervisor, 720-766-1415
- Rebecca Sykes, Transportation Analyst, 720-576-5720
What's New
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2025-2026 FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE
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Operation Rule Effective May 15, 2025
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2025-2026 CDE ANNUAL TESTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE!!! Please contact Rebecca Sykes at sykes_r@cde.state.co.us if you have not received them.
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CDE FMCSA MEMO to Districts
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The CDE Mandatory New Supervisor Certification Course is now live!
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Dates and locations for the CDE Mandatory New Supervisor Certification In-Person Class. Classes are 10:00 am - 2:00 p.m.
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September 18, 2025 - Durango School District, 1071 CO-3, Durango, CO 81301
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November 20, 2025 - Valley Re1 School District, 301 Hagen St., Sterling, CO 80751
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March 26, 2026 - TENTATIVE Las Animas SD
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June 2026 - TBD
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CDE Rules
- NEW Minimum Standards Governing School Transportation Vehicles 301-25 (PDF) EFFECTIVE October 30, 2024
- NEW Colorado Rules for the Operation, Maintenance, and Inspection of School Transportation Vehicles 301-26 EFFECTIVE May 15, 2025
- Rules for the Administration of the Protection of Persons From Restraint Act 1 CCR 301-45
Special Needs and Preschool Transportation
- 2023 Colorado Transporting Students with Special Needs Guide
- ESSA Quick Reference Guide
- IDEA-FERPA Crosswalk
- IEP Procedural Guide (PDF)
- Section 504 Resource Guide
- Transporting Youth and Children Experiencing Homelessness (PDF)
- Transportation for Homeless Children and Youth: Strategies for Rural School Districts (PDF)
License and Training Matrix
CDE Training and Online Classes
- CDE Online Small Vehicle Activity Operator Pre-Service Course
- CDE New Supervisor Certification Course
- CDE ELDT Instructor Recertification Registration
- CDE Online Protection of Individuals from Restraint and Seclusion Course (Proper Use of Restraint)
- Colorado School Safety Resource Center - Mandatory Reporting
- Confidentiality
- CDE Confidentiality Ppt
- CDE Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Webinar
- Emergency Evacuations
- School bus driver training released by Operation Lifesaver!
CDE Guides
- NEW 2025 CDE School Bus, Multifunction, and Motor Coach Operator Guide (PDF)
- NEW 2025 CDE Type A, Multifunction, and Small Vehicle Route and Activity Operator Guide (PDF)
- NEW 2025 Paraprofessional Guide
- NEW 2025 CDE New to Transportation Guide
- NEW 2025 CDE Transportation Resource Guide (PDF)
- NEW 2025 CDE Annual Inspection and Maintenance Resource Guide (PDF)
- NEW 2025 Qualification Files - Documentation Required (PDF)
Entry Level Driver Training Resources
Need to become a CDE Certified ELDT Instructor or ELDT Hands-On Trainer? Find an instructor on this list: CDE Certified Inspectors, Hands-On Testers, New and Used Dealers, ELDT Instructors, ELDT Hands-On Trainers
- ELDT Driver's License and Training Matrix
- 2023 Colorado Commercial Driver Manual - Has an addendum for the testing modernization.
- 2024 Model Traffic Code for Colorado
- 2025 CDE School Bus, Multifunction, and Motor Coach Operator Guide
- 2025 Transportation Resource Guide
- 1 CCR 301-26 Colorado Rules for the Operation, Maintenance and Inspection of School Transportation Vehicles
- TSA First Observer Plus
- First-Time CDL Driver: DMV
Federal Regulations
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
- FMCSA Clearinghouse Registration Guide
- FMCSA Clearinghouse Learning Center
- FMCSA Clearinghouse Query Letter Template
- FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Tri-fold Brochure
- DOT Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance
- New Federal Regulation (FMCSA) for All CDL Operators of Increase for Random Controlled Substances (PDF)
- Post-Accident Testing Requirements
Colorado State Pupil Transportation Association (CSPTA)
CSPTA Resources
Review Schedule
Additional Resources
- Clarifications and Concerns on Railroad Crossings in the State (DOC)
- Colorado Child Passenger Safety Law
- Colorado Department of Transportation Restrictions and Maps
- Colorado Interactive Driver History (DOC) (MVR Service)
- Colorado Move Over Law Toolkit
- Colorado Safe Routes to School
- Colorado School Safety Guide
- Colorado Traction Law Updates
- Guide to Fines for Cellphone Usage While Driving
- National Congress on School Transportation
- NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
- School Bus Facts.com
- School Finance home page - CDE
- Seat Belt Requirements for School Buses
Financial information on schools and districts throughout Colorado. Learn more about financial transparency.
Colorado Dept. of Education
201 East Colfax Ave.
Denver, CO 80203
Phone: 303-866-6600
Contact CDE
CDE Hours
Mon to Fri, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
See also Licensing Hours
UPDATED
July 8, 2025
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