CDL Test Locations in Colorado

Getting your CDL in Colorado involves two completely different types of tests taken at two different types of locations — a CDL knowledge test taken at a Colorado DMV driver license office, and a CDL skills test taken at a state-approved third-party testing facility. This guide covers both, with a statewide directory of CDL knowledge test offices organized by region, how to find skills testing facilities anywhere in Colorado, how to book appointments, what to bring, and what to expect on test day.

In This Guide

• Understanding the Two Tests — Knowledge vs Skills
• CDL Knowledge Test Locations — Statewide Directory
• Front Range — Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Pueblo
• Western Slope — Grand Junction, Durango, Montrose
• Eastern Plains — Greeley, Sterling, La Junta
• Mountain & Rural Areas
• County-Run DMV Offices
• CDL Skills Test Locations — How to Find One Near You
• How to Book Your Appointments
• What to Bring on Test Day
• Test Day Tips

Always Verify Before You Go: Hours, CDL availability, and services change without notice. This guide is based on published Colorado DMV records as of June 2026, but you must confirm current CDL testing availability at dmv.colorado.gov/driver-license-office-locations before visiting any office. Showing up at an office that does not offer CDL testing will require you to reschedule.

Understanding the Two Tests — Knowledge vs Skills

Many first-time CDL applicants do not realize that the CDL process in Colorado requires two completely separate appointments at two completely different types of locations. Understanding this before you start will save you time and frustration.

Test 1 — CDL Knowledge Test (Written)

The commercial knowledge tests needed for a CLP are generally administered through Colorado licensing services. Verify that the specific office or authorized testing provider offers the commercial tests you need, and confirm appointment rules and hours before traveling.

Test 2 — CDL Skills Test (Driving)

After holding your CLP for at least 14 days and completing your ELDT training, you take the CDL skills test at a state-licensed third-party testing facility — a private company approved by Colorado CDL Compliance. This test includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control maneuvers, and an on-road driving test. It is not taken at a DMV office.

Do not assume the office where you take knowledge tests is also a CDL skills-test location. Confirm each service and its approved provider separately before scheduling.

Finding CDL Knowledge Test Locations — Official Directory

Use the current Colorado DMV driver license office directory at https://dmv.colorado.gov/driver-license-office-locations to find an office in your region and confirm which CDL services it offers before booking. This guide does not maintain a verified office-by-office address or availability directory, so do not rely on a city heading as evidence that a specific service is offered.

Important: The Colorado DMV notes that fourteen counties operate their own driver license services independently of state offices. Those counties are: Baca, Cheyenne, Douglas, El Paso, Grand, Kit Carson, Kiowa, Lake, Lincoln, Phillips, Saguache, Sedgwick, Washington, and Yuma. If you live in one of these counties, check your county website directly for hours and CDL testing availability — you cannot book appointments through the state DMV scheduling system for county offices.

Front Range: Confirm Your CDL Testing Office

The Front Range corridor contains the majority of Colorado's population and the highest concentration of CDL testing offices. Most major cities along I-25 have at least one DMV office offering CDL knowledge tests.

Western Slope — Grand Junction, Durango, Montrose, Glenwood Springs

The Western Slope covers a large geographic area with fewer DMV offices than the Front Range. CDL applicants in this region should plan ahead and confirm availability before making the drive to any office.

Western Slope tip: Grand Junction is the largest city on the Western Slope and has the most reliable CDL knowledge testing availability in the region. If you live in a smaller Western Slope community, Grand Junction is likely your best option. Always call ahead or check dmv.colorado.gov to confirm CDL availability before making a long drive.

Eastern Plains — Greeley, Sterling, Akron, Morgan

The Eastern Plains region covers a large rural area east of Denver. Several offices in this region do offer CDL knowledge testing, though hours may be limited.

Mountain & Rural Areas

Mountain communities and rural areas generally have limited DMV services. Many smaller offices do not offer CDL knowledge testing. CDL applicants in mountain communities often need to travel to a larger city.

Mountain area residents: If you live in a mountain community without local CDL testing, your nearest options are typically Denver, Fort Collins, Greeley, Grand Junction, or Pueblo depending on your location. Plan your trip accordingly and always book a DMV appointment in advance.

County-Run DMV Offices in Colorado

Colorado has a unique system where 14 counties operate their own driver license services independently from state DMV offices. These counties are:

Baca · Cheyenne · Douglas · El Paso · Grand · Kit Carson · Kiowa · Lake · Lincoln · Phillips · Saguache · Sedgwick · Washington · Yuma

If you live in one of these counties, you must contact your county office directly to confirm CDL knowledge test availability, hours, and appointment procedures. You cannot book an appointment through the state DMV scheduling system for county-operated offices. Search for your county's official website or contact your county clerk's office for details.

El Paso County residents (Colorado Springs area): El Paso County operates its own driver license services. The main state DMV offices at 8830 N. Union Blvd and downtown Colorado Springs are the primary CDL knowledge test locations. Check dmv.colorado.gov/driver-license-office-locations for the complete current El Paso County listing.

CDL Skills Test Locations Across Colorado

CDL skills tests are administered by state-licensed third-party testing facilities — private companies approved by Colorado CDL Compliance. These are not DMV offices. You schedule and pay for the skills test directly with the testing facility.

How to Find an Approved Skills Testing Facility Near You

The Colorado DMV maintains the official list of all state-approved CDL third-party testing facilities. This is the only reliable source for finding current, approved testing locations. Access it at:

dmv.colorado.gov/cdl-third-party-testing-compliance

Known Skills Testing Facilities by Region

The following facilities have been identified from official Colorado CDL compliance records. Always verify current addresses, hours, and availability directly with each facility before booking — testing facilities move, change hours, and update their services.

Skills test cost: Skills testing typically costs approximately $275 per test at most Colorado facilities. Some facilities offer pre-trip inspection and skills preparation classes ranging from $175–$675 if you want coaching before your test. Verify current fees directly with your chosen facility — fees change.

How to Book Your CDL Appointments in Colorado

Booking the CDL Knowledge Test (DMV)

• Go to the official Colorado DMV appointment page
• Select the correct appointment type
• Select your preferred office and confirm CDL availability
• Enter your information and save your confirmation

Visit dmv.colorado.gov/AppointmentScheduling . This is the only official booking system for state DMV offices. County offices require separate contact.

For a first-time CLP, select "First-time applicants." For adding a CDL endorsement to an existing license, select "CDL endorsements."

Choose an office from the directory above that offers CDL knowledge tests. Confirm CDL availability at dmv.colorado.gov/driver-license-office-locations before booking.

Provide a valid email and phone number. Save your appointment confirmation PDF and your appointment ID number — you will need it to cancel or reschedule.

Booking the CDL Skills Test (Third-Party Facility)

• 1 Wait until you have your CLP and have held it 14+ days You cannot legally take the skills test until you have held your CLP for at least 14 calendar days per federal law.
• Confirm your ELDT completion is on file
• Find and contact an approved testing facility near you
• Arrange your vehicle

You cannot legally take the skills test until you have held your CLP for at least 14 calendar days per federal law.

Your training provider must have submitted your ELDT completion to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. Verify at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov .

Use the official list at dmv.colorado.gov/cdl-third-party-testing-compliance to find the nearest approved facility and contact them directly to book.

You must take the skills test in the same class of vehicle as the CDL you are applying for. Confirm whether the facility can provide a vehicle or if you must bring your own.

What to Bring on CDL Test Day

For the CDL Knowledge Test at the DMV

• Valid Colorado driver's license
• Proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or pay stub)
• Two proofs of Colorado residency dated within the last year (utility bill, bank statement, lease)
• DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate — the DMV receives this electronically; wait 24–48 hours after your physical before your appointment
• Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) completion certificate — free 30-min course at truckersagainsttrafficking.org
• Payment for the CLP fee (~$16.80–$19) — verify current fee at dmv.colorado.gov/state-dmv-fees
• Your DMV appointment confirmation PDF

For the CDL Skills Test at a Third-Party Facility

• Your valid Colorado Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)
• Your DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate
• Confirmed ELDT completion on file with the FMCSA Training Provider Registry
• Your commercial vehicle (same class as CDL you are testing for)
• Payment for skills test fee (~$275 — verify with your facility)

Test Day Tips for Colorado CDL Applicants

• ✓ Book your DMV appointment as early as possible
• ✓ Confirm CDL availability before visiting any office
• ✓ Arrive 30 minutes early for your DMV appointment
• ✓ Study until you score 85%+ on practice tests
• ✓ Allow 24–48 hours after your DOT physical before your DMV visit
• ✓ Verify skills test facility details the day before your test

CDL appointment slots fill up at busy Front Range offices. Book several weeks in advance at dmv.colorado.gov/AppointmentScheduling .

Not every DMV office offers CDL knowledge tests. Driving to the wrong office means rescheduling. Always verify at dmv.colorado.gov/driver-license-office-locations .

First-time CDL applicants have more paperwork than renewal customers. Early arrival ensures you are not rushed before your test.

The real CDL knowledge test requires 80% to pass. Consistent 85%+ practice scores give you a buffer for exam-day nerves. Use our free Colorado CDL practice test — practice questions, no signup required.

Colorado receives DOT medical results electronically from FMCSA — your medical card will not show in the DMV system immediately after your exam. Wait 24–48 business hours before your appointment.

Third-party testing facilities can change addresses and hours. Call the facility the day before your skills test to confirm location, arrival time, and any requirements.

Ready to Start Studying?

Use our free Colorado CDL practice tests to prepare for your knowledge exam. practice questions, instant explanations, no signup required.

Verify the service before driving to the site

A Colorado licensing office may provide knowledge testing without offering commercial vehicle skills examinations. Check the current state DMV office directory for the exact appointment type; for skills examinations, confirm the provider’s present state approval, address, equipment requirements, price and scheduling rules.

Helping Colorado commercial drivers pass their permit exams with confidence.