How to Get Your CDL in Colorado

Getting a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in Colorado is a structured process that takes most applicants between 4 and 12 weeks from start to finish. This guide covers every step — from eligibility requirements and the knowledge tests to Entry-Level Driver Training, the skills test, and what documents to bring to the DMV. Everything here is sourced directly from the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) .

In This Guide

• Step 1 — Check Your Eligibility
• Step 2 — Gather Your Documents
• Step 3 — Pass the CDL Knowledge Tests
• Step 4 — Receive Your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)
• Step 5 — Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
• Step 6 — Pass the CDL Skills Test
• Step 7 — Receive Your Colorado CDL
• CDL Costs in Colorado
• How Long Does It Take?
• CDL Endorsements
• Frequently Asked Questions

Important 2025 Update: As of September 29, 2025, the Colorado DMV has paused the issuance and renewals of term-limited (non-domiciled) CDLs and CLPs due to new federal FMCSA regulations. This affects non-domiciled applicants only. If you are a Colorado resident with a valid Colorado driver's license, the standard CDL process below applies to you. Always verify the latest requirements at dmv.colorado.gov before your appointment.

Step 1 — Check Your Eligibility

Before you begin the CDL process, confirm you meet all basic eligibility requirements set by the Colorado DMV and federal FMCSA regulations.

Age Requirements

You can get a Colorado CDL at 18 for driving within Colorado state borders only. You cannot cross state lines or transport hazardous materials until you are 21.

You must be at least 21 to drive across state lines or to transport hazardous materials requiring placards. Most trucking jobs require interstate driving, so most applicants wait until 21.

Other Requirements

• ✓ Valid Colorado Driver's License
• Medical certification depends on the driving category you self-certify. Non-excepted interstate drivers must meet federal medical requirements; excepted interstate and intrastate categories have different rules. Confirm the required medical documentation with your licensing agency. Federal reference: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-383.71 .
• ✓ Self-Certify Your Driving Type
• ✓ Clean Driving Record

You must hold a current, valid Colorado non-commercial driver's license before applying for a CDL or Commercial Learner's Permit.

Medical certification depends on the driving category you self-certify. Non-excepted interstate drivers must meet federal medical requirements; excepted interstate and intrastate categories have different rules. Confirm the required medical documentation with your licensing agency. Federal reference: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-383.71 .

You must declare which category of commercial driving you will be doing: non-excepted interstate, excepted interstate, non-excepted intrastate, or excepted intrastate. Most drivers choose non-excepted interstate.

Colorado will review your driving history across all 50 states for the past 10 years as required by the FMCSA. Major violations such as DUIs, reckless driving, and leaving the scene of an accident can disqualify you.

Step 2 — Gather Your Documents

Colorado DMV appointments require specific documentation. Missing even one document means rescheduling. Bring all of the following to your appointment:

• 1 Valid Colorado Driver's License Your current non-commercial Colorado driver's license.
• 2 Proof of Social Security Number Your Social Security card, or a document showing your full Social Security number such as a W-2 or pay stub.
• Two Proofs of Colorado Residency
• DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate
• Truckers Against Trafficking Certificate

Your current non-commercial Colorado driver's license.

Your Social Security card, or a document showing your full Social Security number such as a W-2 or pay stub.

Two documents verifying your current Colorado address, dated within the last year. Acceptable documents include utility bills, bank statements, lease agreements, or government mail. Check the Colorado DMV website for the full list of accepted documents.

Your completed DOT physical card from an FMCSA-certified medical examiner. The Colorado DMV receives this information electronically from FMCSA by midnight of the next calendar day of your exam. Allow 24–48 hours after your exam before your DMV appointment.

Colorado requires completion of the free 30-minute Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) online course. Complete it at truckersagainsttrafficking.org and bring your completion certificate.

Appointments Required: Colorado DMV state driver license offices operate primarily on an appointment-only basis. Walk-ins are accommodated only as space allows on a first-come, first-served basis. Book your appointment in advance at dmv.colorado.gov/AppointmentScheduling .

Step 3 — Pass the CDL Knowledge Tests

CDL knowledge tests are taken in person at a Colorado DMV office on a computer. All tests are multiple choice and available in English and Spanish — except the Hazmat test, which is English only. You must pass the knowledge tests before your CLP is issued.

Required Knowledge Tests for Class A CDL

Important: Your knowledge test results are only valid for one issuance of a CLP. Once your CLP is issued, if you need a different class or endorsement, you must retake all required exams. Choose your class and endorsements carefully before testing. If you fail a knowledge test, there is no set limit on retakes, but additional fees may apply after two failed attempts.

Study Resources

All CDL knowledge test questions come directly from the official Colorado CDL Driver Manual (Form DR 2251). Download it free from dmv.colorado.gov . Then use our free practice tests to prepare:

• Colorado CDL General Knowledge Practice Test — free practice questions
• Colorado CDL Air Brakes Practice Test — 40 free questions
• Colorado CDL Combination Vehicles Practice Test — 35 free questions

Step 4 — Receive Your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)

After passing your knowledge tests at the DMV, you will be issued a Colorado Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP). Here is what you need to know about your CLP:

As of April 18, 2024, Colorado CLPs are valid for one year and are not eligible for renewal. You must complete your skills test within this window.

Federal law requires you to hold your CLP for at least 14 calendar days before you can take the CDL skills test.

With your CLP, you may only operate a commercial vehicle on public roads with a qualified CDL holder in the passenger seat. You cannot drive alone.

The CLP fee is approximately $16.80–$19 at the Colorado DMV. Verify the current fee at dmv.colorado.gov/state-dmv-fees .

Step 5 — Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

Federal ELDT rules apply to first-time Class A or Class B applicants, Class B-to-A upgrades, and first-time passenger (P), school bus (S), or hazardous materials (H) endorsements, subject to applicable exemptions. Complete required theory and behind-the-wheel training before the applicable skills test; H endorsement applicants complete theory before the hazardous materials knowledge test. Use a provider listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. See https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/entry-level-driver-training-eldt .

Who Needs ELDT?

• Anyone applying for a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time
• Anyone upgrading from a Class B to a Class A CDL
• Anyone adding a School Bus (S), Passenger (P), or Hazmat (H) endorsement for the first time

What ELDT Involves

Covers safety, regulations, vehicle operations, and more. Can be completed online through any FMCSA-registered provider. Once complete, your provider submits your certification directly to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry.

Applicable ELDT for first-time Class A/B licenses and passenger or school-bus endorsements includes theory and behind-the-wheel training. A first-time hazardous-materials endorsement requires theory before the H knowledge test. Applicable exemptions and state requirements must also be checked. https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/entry-level-driver-training-eldt

Find FMCSA-Registered Training Providers: Use the official FMCSA Training Provider Registry at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov to find approved providers in Colorado. Your training provider submits your completion record directly to the registry — Colorado DMV verifies this electronically before issuing your CDL.

Step 6 — Pass the CDL Skills Test

The CDL skills test is taken at an approved third-party testing facility — not at the DMV office where you took your knowledge tests. Colorado uses independent testing centers licensed by the Colorado CDL Compliance division.

The Skills Test Has Three Parts

• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection
• Basic Vehicle Control
• On-Road Driving Test

You will be asked to inspect a commercial vehicle and identify any defects. You must demonstrate knowledge of what to check and why each item matters. This is also tested on your knowledge exam — knowing the inspection process in advance helps on both tests.

You will perform controlled driving maneuvers in an off-road area, including straight-line backing, offset backing, and alley docking. These require practice — most training programs spend significant time on these exercises.

You will drive on real roads with an examiner evaluating your ability to handle intersections, lane changes, turns, railroad crossings, and highway driving. The test typically takes about 2 hours total from start to finish.

Bring Your Own Vehicle: You must take the skills test in the same type of vehicle you plan to drive with your CDL. If you do not have access to a vehicle, contact your testing center — some provide rental vehicles. Take the test in the wrong vehicle class and restrictions will be placed on your license. Verify current skills test fees and scheduling at coloradocdltesting.com or your local approved testing facility.

Step 7 — Receive Your Colorado CDL

After passing your skills test, the testing facility will update the Commercial Skills Test Information Management System (CSTIMS) with your results. You then return to the Colorado DMV to complete your CDL issuance. Bring:

• Your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)
• Your DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate
• Your Truckers Against Trafficking completion certificate
• Your commercial drive skills test completion form
• The CDL issuance fee (approximately $17.50 — verify current fee at dmv.colorado.gov/state-dmv-fees )

Your Colorado CDL will be valid for 4 years from the date of issuance.

CDL Costs in Colorado — 2026 Overview

The total cost of getting a CDL in Colorado varies significantly depending on whether you attend a private school or a community college, and which endorsements you need. Here is a general breakdown:

Free CDL Training Options: If cost is a concern, Colorado residents may qualify for free CDL training through the WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) federal grant or Federal Pell Grants at community colleges. Visit your local Colorado Workforce Center to find out if you qualify. We cover this in detail in our Free CDL Training in Colorado guide .

Always verify current fees directly with the Colorado DMV fee schedule before your appointment, as fees are subject to change.

How Long Does It Take to Get a CDL in Colorado?

The total time from starting the process to receiving your CDL depends on your training program and scheduling. Here is a realistic timeline for most applicants:

CDL Endorsements Available in Colorado

Endorsements are add-ons to your base CDL that allow you to drive specific vehicle types or carry specific cargo. Each endorsement requires passing an additional knowledge test. Some require ELDT training as well.

Requires passing the HazMat knowledge test, completing ELDT, and a TSA background check through IDEMIA. TSA clearance typically takes 30–45 days. English only test.

Required for operating tank vehicles transporting liquids or gases. Knowledge test only — no ELDT required for the N endorsement alone.

Required for pulling double or triple trailers. Knowledge test only.

Required for vehicles transporting 16 or more passengers. Requires ELDT theory training for first-time applicants.

Required to operate a school bus. Must also hold the P endorsement. Requires ELDT theory training for first-time applicants.

Combination endorsement for drivers transporting hazardous materials in tank vehicles. Requires both H and N endorsement tests plus TSA background check.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a CDL at 18 in Colorado?

Yes. Colorado allows CDL applicants to begin the process at age 18, but an 18-year-old CDL is restricted to intrastate driving only — meaning you can only drive within Colorado. You cannot cross state lines or transport hazardous materials until you turn 21.

How many times can I retake the CDL knowledge test if I fail?

There is no set limit on retakes. However, after two failed attempts, additional fees may apply for subsequent tests. Use our free practice tests to prepare thoroughly before your appointment.

Do I need to go to CDL school?

Formal CDL school is not legally required to take the knowledge tests or CLP — but it is required for behind-the-wheel ELDT training, which is mandatory before your skills test. Additionally, most trucking employers will not hire drivers without formal training. Check the FMCSA Training Provider Registry to find registered schools in Colorado.

How long is a Colorado CLP valid?

As of April 18, 2024, Colorado CLPs are valid for one year and cannot be renewed. You must complete your skills test within that 12-month window or start the entire process again.

What is the Truckers Against Trafficking certificate?

Colorado requires all CDL applicants to complete a free 30-minute online awareness course from Truckers Against Trafficking before receiving their CDL. Complete it at truckersagainsttrafficking.org and bring your completion certificate to your CDL issuance appointment.

Where can I schedule my CDL knowledge test appointment?

Book your appointment at the official Colorado DMV appointment scheduling page at dmv.colorado.gov/AppointmentScheduling . Not all DMV offices offer CDL testing — confirm your preferred office offers CDL services before booking.

What if I already have a CDL from another state?

If your out-of-state CDL is current or has been expired for less than one year, you may transfer it to Colorado without retesting for the base license. However, you will need to retest for your Commercial Learner's Permit, Hazmat endorsement, and School Bus endorsement. Visit dmv.colorado.gov for the full transfer requirements.

Ready to Start Studying?

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

Colorado licensing sequence

Confirm current Colorado DMV CLP identification, residency and medical-certification requirements. After the knowledge tests and CLP, complete applicable ELDT with a registered provider before the state-approved skills exam. Verify the tester’s vehicle requirements and the state’s final issuance process before scheduling.

Helping Colorado commercial drivers pass their permit exams with confidence.