Colorado CDL Requirements

Age Requirements for Colorado CDL

Colorado follows federal age requirements for commercial driver's licenses, with different minimums based on the type of operation:

Intrastate Operation (Within Colorado)

Minimum age: 18 years for all CDL classes (A, B, C) when operating solely within Colorado state boundaries.

Interstate Operation

Minimum age: 21 years for:

• Interstate commerce (crossing state lines)
• Transporting hazardous materials requiring placards
• Operating vehicles designed for 16 or more passengers (including driver)

Colorado CDL Classes and Requirements

Class A CDL (Combination Vehicles)

Required for operating combination vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001+ pounds, where the towed vehicle exceeds 10,000 pounds GVWR.

Required Knowledge Tests:

• General Knowledge
• Combination Vehicles
• Air Brakes (if vehicle equipped with air brakes)

Class B CDL (Large Trucks)

Required for operating single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001+ pounds or towing vehicles not exceeding 10,000 pounds GVWR.

Required Knowledge Tests:

• General Knowledge
• Air Brakes (if vehicle equipped with air brakes)

Class C CDL (Special Vehicles)

Required for vehicles designed to transport 16+ passengers or transport hazardous materials requiring placards.

Required Knowledge Tests:

• General Knowledge
• Passenger (for 16+ passenger vehicles)
• Hazardous Materials (for placarded hazmat)

Knowledge Test Requirements

All CDL applicants must pass written knowledge tests before obtaining a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP). Colorado offers these tests in English and Spanish, except for the Hazmat test, which is only available in English.

Test Topics Include:

• General Knowledge: Vehicle control, shifting techniques, space management, hazard perception, night driving, cargo securement, pre-trip inspections
• Combination Vehicles: Coupling/uncoupling procedures, trailer control, rollover prevention, backing techniques
• Air Brakes: System components, dual air systems, inspection procedures, emergency procedures
• Passenger Transport: Loading procedures, safety protocols, emergency evacuation, railroad crossings
• Hazardous Materials: Classification, placarding, shipping papers, emergency response, security awareness

Important Note: Written test results are valid for one CLP issuance only. If you need a different class or endorsement later, you must retake all required exams.

Skills Test Requirements

Colorado uses third-party testing facilities for all CDL skills tests. The DMV does not conduct skills testing directly.

Skills Test Process:

1. Hold your CLP for at least 14 calendar days
2. Complete required Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
3. Schedule a skills test with an approved third-party testing facility
4. Pass the three-part skills test: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving
5. Return to DMV with completion certificate to obtain your CDL

The skills test must be conducted in a vehicle representative of the CDL class and endorsements you're seeking.

Medical Certification Requirements

All CDL applicants must provide a current DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate from an FMCSA-certified medical examiner. This certification demonstrates that you meet the physical and mental standards required to safely operate commercial motor vehicles.

Medical Certificate Requirements:

• Must be issued by an FMCSA-certified medical examiner
• Required at time of CDL application
• Must be kept current throughout CDL validity period
• Failure to maintain current medical certification can result in CDL downgrade

You can find certified medical examiners in your area using the FMCSA National Registry search tool.

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

Colorado enforces federal ELDT requirements for new CDL applicants. You must complete ELDT at an FMCSA-registered training provider before taking the skills test.

ELDT Required For:

• First-time Class A or Class B CDL applicants
• Upgrading from Class B to Class A
• First-time School Bus (S), Passenger (P), or Hazmat (H) endorsements

The training includes both theory and behind-the-wheel instruction specific to your CDL class and endorsements.

CDL Endorsements

Colorado offers several endorsements that allow you to operate specialized commercial vehicles or transport specific types of cargo:

Hazardous Materials (H)

• Required for transporting placarded hazardous materials
• Must complete ELDT Hazmat course (first-time applicants)
• Pass Hazmat knowledge test (English only)
• Complete TSA background check every CDL renewal

Passenger (P)

• Required for vehicles designed for 16+ passengers
• Pass Passenger knowledge test
• Skills test in appropriate passenger vehicle

School Bus (S)

• Required for operating school buses
• Complete School Bus ELDT training
• Pass School Bus and Passenger knowledge tests
• Skills test in school bus

Tank Vehicles (N)

• Required for tank vehicles
• Pass Tank Vehicles knowledge test

Doubles/Triples (T)

• Required for pulling double or triple trailers
• Pass Doubles/Triples knowledge test

Colorado CDL Fees

Note: Additional fees may apply for endorsements, especially Hazmat which requires a federal TSA background check fee. Skills testing fees are paid directly to third-party testing facilities and vary by provider.

Testing Locations and Scheduling

Knowledge Tests

CDL knowledge tests are administered at Colorado driver license offices that offer CDL services. Appointments are typically required. Contact your local office to schedule.

Skills Tests

Skills tests are conducted exclusively by approved third-party testing facilities. You must:

• Research and contact approved testing facilities in your area
• Schedule your test directly with the facility
• Ensure the facility is registered in the Commercial Skills Test Information Management System (CSTIMS)
• Bring your CLP and required documentation

Reciprocity and Transfers

Colorado participates in the interstate CDL system, allowing transfers from other states. If you hold a valid CDL from another state, you can transfer it to Colorado by providing:

• Valid out-of-state CDL
• Required identification documents
• Current DOT medical certificate
• Proof of Colorado residency

Your Colorado CDL will be valid for commercial vehicle operation in all U.S. states, subject to any restrictions or endorsement limitations.

Special Colorado Requirements

Term-Limited CDL Suspension

As of September 29, 2025, Colorado has paused issuance and renewals of term-limited (non-domiciled) CDLs and CLPs due to new FMCSA regulations. This affects certain non-resident applicants.

CLP Validity Changes

Effective April 18, 2024, Commercial Learner's Permits are valid for one year and cannot be renewed. If your CLP expires or you need a different class/endorsement, you must retake all required written exams.

CDL Exemptions

Colorado exempts the following from CDL requirements:

• Recreational vehicles (motorhomes) for personal use
• Military vehicles operated by service members
• Emergency firefighting equipment
• Emergency snow removal equipment
• Farm vehicles operated within 150 miles of the farm

How to Apply for Your Colorado CDL

Step 1: Prepare and Study

• Obtain the current Colorado CDL Driver Handbook
• Study for your required knowledge tests
• Gather required documents (identity, residency, Social Security)

Step 2: Get Your Medical Certificate

• Schedule an appointment with an FMCSA-certified medical examiner
• Complete the DOT physical examination
• Obtain your Medical Examiner's Certificate

Step 3: Take Knowledge Tests

• Schedule an appointment at a CDL-capable DMV office
• Pass all required knowledge tests for your desired class and endorsements
• Pay applicable fees and obtain your CLP

Step 4: Complete ELDT Training

• Enroll in an FMCSA-registered training program
• Complete both theory and behind-the-wheel training
• Obtain training completion certificate

Step 5: Take Skills Test

• Wait at least 14 days after obtaining your CLP
• Schedule skills test with approved third-party tester
• Pass pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and road test
• Obtain skills test completion certificate

Step 6: Get Your CDL

• Return to DMV with skills test completion certificate
• Bring your CLP, medical certificate, and required documents
• Pay CDL issuance fee
• Receive your Colorado CDL

Contact Information:

• Colorado DMV CDL Unit: 303-205-5600
• Email: DOR_cdlunit@state.co.us
• Website: dmv.colorado.gov