Colorado CDL Initial Application Information
How do I get a Colorado CDL for the first time?
- You must hold a valid regular driver's license and be at least 18 years old before applying for a CDL
- CDL school is not required, but recommended
- You will need to visit a driver's license office and successfully pass the written tests that apply to the commercial
license you desire. Click here to view CDL manual.
- Once you have successfully passed the required exams, purchase a CDL permit ($14.00)
Colorado CDL Application Procedure:
- Show current DOT medical card. Click here to find a FMCSA Certified Medical Examiner in your area
- Show proof of address, click here for list of acceptable documents
- Show your original, non-laminated Social Security card or know your Social Security number
- Schedule a drive skills test with an approved driving school
- Return to driver's license office with your drive skills test completion form and purchase a CDL ($35.00 or $37.00 if you have a motorcycle endorsement)
Will My CDL Transfer From Another State?
All valid (expired less than 1 year) out of state CDLs will transfer to Colorado.
All endorsements with exception of the H, X, and S will also transfer. Out of
state CDL permits do not transfer to Colorado and require retesting.
Colorado CDL Written Knowledge Tests
You will need to pass the
Colorado Knowledge Tests that are required for
the class of license, restriction, and endorsements you wish to possess. A general
knowledge test for the Class A or Class B and C license must be successfully completed
by all CDL applicants. The information needed to pass these tests is contained
in the
FREE Colorado CDL Handbook. Please read and study this
manual carefully.
- Class A - 70 Questions (50 GK + 20 Combination Vehicles) - Skills test required.
- Class B - 50 Questions - Skills test required.
- Class C - 50 Questions - Skills test required for bus, school bus and air
brakes vehicles..
- Passenger Endorsement - 20 questions - Skills test required in bus.
- School Bus Endorsement - 25 questions - Skills test required in school bus.
- Doubles/Triples Endorsement - 20 questions - No additional skills tests.
- Tank Vehicle Endorsement - 20 questions - No additional skills tests.
- Hazardous Materials Endorsement - 30 questions - No additional skills tests.
- Air Brake Restriction Removal - 25 questions - Additional skills test in vehicle with Air Brakes.
If you need help . . .
determining what Class of CDL you need based upon the type
of vehicle you will drive (A, B or C) or are not sure which CDL
Endorsements you need based upon the type of loads you will carry; use the
free CDL Selector Tool . . .
Colorado
Go to CDL Selector Tool
Not sure which CO CDL Tests you need to pass? Use this tool to determine what Class of CDL and which CDL Endorsements you require.
Classes of Colorado CDL and Required Tests
CDL Class |
Tests Required |
Possible Endorsements and Required Tests |
Class A
(Combination vehicle endorsement required) |
General Knowledge Written Exam
Combination Endorsement Written Exam
Road Exam |
|
Class B |
General Knowledge Written Exam
Road Exam |
|
Class C |
General Knowledge Written Exam
Road Exam
Note: If upgrading to a Class C from a Class D, no road test is required UNLESS the endorsement requires one. |
|
Colorado CDL Endorsements
Exam |
Time Allowed (Minutes) |
# of Questions on Exam |
# of Correct Answers Needed to Pass |
General Knowledge |
60 |
50 |
40 |
Air Brakes |
25 |
25 |
20 |
HazMat |
30 |
30 |
24 |
Tank |
20 |
20 |
16 |
Passenger |
20 |
20 |
16 |
Doubles/Triples |
20 |
20 |
16 |
Combination Vehicles |
20 |
20 |
16 |
School Bus |
20 |
20 |
16 |
In addition to the Colorado CDL (commercial driver's license) information found in our website covering the Colorado CDL and in the free Colorado CDL Handbook (which is quite boring and a bit confusing - and doesn't have a single multiple-choice question in it that is asked on the actual tests), the complete online
prep program will prepare you to easily pass your
Colorado CDL written exams to get your Colorado CDL permit. The skills test modules are invaluable to give you a head start before doing your
work, possibly saving you a lot of money. The Colorado CDL test prep program includes the following features . . .