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Commercial Driver's License
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
$36.50
TOTAL GOV FEES
$3,700-$8,000
TRAINING COST
4 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Gather Required Documents
Obtain a valid Colorado driver's license, proof of SSN, two documents verifying Colorado residency, and a current Medical Examiner's Certificate (DOT medical card).
DOT physical exam typically costs $75–$150
Pass Knowledge Tests
Visit a Colorado DMV office and pass the General Knowledge, Air Brakes, and Combination Vehicles (for Class A) written tests to obtain your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP).
CLP instruction permit fee
Fee: $19Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Complete ELDT through an FMCSA-approved training provider listed on the Training Provider Registry.
Training costs vary by school and program
Fee: $3,700–$8,000Hold CLP for 14 Days
You must hold your CLP for a minimum of 14 calendar days before taking the skills test.
Pass Skills Test at Third-Party Facility
Schedule and pass the CDL skills test (pre-trip inspection, basic controls, road test) at a state-certified third-party testing facility.
Third-party testing fee; varies by provider
Fee: $275Obtain CDL
Return to the Colorado DMV with your skills test certificate and pay the CDL license fee to receive your CDL.
CDL license fee; valid for 4 years
Fee: $17.50Commercial Driver’s Licenses are divided into three classes based on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of the vehicle being operated.
Class A CDL
26,001+ lbs GCWR
Towing: Towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class B CDL
26,001+ lbs GVWR
Towing: Towed vehicle under 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class C CDL
Under 26,001 lbs GVWR
Towing: Does not meet Class A or B thresholds
Common examples
Government Fees
Endorsement Fees
Training Cost
CLP ($19) + CDL ($17.50); no state skills test available (third-party only)
Government Fees (You Still Pay)
Training Cost
Note: $0 (company-paid programs available)
Costs vary by school and program length
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Passing Score: 80%
Test Components
Three-Part Exam
Skills tests must be taken at an approved third-party testing facility.
Third-party fee: $275 (Third-party testing facility fee; varies by provider)
Scheduling Note
Schedule through a state-certified third-party testing facility; find locations at dmv.colorado.gov
Ready to pass the CDL Knowledge Test?
Practice exams built for the CDL licensing exam — so you can pass faster.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Preparing for the written and skills tests? Read our CDL exam prep guide for study tips and what to expect on test day.
Overall licensing difficulty: 1/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
CDL Knowledge Test
Browse study guides
CDL Exam Prep Books
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Prepare with realistic CDL Knowledge Test practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)See our discount
CDL Knowledge Test
Passing Score
80%
Format
Written multiple choice
Key Topics Covered
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the CDL Knowledge Test.
Study Materials & Exam Prep — CDL Knowledge Test
Prepare for your CDL Knowledge Test with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, online courses, and practice tests.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Intrastate Minimum Age
18 years old
Interstate Minimum Age
21 years old (federal requirement)
Medical Card (DOT Physical)
Required
Valid State Driver's License
Required
Clean Driving Record
No disqualifying offenses per 49 CFR 383.51
Residency Requirement
Must be a resident of Colorado with two documents verifying Colorado residency
Not sure if you need a CDL? Check whether your state requires one.
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | $7 |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | $5 |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | $5 |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | $5 |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | $10 |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | $5 |
HAZMAT Note: The HAZMAT endorsement (H and X) requires a TSA background check ($85.25) and fingerprinting in addition to the state fee shown above. The TSA security threat assessment must be completed before the state will issue the endorsement.
CLP Fee
$19
Instruction permit fee
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
12 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
Colorado has 30% below average — nationally the ratio is 1 per 164 residents.
Colorado has below-average cdl truck drivers density — strong demand for new cdl truck drivers.
Colorado ranks #42 out of 51 states by cdl truck drivers per capita.
Renewal Cycle
4 years
Renewal Fee
$17.50
4-year renewal
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
CDL is valid for 4 years. Must maintain current Medical Examiner's Certificate.
Regulatory Board
Learn more about the renewal process in our CDL renewal requirements guide.
Visit a Colorado DMV office with required documents to transfer your out-of-state CDL. You must surrender your out-of-state license.
Transfer Fee
$17.50
CDL license fee
Timeline
Within 30 days of establishing Colorado residency
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedVision screening; HAZMAT knowledge test required to retain HAZMAT endorsement
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Qualified military personnel may be eligible to waive the CDL skills test based on equivalent military vehicle operation experience.
Eligibility
Active duty or recently separated (within past two years) military with equivalent vehicle operation experience
Search accredited CDL training programs and compare costs, schedules, and job placement rates.
160 Driving Academy →Nationwide CDL training with flexible schedules, financial aid options, and job placement assistance.
TruckingTruth School Reviews →Real student reviews and ratings of CDL schools to help you choose the right program.
Employer-Sponsored CDL Programs
Many trucking companies offer paid CDL training in exchange for an employment commitment. These are not affiliate links — check directly with carriers like Schneider, Werner, CRST, and Swift for current company-sponsored training programs in Colorado.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in Colorado range from $3,700 to $8,000. Costs vary by school and program length
Some links above may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
See our picks for the best CDL schools in Colorado.
Start Your CDL Training in Colorado
State-approved online courses you can start today.
Unique to Colorado
All CDL skills testing must be done at third-party facilities; Colorado DMV offices no longer conduct skills tests. CLP is non-renewable and valid for only one year.
CDL Schools in Colorado
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Not sure this is the right career? Take a 2-minute quiz →
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Official Sources
CDL Driver requirements in Colorado verified against Colorado Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle (DMV), April 2026.
All data verified as of 2026-04-02. Sources consulted: