Loading...
Loading...
Get your Colorado CDL — government fees ($36.50), ELDT training, skills test, and step-by-step guide. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Commercial Driver's License
Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
64% of data points are verified against official sources. 9 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
$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
Ready to start your CDL training?
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides.
Passing Score: 80%
Test Components
Three-Part Exam
All CDL skills testing in Colorado is conducted through state-certified third-party testing facilities. Colorado Driver's License Offices no longer offer skills tests.
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
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
| 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
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
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
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.
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.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Colorado.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#11 of 51
Cost
#2 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (SOC 53-3032)
Entry Level
$51,380
25th percentile
Median
$60,260
+5% vs. national avg ($57,440)Experienced
$68,270
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
27,840 employed in this state
Note: BLS category "Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers" covers CDL holders driving tractor-trailers specifically. Wages for other CDL vehicle types may differ.
Source: BLS OEWS – Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+2.6%
Below AverageNew Jobs
+53,500
over 10 years
Annual Openings
228,600
per year (avg.)
2.1M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 6–16 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
1–2 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides and practice tests for the commercial driver's license exam.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
All data verified as of 2026-03-21. Sources consulted:
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides. Complete your permit prep before attending a driving school.
We may earn a commission if you enroll through links on our site. This does not affect our recommendations or the price you pay.
Exploring other careers? Compare licensing requirements for real estate agents, insurance agents, and notaries in Colorado.