How to Get Your Commercial Driver's License in Colorado

What you need to know before you start

A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in Colorado is required if you operate a vehicle over 26,001 pounds, haul hazardous materials, or drive a bus carrying passengers. The process takes several weeks and involves a written test, a skills test, and a medical examination. You cannot skip steps or test out of requirements — Colorado follows federal CDL standards, and every driver follows the same sequence.

The timeline matters: medical certification takes a few days to a week, the written test can happen within days of explore, but the skills test typically has a waiting period of two to four weeks depending on your local Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles office. Plan for at least six to eight weeks from start to finish if everything goes smoothly.

Key Takeaways

You must pass a Department of Transportation medical exam, obtain a Medical Certificate, and bring it to the Colorado DMV before you can test for a CDL.
The written test covers general knowledge, air brakes, and your specific endorsement category (tanker, doubles, hazmat, or passenger), and you must score at least 80 percent on each section.
The skills test includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a backing maneuver, and a road test, and you must pass all three components in a single session.
Colorado charges a CDL fee of $65 for a four-year license, plus separate fees for each endorsement you add.
You must hold a valid Colorado driver's license and be at least 18 years old (21 if you plan to drive interstate).

Step 1: Get your medical certification before anything else

The first real step is a medical examination by a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) certified medical examiner. This is not your regular doctor — it must be someone on the FMCSA's National Registry. You can find certified examiners through the FMCSA website or by calling your local Colorado DMV office for referrals.

The exam checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and general health. It costs between $75 and $150 depending on the examiner. If you pass, you receive a Medical Certificate valid for two years. Bring this certificate with you when you go to the DMV — you cannot take the written test without it. If you fail, you can retest with a different examiner, but some conditions (like certain vision problems or untreated sleep apnea) may require treatment before you can pass.

Step 2: explore at the Colorado DMV and take the written test

Visit your local Colorado DMV office with your Medical Certificate, valid driver's license, proof of Colorado residency, and Social Security card. You will fill out Form DL-43 (process for Colorado Driver's License or Permit). The DMV will verify your information and schedule your written test, which can often happen the same day or within a few days.

The written test has multiple sections. You must pass the General Knowledge test (50 questions, 80 percent passing score) and the Air Brakes test (25 questions, 80 percent passing score) if your vehicle has air brakes. You also take a test for your specific endorsement — for example, if you want to haul hazardous materials, you take the Hazmat test; if you want to drive a passenger bus, you take the Passenger test. Each endorsement test has its own passing score of 80 percent. You can study using the Colorado CDL Manual, available free on the Colorado DMV website.

If you fail any section, you can retake it, but you must pass all sections before moving to the skills test. There is no waiting period between attempts, so you can retest the same day if you choose.

Step 3: Schedule and pass the skills test

Once you pass all written tests, the DMV schedules your skills test. This is where the waiting period usually occurs — Colorado DMV offices typically have a two- to four-week backlog for skills testing. You can call ahead to ask about wait times at your specific office.

The skills test has three parts, all conducted in a single session with an examiner:

Pre-trip inspection: You walk around and under the vehicle, pointing out safety equipment and explaining what you are checking. The examiner watches and listens.
Backing maneuver: You perform specific backing exercises (straight back, offset back, or alley dock) in a marked course. Cones mark the boundaries, and hitting or crossing a cone results in failure.
Road test: You drive the vehicle on public roads for 30 to 45 minutes while the examiner observes and scores your handling, mirror checks, lane changes, and overall control.

You must pass all three components in one session. If you fail any part, you can retake the entire skills test, but you must schedule a new appointment and wait for the next available slot. Bring your Medical Certificate, your written test passing documentation, and a valid ID to the skills test.

What vehicle you need for testing

You must provide the actual vehicle you will be driving for work. If you are testing for a Class A CDL (tractor-trailer), you bring a tractor-trailer. If you are testing for a Class B CDL (straight truck or bus), you bring that vehicle. The vehicle must be properly registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will inspect it before the test begins, and if it fails inspection, your test is cancelled and you must reschedule with a different vehicle.

Many people use a vehicle provided by their employer or a truck driving school. If you are using a school vehicle, confirm with the school that it meets Colorado DMV standards and that they will have it available on your test date.

Endorsements and additional requirements

Colorado CDL endorsements are added to your license based on what you will be driving. Hazmat (H) requires a written test and a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check. Passenger (P) requires a written test and applies if you drive a bus with more than 15 passengers. Tanker (N) requires a written test if you haul liquids in bulk. Doubles (T) requires a written test if you pull double trailers.

You can add endorsements at the time you get your CDL or later. Each endorsement adds a fee to your license renewal cost. If you need Hazmat, the TSA background check takes one to two weeks, so plan accordingly.

Costs and renewal

A Colorado CDL costs $65 for a four-year license. Each endorsement costs an additional $10. Medical certification costs $75 to $150 and is valid for two years, so you will need to renew it before your CDL expires. When you renew your CDL, you must provide a current Medical Certificate and pass the written test again, but you do not have to retake the skills test unless your license was suspended or revoked.

If your Medical Certificate expires before your CDL does, your CDL becomes invalid until you renew the medical certification. This is a common trap — set a reminder six months before your medical certificate expires so you have time to schedule a new exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a CDL if I have a DUI or traffic violation on my record?

A DUI does not automatically disqualify you, but it will be reviewed during your process. Some violations (like reckless driving or multiple speeding tickets) may delay approval. Contact your local Colorado DMV office with your specific record to find out whether you can proceed.

What happens if I fail the skills test?

You can retake it, but you must schedule a new appointment and wait for the next available slot at your DMV office. You do not have to retake the written test. Bring the same vehicle and your Medical Certificate to the retest.

Do I need to attend a truck driving school?

No, Colorado does not require formal training. However, many employers prefer or require it, and a school can provide the vehicle and instruction you need to pass the skills test. Some schools have agreements with DMV offices that reduce the waiting period for testing.

Can I test for multiple endorsements at the same time?

Yes. You take the written tests for all endorsements you want in one session, and if you pass them all, you take one skills test. The examiner will test you on the most complex vehicle type you listed.

What if my Medical Certificate expires before my CDL does?

Your CDL becomes invalid when ready. You must get a new medical exam and Medical Certificate, then visit the DMV to update your license. Do not wait until your CDL expires to renew your medical certification.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.