General CDL Information for Colorado Licensing
You must have a valid Commercial Driver License (CDL) to operate any commercial motor vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or heavier Any commercial vehicle that is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver. Any vehicle transporting hazardous material and is required to be placarded in accordance with 49 CFR Part 172, Subpart F.
What do I Need to Obtain a CDL?
Be at least 18 year of age for intrastate, and 21 for interstate
Valid driver license from Colorado or another state and a commercial permit
Current DOT medical card
Your Social Security number
Commercial drive skills test completion form dated within 60 days (if turning your commercial instruction permit into a CDL)
If you want to add a HAZMAT endorsement on your CDL, you will need to successfully pass the HAZMAT written exam and provide a current TSA background check every time you purchase a CDL.
Classes of Commercial Licenses
Class A - combination vehicles - consists of any combination of vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
Class B - straight trucks and light combinations - consists of any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more or any such vehicle towing a vehicle which does not have a GVWR in excess of 10,000 pounds.
Class C - single vehicles less than 26,001 GVWR - consists of any single vehicle or combination of vehicles that do not meet the definition of a Class A or B commercial vehicle, but that transports 16 or more passengers (including the driver) OR is placarded for transportation of hazardous materials
Which vehicles are exempt from requiring a CDL?
Recreational vehicles such as a motorhome
Military vehicles driven by military service members
Firefighting equipment
Emergency snow plows used during emergency snow removal operations
Farm vehicles when controlled and operated by a farmer within 150 miles of the person's farm
Commercial Learner's Permits
Commercial Learner's Permits (CLP) are valid for year. Please note: The results of the written CDL test are only valid for one year. If the results of your written test are over one year old, you will need to retake the written test, even if your CLP is valid. CLPs must be held for 14 calendar days before the CDL skills test can be taken.
Other Information
CDLs are valid for 4 years If you hold a CDL, you are licensed to drive both commercial vehicles in your class and below as well as regular vehicles Endorsements and the Requirements to Obtain Endorsements CDL Restrictions The CDL Knowledge Test is available in English and Spanish.
As of February 7th, 2022, aspiring commercial drivers will need to complete the new federally mandated Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) with a certified trainer before they can obtain a CDL. Entry Level Driver Training certification will help ensure commercial drivers are properly trained, making the roads safer for all motorists. This new regulation is in line with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s primary mission to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses. The ELDT intends to increase safety on our nation’s highways by setting minimum standards and enforcing uniform requirements for new commercial drivers, which will result in more qualified drivers on our roads. Prior to this change in legislation, CDL standards varied state by state. The new training is required for first-time commercial drivers; anyone wanting to upgrade their CDL or anyone wanting to add the following endorsements: hazardous material (H), passenger (P), or school bus (S) endorsement. During the training, which includes classroom instruction, drivers must pass the assessment with an overall score of 80 percent or higher and demonstrate proficiency in behind-the-wheel training. Only instructors and schools listed on the National Training Provider Registry are allowed to certify that drivers have passed the necessary requirements for a CDL or an endorsement.