What you need to know before you start

Colorado issues a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) through the Department of Revenue's Division of Motor Vehicles. You cannot get a CDL by renewing an existing license — you must pass a written knowledge test, a skills test behind the wheel, and a medical examination. The whole process typically takes four to eight weeks from start to finish, though the timeline depends on how quickly you schedule your tests and how many attempts you need.

You must hold a valid Colorado driver's license before you can get a CDL. If you do not have one yet, you will need to get that first. You also cannot hold a CDL from another state and a Colorado CDL at the same time — if you move to Colorado with a CDL from another state, you must transfer it to Colorado within 30 days of establishing residency.

Key Takeaways

  • You must pass a medical examination from a certified medical examiner before you can take any CDL test in Colorado.
  • The written knowledge test covers general CDL rules plus the specific endorsement class you are seeking (Class A, B, or C).
  • The skills test includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a basic control test, and a road test — all on the same day.
  • You can take the written test at any Colorado DMV office, but the skills test is only offered at specific locations and requires advance scheduling.
  • Colorado charges a one-time CDL issuance fee of $20, plus separate fees for each endorsement you add.

Step 1: Get a medical examination from a certified examiner

Before you do anything else, you must have a medical examination performed by a doctor certified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This is not optional — the DMV will not let you take the written test without proof of this exam. The examiner will check your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and general medical history to make sure you are physically able to operate a commercial vehicle safely.

You can find a certified medical examiner through the FMCSA's National Registry at fmcsa.dot.gov. Search for examiners in Colorado, call ahead to schedule, and bring your current driver's license and proof of insurance. The exam usually costs between $75 and $150 out of pocket. Once the exam is complete, the examiner will give you a Medical Certificate (also called a Medical Examiner's Certificate). Keep this document — you will need to show it when you explore for your CDL.

Step 2: Gather your documents and choose your CDL class

Before you go to the DMV, collect the documents you will need. Bring your current Colorado driver's license, your Medical Certificate from the certified examiner, proof of Colorado residency (a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your immigration documents as well.

You also need to decide which CDL class you are seeking. Class A covers trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 26,001 pounds plus a trailer over 10,000 pounds. Class B covers single vehicles over 26,001 pounds GVWR but no heavy trailer. Class C covers smaller commercial vehicles that require a CDL only because of passenger capacity or hazardous materials. Most truck drivers pursue Class A. The class you choose determines which written test you will take.

Step 3: Pass the written knowledge test

Visit any Colorado DMV office and ask to take the CDL written test. You will take two tests: a general knowledge test that all CDL applicants must pass, and a class-specific test for the class you chose (A, B, or C). You can also take additional tests for endorsements like hazmat or passenger if you need them, but those are separate from the basic CDL test.

The general knowledge test has 50 questions and you must score at least 80 percent to pass. The class-specific test has 20 questions with the same 80 percent passing threshold. You can take the test on a computer at the DMV office. If you fail, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day before your next attempt. Most people pass on the first or second try if they study the Colorado CDL Manual, which the DMV provides free online at dmv.colorado.gov.

Step 4: Schedule and pass the skills test

Once you pass the written test, you are ready to schedule the skills test. This test is only offered at certain DMV locations — not all offices administer it. The main testing locations are in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins, though the DMV website lists all approved sites. You must schedule this test in advance; you cannot walk in. Call the location where you want to test or book online through the DMV website.

The skills test has three parts, all completed on the same day. First is the pre-trip inspection, where you walk around the vehicle and point out safety features and potential problems. Second is the basic control test, where you perform maneuvers like backing up, turning, and parking in a controlled area. Third is the road test, where you drive on public roads while an examiner watches and scores your performance. The entire test takes about two hours. You must pass all three parts to pass the skills test. If you fail any part, you can retake the entire test, but you must reschedule and pay the test fee again.

Step 5: Pay fees and receive your CDL

Once you pass both the written and skills tests, you return to the DMV office to pay the CDL issuance fee and complete your process. Colorado charges a one-time fee of $20 to issue your CDL. If you are adding endorsements (hazmat, passenger, tanker, doubles/triples), each endorsement costs an additional fee that varies by endorsement type. The DMV will tell you the exact cost when you explore.

Your CDL will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you will receive a temporary paper permit that you can use to drive commercially. Keep this permit with you while you are waiting for the physical card. Your CDL is valid for eight years from the date of issue, after which you must renew it.

What happens if you fail the skills test

If you do not pass the skills test on your first attempt, you can retake it. You must schedule a new test date at the same location or a different approved location. You will pay the test fee again — Colorado charges $100 for the skills test. You can take the test as many times as you need, but each attempt requires a new appointment and a new fee.

Many people fail the road portion on their first try because they are not used to handling a large vehicle or because they make a minor mistake under pressure. This is normal. Between attempts, practice with a truck and driver if possible, or review the specific maneuvers that gave you trouble. The DMV examiner will tell you which parts you failed so you know what to focus on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to take a written test if I already have a CDL from another state?

No. If you transfer a CDL from another state to Colorado, you do not take the written test again. You must still pass a Colorado skills test and provide your Medical Certificate. Contact the DMV to start the transfer process — it is faster than getting a CDL from scratch.

How long is the Medical Certificate valid?

A Medical Certificate is valid for 24 months from the date of the exam. After that, you must get a new exam and a new certificate to keep your CDL active. If your certificate expires, your CDL becomes invalid until you renew it.

Can I take the written test online from home?

No. You must take the written test in person at a Colorado DMV office. The DMV administers the test on a computer at the office, but you cannot take it remotely. You will need to show your ID and Medical Certificate when you arrive.

What if I fail the written test multiple times?

You can retake the written test as many times as you need. There is no limit on attempts, but you must wait at least one day between each attempt. Each time you take the test, you pay a test fee. Most people who study the Colorado CDL Manual pass within two attempts.

How much does it cost to get a CDL in Colorado?

The total cost varies, but expect to spend $200 to $400. This includes the medical exam ($75–$150), the written test fee (around $20), the skills test fee ($100), and the CDL issuance fee ($20). Endorsement fees add to this total. Costs may vary depending on which DMV location you use and which medical examiner you choose.