Colorado endorsement codes are letters printed on your driver's license that show you have met extra training or testing for specific driving privileges

An endorsement code is not the same as a restriction. Where a restriction limits what you can do (like corrective lenses required), an endorsement proves you have passed additional requirements to do something most drivers cannot. Colorado uses single letters — A, B, D, H, M, and others — each representing a different skill or credential. The code appears on the front of your license and tells law enforcement and employers what you are legally permitted to operate.

You do not automatically receive an endorsement. You must pass a written test, a skills test, or both, depending on which endorsement you are seeking. The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) administers these tests at driver's license offices across the state. Some endorsements require you to hold a valid driver's license first; others can be added when you get your initial license.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado endorsement codes are letters on your license showing you have passed extra tests to operate specific vehicle types or carry certain cargo.
  • The most common endorsements are M (motorcycle), H (hazardous materials), and D (double/triple trailers), each requiring a separate written and sometimes skills test.
  • You must be at least 18 years old for most endorsements, and some require you to already hold a valid driver's license.
  • The written test for each endorsement covers rules specific to that vehicle type or cargo, and you study using the Colorado Driver's Handbook and endorsement-specific materials available free from the DMV.

The most common Colorado endorsement codes and what they allow

M (Motorcycle) allows you to operate a motorcycle on public roads. You must pass a written test on motorcycle safety, traffic laws, and handling. Colorado also requires a skills test — you ride a motorcycle through a course that tests your ability to brake, turn, and control the vehicle. If you are under 18, you must complete a motorcycle safety course approved by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation or similar organization instead of the skills test.

H (Hazardous Materials) allows you to drive a commercial vehicle carrying hazardous cargo — explosives, flammable liquids, gases, poisons, and radioactive materials. You must pass a written test covering hazmat regulations, placarding, and emergency procedures. This endorsement requires you to already hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) and pass a federal background check.

D (Double/Triple Trailers) allows you to operate a commercial vehicle towing two or three trailers. You must pass a written test on coupling, braking systems, and safe operation of multiple trailers. Like the H endorsement, this requires a valid CDL first.

T (Tanker) allows you to drive a commercial vehicle carrying liquid cargo in a tank. The written test covers tank vehicle handling, weight distribution, and braking. This also requires a CDL.

P (Passenger) allows you to operate a commercial vehicle carrying 16 or more passengers. You must pass a written test on passenger safety, loading, and emergency procedures, and you need a CDL.

How to prepare for and take an endorsement test

Start by getting the correct study materials. The Colorado DMV publishes a free Driver's Handbook that covers general traffic laws and safe driving. For endorsement-specific content, the DMV website lists what topics each test covers. For motorcycle endorsements, you can read the Motorcycle Operator Manual. For commercial endorsements (H, D, T, P), the Commercial Driver's License Manual covers all four.

Read through the manual and take practice tests if the DMV offers them online — some endorsements have sample questions available on the DMV website. Schedule your test appointment at your local driver's license office. You can do this online through the Colorado DMV website or by calling the office directly. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency if required, and any fees (endorsement test fees vary but are typically under $20).

On test day, arrive 15 minutes early. The written test is usually 30 to 50 questions and you must score at least 80 percent to pass. If you pass the written test, you may take the skills test the same day or schedule it separately, depending on the endorsement. For motorcycle endorsements, the skills test involves riding a motorcycle through a closed course while an examiner watches your control and judgment. For commercial endorsements, the skills test happens in the vehicle you will be driving — you demonstrate coupling, braking, and safe operation.

Endorsement requirements by age and license type

Most endorsements require you to be at least 18 years old and hold a valid Colorado driver's license. The motorcycle endorsement is the main exception: you can add an M endorsement to a permit or a license, but if you are under 18, you must complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course or equivalent instead of taking the skills test.

Commercial endorsements (H, D, T, P) require you to hold a valid CDL. To get a CDL, you must be at least 18 years old (21 if you plan to drive across state lines), pass a medical exam, and pass the CDL written test. Once you have a CDL, you can add any of the four commercial endorsements by passing their specific written tests.

Some endorsements have additional restrictions. For example, if you are under 21, you may not drive a commercial vehicle carrying hazardous materials in Colorado, even with an H endorsement. Check with your local DMV office about age-specific rules for the endorsement you want.

What happens after you pass an endorsement test

Once you pass both the written and skills tests (if required), the DMV issues you a new driver's license with the endorsement code printed on it. This usually happens the same day, though some offices may mail it to you. Your old license becomes invalid once the new one is issued.

The endorsement stays on your license for as long as your license is valid. When you renew your license, the endorsement renews with it — you do not have to retake the test. However, if your license is suspended or revoked, your endorsements are suspended or revoked as well.

If you want to add a second endorsement later, you can. For example, you might have an M endorsement and later decide to get an H endorsement. You take the H test separately and the DMV adds it to your license. You can hold multiple endorsements at once.

Endorsements versus restrictions and what the difference means

A restriction is a limitation on what you can do. Common restrictions include "corrective lenses required," "automatic transmission only," or "no highway driving." Restrictions appear on your license and mean you cannot legally drive without following that restriction — driving without corrective lenses when required, for example, is a violation.

An endorsement is the opposite: it is permission to do something beyond what a standard license allows. You cannot drive a motorcycle with just a regular driver's license in Colorado — you need the M endorsement. You cannot haul hazmat without the H endorsement. Endorsements expand your privileges; restrictions narrow them.

Some people have both. You might have an M endorsement (allowing motorcycles) and a restriction for corrective lenses (requiring glasses). Both appear on your license and both are legally binding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a motorcycle endorsement without taking a skills test?

Only if you are under 18 and complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course or equivalent approved course. If you are 18 or older, you must pass the skills test. Some states recognize out-of-state motorcycle safety courses, so ask your DMV office if your course qualifies.

Do I need a commercial driver's license to get an H endorsement?

Yes. The H, D, T, and P endorsements all require a valid CDL. You cannot add them to a regular driver's license. If you do not have a CDL yet, you must get one first by passing the CDL written test and medical exam.

What if I fail an endorsement test?

You can retake it. Most DMV offices let you schedule another test within a few days or weeks. There is usually a fee for each test attempt. You can take the test as many times as you need until you pass.

Do endorsements transfer if I move to another state?

Not automatically. Each state has its own endorsement system and requirements. If you move, you will need to get a driver's license in your new state. Some states recognize out-of-state endorsements and let you transfer them; others require you to retake the test. Contact the DMV in your new state to find out.

Can I remove an endorsement from my license?

Yes, but you have to get a new license without it. Contact your local DMV office and ask to remove a specific endorsement. You will pay a fee for a replacement license, and the new license will be issued without that endorsement code.