What Colorado Driver's License Endorsements Are and How to Get Them

Colorado driver's license endorsements explained

A driver's license endorsement is a notation on your Colorado driver's license that shows you are authorized to operate a specific type of vehicle or perform a specific driving task. The most common endorsement is the commercial driver's license (CDL), which you need to drive large trucks or buses for pay. Other endorsements include the motorcycle endorsement (M), the taxi endorsement (T), and the school bus endorsement (S). Without the correct endorsement, you cannot legally operate that vehicle type, even if you know how to drive it.

Colorado endorsements are not the same as restrictions. A restriction limits what you can do (like "corrective lenses required"), while an endorsement adds something you are permitted to do. You may have both on the same license. The Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues and tracks all endorsements.

Key Takeaways

Colorado endorsements authorize you to drive specific vehicle types or perform certain driving tasks, and you cannot legally operate those vehicles without the correct endorsement on your license.
The commercial driver's license (CDL) is the most common endorsement and requires passing a written knowledge test, a skills test, and a medical examination.
Motorcycle endorsements require a separate written test and either a riding skills test or completion of an approved motorcycle safety course.
School bus and taxi endorsements each have their own requirements, including background checks and specific training courses in some cases.
You can add an endorsement to an existing license or obtain one when you renew, and the process typically takes several weeks from start to finish.

The commercial driver's license (CDL) endorsement

The CDL is required if you drive a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, or if you drive any size vehicle carrying hazardous materials or 16 or more passengers. You need a CDL to drive a semi-truck, dump truck, or large bus for pay. Colorado issues CDLs in three classes: Class A (tractor-trailers and large combinations), Class B (single large vehicles like dump trucks or city buses), and Class C (smaller vehicles carrying hazardous materials or 16+ passengers).

To get a CDL, you must first pass the written knowledge test for your class at a Colorado DMV office. You will answer questions about vehicle operation, safety, and regulations. After passing the written test, you schedule a skills test, which includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a basic control skills test, and an on-road driving test. You must also pass a medical examination by a certified medical examiner and provide the results to the DMV. The entire process typically takes four to eight weeks.

Colorado also offers CDL endorsements for specific cargo or passenger types. The H endorsement allows you to carry hazardous materials. The N endorsement allows you to operate a tank vehicle. The P endorsement allows you to carry passengers. The X endorsement combines H and N. You add these by passing an additional written test for each one.

Motorcycle endorsement requirements

The motorcycle endorsement (M) allows you to operate a motorcycle on Colorado roads. You must be at least 16 years old to obtain an M endorsement. If you are under 18, you must also have parental consent and follow Colorado's graduated driver's license rules, which include restrictions on night driving and passenger limits during the first year.

You have two paths to get the M endorsement. The first is to pass the written motorcycle knowledge test at a DMV office, then pass the riding skills test administered by the DMV. The second is to complete an approved motorcycle safety course, such as those offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). If you complete an approved course, you do not need to take the riding skills test — the course completion certificate satisfies that requirement. You still must pass the written knowledge test at the DMV.

The riding skills test takes about 45 minutes and is conducted in a controlled environment with cones and marked areas. You will demonstrate basic maneuvers, acceleration, braking, and turning. If you fail the test, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day before your next attempt.

School bus and taxi endorsements

The school bus endorsement (S) is required if you drive a school bus in Colorado, whether for a school district or a private contractor. To get the S endorsement, you must hold a valid CDL (Class B or higher), pass a written test specific to school bus operation, and pass a background check. Colorado also requires school bus drivers to complete a school bus driver training course approved by the Colorado Department of Education and Early Childhood. The course covers student management, emergency procedures, and vehicle operation in school settings.

The taxi endorsement (T) is required if you drive a taxi, rideshare vehicle, or other for-hire passenger vehicle in Colorado. Requirements vary by city and county, but generally you must pass a written test, pass a background check, and provide proof of vehicle insurance. Some jurisdictions also require a medical examination and fingerprinting. Contact your local city or county transportation department to learn the specific requirements in your area, as they may be stricter than the state minimum.

How to add an endorsement to your existing license

You can add an endorsement to your current Colorado driver's license without renewing the entire license. Visit a Colorado DMV office in person with your current license, proof of residency, and any required medical or course completion documents. Tell the staff which endorsement you want to add. They will direct you to take the written test for that endorsement at the office.

After you pass the written test, the DMV will schedule you for any required skills test or medical examination. For a CDL, this means scheduling the medical exam and the driving skills test. For a motorcycle endorsement, this means scheduling the riding skills test (unless you have a course completion certificate). For school bus or taxi endorsements, the DMV will tell you what else you need to complete.

Once you pass all required tests and exams, the DMV will issue you a new license with the endorsement added. This usually takes one to two weeks. You will pay a fee for each endorsement; the amount varies by endorsement type. Check the Colorado DMV website or call your local office for current fees.

Adding an endorsement during license renewal

You can also add an endorsement when you renew your Colorado driver's license. When you renew, you have the option to add endorsements at the same time. This can be more convenient than making a separate trip, but it does not speed up the process — you still must pass all written tests, skills tests, and medical exams required for that endorsement.

If you are renewing by mail or online, you cannot add an endorsement at the same time. You must visit a DMV office in person to add an endorsement, even if your license renewal itself could be done remotely. Plan ahead if you need an endorsement by a certain date, because the combined renewal and endorsement process can take six to ten weeks from start to finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired endorsement while I wait for my new license?

No. Once your endorsement expires, you cannot legally operate that vehicle type until your new license arrives. If you are renewing a CDL or other endorsement, do not wait until the last day — start the renewal process at least two months before your endorsement expires to avoid a gap in authorization.

What happens if I drive without the correct endorsement?

Driving without the required endorsement is a traffic violation in Colorado. You can be cited, fined, and have points added to your driving record. If you cause an accident while driving without the correct endorsement, your insurance may not cover the damage, and you could face additional legal liability.

Do I need to retake the test if I move to Colorado from another state?

If you have a valid CDL from another state, Colorado will recognize it for 30 days while you transfer it. To make it permanent, you must visit a DMV office and pass Colorado's written CDL test. For other endorsements like motorcycle, you must pass Colorado's written test and any required skills tests. Your out-of-state endorsement does not transfer automatically.

Can I get a CDL if I have had a DUI or other traffic conviction?

A DUI or serious traffic conviction does not automatically disqualify you from a CDL, but it may affect your medical certification or your ability to pass the background check required for certain endorsements like school bus or taxi. Contact the Colorado DMV directly to discuss your specific situation before you begin the process.

How long does a CDL endorsement stay valid?

A Colorado CDL is valid for eight years from the date of issue, the same as a regular driver's license. You must renew it before it expires. If your medical certification expires before your CDL does, you cannot legally drive a commercial vehicle until you renew the medical certification, even though your license itself is still valid.

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.