What a Colorado endorsement is and why it matters

A Colorado endorsement is a notation on your driver's license that says you are permitted to operate a specific type of vehicle or perform a specific driving task. The most common endorsement is the commercial driver's license (CDL) endorsement, which you need to drive a truck, bus, or other large commercial vehicle for pay. Without the right endorsement, you cannot legally do that work — even if you have a regular driver's license.

Colorado uses letter codes for endorsements. An "A" endorsement means you can drive combination vehicles (like an 18-wheeler). A "B" endorsement means you can drive heavy straight trucks. A "C" endorsement means you can drive small buses or vehicles carrying hazardous materials. Each endorsement requires its own written test and, usually, a skills test behind the wheel.

Endorsements are different from restrictions. A restriction (marked with a number code) limits what you can do — for example, a restriction might say you can only drive during daylight hours or only with corrective lenses. An endorsement gives you permission to do something you otherwise could not.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado endorsements are letter codes on your license showing you can operate specific vehicle types or perform specific driving tasks, most commonly for commercial driving.
  • The CDL endorsement process requires passing a written knowledge test, a skills test, and a medical examination through a certified medical examiner.
  • You must be at least 18 years old to get a CDL endorsement in Colorado, though some employers require you to be 21.
  • The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles all endorsement testing and licensing, and you can schedule your tests through their website or by phone.
  • Endorsement requirements vary by the type of vehicle and cargo — hazardous materials require an additional "H" endorsement on top of your base CDL endorsement.

The three main types of Colorado endorsements

The "A" endorsement is for combination vehicles — the tractor-trailer rigs you see on highways. This is the most common CDL endorsement and the one most employers look for. To get an "A" endorsement, you must pass the general knowledge test, the air brakes test (if your vehicle has air brakes), and the combination vehicle test. You also take a skills test in an actual combination vehicle.

The "B" endorsement is for heavy straight trucks — dump trucks, cement mixers, garbage trucks, and other large single-unit vehicles. The written tests are similar to the "A" endorsement but the skills test uses a straight truck instead of a combination vehicle. Many people get a "B" endorsement when they are starting out and move to an "A" endorsement later.

The "C" endorsement is for small buses (like a 15-passenger van) or for vehicles carrying hazardous materials. If you drive a school bus or a charter bus, you need a "C" endorsement. If you haul hazardous cargo, you need both a base endorsement ("A" or "B") and an additional "H" endorsement for hazmat. The "H" endorsement requires a separate written test and a background check.

Steps to get a Colorado CDL endorsement

The first step is to get a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) from the Colorado DMV. You must be at least 18 years old (some employers require 21). You will need to pass the general knowledge written test and any endorsement-specific tests (air brakes, combination vehicles, hazmat, or passenger). You also need to pass a medical examination by a certified medical examiner — this is not your regular doctor, but a provider certified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The medical examiner will check your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and other health factors.

Once you have your CLP, you can practice driving the type of vehicle you want to operate, but you must have a licensed CDL driver in the seat next to you at all times. You cannot drive alone. Most people practice for several weeks or months before taking the skills test.

The second step is to schedule and pass the skills test with the Colorado DMV. The test has three parts: a vehicle inspection (you walk around the truck and point out safety features), a basic control test (you drive in a closed course), and a road test (you drive on public roads). You must pass all three parts. The entire test usually takes 45 minutes to an hour.

Once you pass the skills test, the DMV will issue your CDL with the endorsement. The whole process from CLP to CDL usually takes 4 to 12 weeks, depending on how quickly you schedule your tests and how much you practice.

Where to schedule your tests and what documents you need

You schedule all CDL tests through the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles. You can book online at the DMV website or call your local DMV office. Testing slots fill up quickly in some areas, so schedule as soon as you are ready to test.

For the written tests, you will need a valid Colorado driver's license or ID, proof of Colorado residency (a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. For the medical examination, you will need to find a certified FMCSA medical examiner — the DMV website has a searchable list. The exam costs between $100 and $200 out of pocket (some employers cover this cost).

For the skills test, you must bring the vehicle you will be tested in — you cannot borrow a random truck from a lot. The vehicle must be properly registered and insured, and it must match the endorsement you are testing for. If you are testing for an "A" endorsement, you must bring a combination vehicle. If you are testing for a "B" endorsement, you must bring a straight truck.

Restrictions and disqualifications for Colorado CDL endorsements

Colorado will not issue a CDL endorsement if you have certain criminal convictions, including felonies involving drugs or violence within the past 10 years. You also cannot get a CDL if you have been convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) or driving with a suspended or revoked license within the past 10 years.

If you have a CDL and you are convicted of certain traffic violations — like reckless driving, speeding 15 miles per hour or more over the limit, or following too closely — the DMV may suspend or revoke your CDL. A DUI conviction will permanently disqualify you from holding a CDL in Colorado.

Some medical conditions can also disqualify you. The FMCSA medical examiner will assess whether you have vision problems, hearing loss, diabetes, heart disease, or other conditions that would make it unsafe for you to drive a commercial vehicle. If you are disqualified for medical reasons, you may be able to request a waiver, but this is rare.

Renewing and maintaining your Colorado CDL endorsement

A Colorado CDL is valid for eight years, the same as a regular driver's license. You renew it at the DMV just like a regular license — in person, by mail, or online, depending on your situation. When you renew, you do not have to retake the written or skills tests unless the DMV has reason to believe you are no longer safe to drive.

However, your medical certification expires every two years. You must visit a certified FMCSA medical examiner every two years and have them sign off on your medical fitness to drive. If your medical certification expires, your CDL is no longer valid for commercial driving, even though the license itself has not expired. Many CDL drivers set a reminder on their phone two months before their medical certification expires so they do not miss the important date.

If you move to another state, your Colorado CDL is still valid there — CDLs are recognized nationwide. However, if you move to another state and want to get a license in that state, you will need to transfer your CDL through that state's DMV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a CDL endorsement to drive a pickup truck or van for work?

No. A CDL endorsement is only required if the vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, or if it is designed to carry 16 or more passengers (including the driver). Most pickup trucks and vans fall below this threshold. Check your vehicle's registration or owner's manual for the GVWR.

Can I get a CDL endorsement if I have a DUI on my record?

A DUI conviction within the past 10 years will disqualify you from getting a CDL in Colorado. If your DUI is older than 10 years, you may be able to get one, but you will need to disclose it on your process and the DMV will review your case.

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

The DMV charges a fee for the CLP and another fee for the CDL itself — these fees vary and change periodically, so check the Colorado DMV website for current prices. You will also pay for the medical examination ($100 to $200), any practice or training courses you take, and the cost of renting or using a vehicle for the skills test.

What happens if I fail the CDL skills test?

You can retake the test. There is no limit to how many times you can test, but you must pay the test fee each time. Most people who fail take a few weeks to practice more before scheduling their next attempt. Your CLP remains valid while you are practicing and retesting.

Do I need an endorsement to drive a school bus in Colorado?

Yes. School buses require a "C" endorsement (passenger endorsement) and an "S" endorsement (school bus endorsement). You will also need to pass a background check and a fingerprint clearance. School districts usually help you through this process and may cover some of the costs.