A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required in Colorado to operate commercial motor vehicles over 26,000 lbs GVWR, buses carrying 16 or more passengers, or vehicles placarded for hazardous materials. Colorado CDL fees start at $105 for a 5-year license. Three CDL classes are available: Class A for tractor-trailer combinations, Class B for single large vehicles, and Class C for passenger and HazMat vehicles. First-time applicants must complete Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) through an FMCSA-registered provider before taking the skills test. All interstate CDL holders must maintain a valid DOT Medical Certificate. Test your knowledge with the Colorado CDL knowledge test, then pass the skills test — pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and road driving — to earn your license.
Any combination of vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 lbs or more, provided the GVWR of the towed vehicle exceeds 10,000 lbs.
Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a GVWR not exceeding 10,000 lbs.
Any single vehicle or combination not covered by Class A or B, designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver, or required to be placarded for hazardous materials.
TSA security threat assessment and fingerprinting required. Required for hauling fuel, mining chemicals, and industrial HazMat through Colorado's mountain corridors and to oil/gas operations on the Western Slope.
Required for bulk liquid/gas tank vehicles. Essential for fuel tanker operators serving mountain ski resort communities and oil/gas field operations on the Western Slope and DJ Basin.
Required for vehicles carrying 16 or more passengers. Used for resort shuttle and ski area bus operations in mountain communities.
Requires P endorsement. Colorado background check required for school bus operators.
Required for double and triple trailer combinations. Colorado permits Rocky Mountain Doubles and standard doubles on designated routes. Class A CDL required. T endorsement is valuable for Denver distribution hub operations.
Combination H and N endorsements for HazMat tank vehicles. TSA background check required. Common for fuel tanker operations serving mountain communities and oil/gas field operations on the Western Slope.
Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) is required by federal regulation (49 CFR Part 380, effective Feb 7, 2022) for first-time Class A or B CDL applicants and for adding H, P, or S endorsements. Colorado has registered CDL training providers in the Denver, Colorado Springs, and Grand Junction areas. Mountain driving techniques are especially important for Colorado CDL drivers and are often covered by quality Colorado CDL schools beyond the federal ELDT minimum. Find providers at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov.
Find a registered ELDT provider in Colorado →Interstate CDL holders must hold a valid DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate from an FMCSA-certified medical examiner. Colorado's high altitude (Denver at 5,280 ft; mountain passes above 11,000 ft) can affect drivers with cardiovascular conditions — discuss altitude exposure with your medical examiner. MEC valid up to 24 months. Submit self-certification and MEC copy to Colorado DMV.
Find an FMCSA-certified medical examiner →Apply at a Colorado DMV office with proof of identity, Social Security Number, and Colorado residency. Pass the knowledge tests for your class and endorsements, complete ELDT through an FMCSA-registered provider, then pass the CDL skills test. The CDL fee is $105 for a 5-year license. Full information at dmv.colorado.gov.
Colorado CDLs are valid for 5 years. Your DOT Medical Certificate must be renewed separately — typically every 24 months for interstate drivers. Renew your CDL at any Colorado DMV office before expiration. Colorado's 5-year validity provides a good balance between renewal cost and frequency.
I-70 west of Denver through the Eisenhower/Johnson Tunnel, Vail Pass (10,600 ft), and Glenwood Canyon is one of the most demanding truck routes in North America. Required knowledge: chain laws (October–May), proper use of engine brakes on descents, runaway truck ramps, weight and length restrictions in Glenwood Canyon (no triple trailers), and frequent weather-related closures. CDL drivers new to Colorado mountains should study CDOT's mountain driving guide and take the time to drive these passes in good conditions before attempting them in winter.
Yes. Colorado's Weld County (DJ Basin) and Western Slope (Piceance Basin) oil and gas operations employ large numbers of CDL drivers for crude oil and water tanker hauling, sand hauling for fracking operations, and heavy equipment transport. The X endorsement (HazMat + Tank) is standard for crude oil tanker work. DJ Basin operations are centered around Greeley, Longmont, and Fort Lupton, with quick access to I-25.
Colorado DMV administers CDL skills tests at designated locations throughout the state. Third-party testing sites are available in Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Pueblo, and Grand Junction. Some CDL schools offer testing as part of their training programs. Visit dmv.colorado.gov for current testing locations and scheduling.
Browse commercial trucks for sale from dealers in Colorado on TruckRadar.
Colorado CDL fees are $105 for original and renewal — higher than many states but includes a 5-year validity period. Knowledge test fees approximately $13 per test. Skills test fees vary by provider. Verify current amounts at dmv.colorado.gov before scheduling.
Disclaimer
The information on this page is compiled from publicly available government sources and is provided for general informational purposes only. TruckRadar is an independent search engine — we are not affiliated with any government agency and this content does not constitute legal or compliance advice. Regulations change frequently; always verify current requirements directly with the official source before making compliance decisions.
Official source: Colorado CO Official DMVLast reviewed: April 8, 2026