Trucking Schools in Colorado
Getting your CDL in Colorado
To obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Colorado, you’ll need to meet specific requirements and complete a series of steps. The process involves gathering documentation, passing written and skills tests, and paying the necessary fees. Here’s a general overview:
1. Eligibility Requirements:
– You must be at least 18 years old to drive within Colorado and 21 years old to drive across state lines or transport hazardous materials.
– You should hold a valid Colorado driver’s license.
– You must provide proof of your Social Security Number.
2. Documentation:
– Gather the required documentation, including proof of identity (e.g., birth certificate, passport), proof of residency, and proof of Social Security Number.
– You may also need to provide documents verifying your legal presence in the United States.
3. Medical Examination:
– Obtain a medical examination from a certified medical examiner.
– The medical examiner will complete the Medical Examination Report (MER) and provide you with a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC).
4. CDL Written Test:
– Study the Colorado Commercial Driver License Manual thoroughly.
– Visit a local Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office to take the written CDL exam.
– The exam covers general knowledge, specific vehicle classes, air brakes (if applicable), and any additional endorsements you seek.
5. CDL Skills Tests:
– Schedule an appointment at a CDL Skills Testing location to take the CDL skills tests.
– The skills tests consist of three parts: pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
– You’ll need to provide the appropriate vehicle for each test, such as a commercial vehicle of the appropriate class.
6. Fees:
– The fees for obtaining a CDL in Colorado can vary. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the fee for a Class A, B, or C CDL was $37.15, which included the written and skills tests.
– Additional fees may apply for endorsements, duplicates, and other services.
Please note that the fees and specific procedures may have changed since my last update. To get the most accurate and up-to-date information, please visit the official website of the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or contact your local DMV office in Colorado. They will provide you with the current requirements and fees for obtaining a CDL in Colorado.
- You must hold a valid regular driver license and be at least 18 years old before applying for a CDL
- You will need to visit a driver license office and successfully pass the written tests that apply to the commercial license you desire. The Commercial Driver Handbook is under Driver Education.
- Once you have successfully passed the required exams, purchase a CDL permit for the applicable fee(opens in new window).
- If you’d like to take the written CDL test in Spanish, please let the DMV technician helping you know so they may set the test’s language.
Class A – minimum exams required are
- General knowledge
- Combination
- Air brakes (required if driving a vehicle with air brakes)
Class B – minimum exams required are
- General knowledge
- Air brakes (required if driving a vehicle with air brakes)
Class C – minimum exams required are
- General knowledge
- Passenger (required if carrying 16 passengers or more including driver)
- Hazardous materials (required if transporting hazardous materials)
You will be required to
- Show current DOT medical card. Find a FMCSA Certified Medical Examiner in your area(opens in new window)
- Proof of current physical Colorado address documents
- Proof of your Social Security number(opens in new window)
- Schedule a drive skills test with an approved driving school
- Return to driver license office with your drive skills test completion form and purchase a CDL for the applicable fee(opens in new window).