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Colorado · Permit test

Colorado CDL permit test

To drive a commercial vehicle in Colorado you start with a commercial learner's permit (CLP). You must be 18 (21 for hazmat), hold a Colorado driver license, and pass the written knowledge tests for your class and endorsements at a state driver license office. Then you hold the CLP 14 days, finish entry-level driver training, and take the skills test with an approved third-party tester.

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Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

The knowledge tests

  • Book a 'CDL Written Test' appointment at a state driver license office.
  • Study the Colorado Commercial Driver License Manual (DR 2251) for your class and each endorsement you want.
  • The CDL knowledge test comes in English and Spanish. The hazmat test is English only.
  • Results count for one CLP. If you later want another class or endorsement, you retake all the required tests.

Practicing for the CDL knowledge tests

The DMV doesn't publish a CDL practice test or answer key, and the 20 questions on this site cover the car permit test, not commercial vehicles. Study the CDL manual sections for your class: general knowledge for everyone, plus air brakes, combination vehicles or an endorsement section if you need them. A Class B permit, for a straight truck or bus, skips the combination section. Several sites in our study guide have free CDL practice by section.

Colorado CDL Manual (PDF) ↗

From CLP to CDL

  1. Get a DOT medical exam from a certified examiner. They send the results to the federal registry, and Colorado receives them.
  2. Pass the knowledge tests and buy your CLP ($20 as of October 2026). It's good for one year and can't be renewed.
  3. Hold the CLP for at least 14 days, and complete entry-level driver training (ELDT) with a registered school.
  4. Take the skills test with an approved third-party tester.
  5. Book a first-time appointment to get your CDL ($35). Bring your CLP, documents, two address proofs, form DR 2172 and proof of ELDT.

Age and endorsement rules

  • Drivers 18 to 20 get a 'K' restriction: Colorado only, no interstate driving.
  • Hazmat needs age 21, a TSA background check and ELDT.
  • Passenger and school bus endorsements need ELDT and a full skills test in that type of vehicle. Doubles and triples go only on a Class A.

Who can't get one right now

As of October 2026, Colorado has stopped issuing non-domiciled CLPs and CDLs, and the DMV says asylum seekers, refugees and DACA recipients aren't eligible under current federal rules. Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents can apply.

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Everything else, in one place

OverviewColorado permit testAppointmentsBooking a Colorado DMV appointmentCostHow much the Colorado permit test costsWhat to bringWhat to bring for a Colorado permit or state IDOnline testTaking the Colorado permit test onlineRoad testThe Colorado driving testDriver's licenseHow to get a Colorado driver's licenseDMV officesColorado DMV offices for the permit testMotorcycle permitColorado motorcycle permit and endorsementEn españolTaking the Colorado permit test in SpanishDriver handbookThe Colorado Driver HandbookPractice testColorado permit practice testWhere to learnWhere to study for the Colorado permit test
Sources: Colorado DMV and 2 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.