First-time CDL Driver
Due to new federal regulations issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), effective Monday, September 29, 2025, the Colorado DMV has paused the issuance and renewals of term-limited (non-domiciled) Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) and Commercial Learner’s Permits (CLPs) until further notice.
CDL Initial Application Information
What do I Need to Obtain a CDL?
- Valid driver license from Colorado or another state or a commercial learner's permit
- Current DOT medical card - find a FMCSA Certified Medical Examiner in your area
- If you are transferring from another state, identification documents are required.
- Successful commercial drive skills test showing completed in Commercial Skills Test Information Management System (CSTIMS) (Testing company updates the system)
- Must complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) at an approved school. Learn more about ELDT here.
- If you want to add a HAZMAT endorsement on your CDL, you will need to take an Entry-Level Driver Training course (if adding the endorsement for the first time), successfully pass the HAZMAT written exam and provide a current TSA background check every time you purchase a CDL. See the TSA Website for more information.
- Applicable fee
You will be required to
- Show current DOT medical card. Find a FMCSA Certified Medical Examiner in your area
- Proof of current physical Colorado address documents
- 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.
Commercial Learner's Permits
Learn how to obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit here
- As of April 18, 2024, Commercial Learner's Permits (CLP) are valid for one year and are not eligible for renewal
- Please note: The results of the written CDL knowledge test(s) are only valid for one issuance of a CLP. Once your CLP is issued, if you need a CLP with a different class or endorsement, you will have to re-take all required exams. Please take care to apply for the CLP that you need.
- CLPs must be held for 14 calendar days before the CDL skills test can be taken at an approved third-party testing facility.
Classes of Commercial Licenses
Learn more about the three classes of CDLs and what is required for each exam
- Class A - combination vehicles - consists of any combination of vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Minimum exams required are:
- General knowledge
- Combination
- Air brakes (required if driving a vehicle with air brakes)
- Minimum exams required are:
- Class B - straight trucks and light combinations - consists of any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more or any such vehicle towing a vehicle which does not have a GVWR in excess of 10,000 pounds
- Minimum exams required are:
- General knowledge
- Air brakes (required if driving a vehicle with air brakes)
- Minimum exams required are:
- Class C - single vehicles less than 26,001 GVWR - consists of any single vehicle or combination of vehicles that do not meet the definition of a Class A or B commercial vehicle, but that transports 16 or more passengers (including the driver) OR is placarded for transportation of hazardous materials
- Minimum exams required are:
- General knowledge
- Passenger (required if carrying 16 passengers or more including driver)
- Hazardous materials (required if transporting hazardous materials)
- Minimum exams required are:
