Checked against official Colorado sources on Oct 7, 2026
Colorado CDL practice test
Every state needs at least 80% on each CDL written test, and Colorado follows the same federal rule. Below are the fees, ages and rules we checked against the official Colorado source, and a free practice test.
FirstTry CDL is not affiliated with any DMV, FMCSA or government agency. Practice questions are exam-style questions built from the official CDL manual, not actual test questions.
Colorado CDL facts
| What | What Colorado says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum age | You must be 18 or older. You must be 21 or older for a hazardous materials endorsement. | Official page |
| Intrastate only restriction for ages 18 to 20 | Drivers 18 through 20 get a K restriction. It lets them drive a CDL vehicle only inside Colorado. | Official page |
| CLP fee | $20 for a commercial instruction permit. | Official page |
| CDL fee | $35 for a Commercial Driver's License. | Official page |
| Duplicate CDL or permit fee | $12.30 for a duplicate. $16.40 for each later duplicate. | Official page |
| Knowledge test retest fee | $11.50 for a driving knowledge (written) retest. This fee is listed for all applicants, not only CDL. Colorado also lists a $15.40 fee for a driving skills retest. | Official page |
| CLP validity | A CLP is valid for one year and cannot be renewed. If your CLP expires before you get your CDL, you must retake the commercial written tests in an office. | Official page |
| CLP holding time | You must hold your CLP for 14 calendar days before the CDL skills test at an approved third party testing facility. | Official page |
| Written test results and CLP type | Your written test results are good for one CLP issuance only. If you need a CLP with a different class or endorsement after it is issued, you must retake all the required exams. | Official page |
| CDL validity | A CDL is valid for 4 years from the date of issue. | Official page |
| Who can apply | Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents can get a CLP or CDL right now. Colorado has paused new and renewed non-domiciled CLPs and CDLs since September 29, 2025, until further notice. Asylum seekers, refugees and DACA recipients are not eligible under FMCSA rules effective March 16, 2026. | Official page |
| Where and how to take the knowledge test | Book a CDL Written Test appointment at a state driver license office and pass it there to get your CLP. | Official page |
| Entry level driver training | You must finish entry level driver training at an approved school and have proof on file before you can get your CDL. First time hazmat, passenger and school bus endorsements also need the training. | Official page |
| Skills test | CDL skills tests are given by approved third party testers, not by the DMV. You can take the skills test after the 14 calendar day CLP holding period. | Official page |
| Finishing your CDL | After you pass the skills test, make a First Time Appointment at a driver license office. Bring your CLP, a DOT medical card on file, proof of training, and the skills test completion form. | Official page |
| Ten year driving history | You must complete a Ten Year Driving History form, DR 2172. | Official page |
| DOT medical card | Your DOT medical card must be on file. The medical provider sends it to the FMCSA National Registry, and Colorado gets it electronically. This is the only way Colorado accepts medical certificates. | Official page |
| Hazmat endorsement | You must pass a TSA background check before you apply for or renew a hazmat endorsement. To renew, you also need a valid TSA clearance on file and a written hazmat test at a driver license office. An appointment is required. | Official page |
| Tanker endorsement | Needed if you haul liquids or liquefied gases in bulk, 1,000 gallons or more. Cement mixers do not need the tanker endorsement. | Official page |
| School bus endorsement | The S endorsement cannot stand alone. It requires a P endorsement. | Official page |
| Doubles and triples endorsement | The T endorsement can only be added to a Class A CDL. | Official page |
| Air brake restriction | If you take the skills test in a vehicle without air brakes, an L restriction goes on your CDL. To remove it, pass the air brakes written exam, buy a CDL permit with the restriction removed, pass a full skills test in an air brake vehicle, and buy a new CDL. All normal fees apply. | Official page |
| Vets 2 Trucks | Current or recently discharged military members (within one year) can get a skills test waiver. They still must pass the written exams. | Official page |
| Payment methods | Driver license offices take cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay. Payroll and third party checks are not accepted. | Official page |
Fees and rules change. Confirm on the official Colorado CDL page before you go. Read the official Colorado CDL manual.
CDL test formats
We show the national defaults for question counts and time limits. Check the official Colorado manual for anything that differs.
| Test | Questions | To pass | Typical time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 50 | 40 (80%) | About 60 minutes |
| Air Brakes | 25 | 20 (80%) | 25 to 30 minutes |
| Combination Vehicles | 20 (25 questions in some states) | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| Hazardous Materials | 30 | 24 (80%) | 30 to 40 minutes |
| Tanker | 20 | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| Passenger | 20 | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| School Bus | 20 (25 questions in some states) | 16 (80%) | About 25 minutes |
| Doubles/Triples | 20 | 16 (80%) | About 20 minutes |
Practice any of them: all CDL practice tests.