How to Obtain a Colorado CDL
- 1). Complete commercial driver's training. You can complete a course with a third-party provider or a trucking school. The schools teach commercial driving students to operate commercial vehicles and prepare you for both the knowledge and skills tests required to get a license. Prices vary by school. These courses aren't required in Colorado. Whether you take a course or not, make sure to study the Colorado Commercial Driver's License manual.
- 2). Complete a fitness exam with a medical doctor. Applicants are required to submit the medical examination report, which must be completed by a physician. Your health history --- such as injuries to the body, seizures, epilepsy, vision or hearing impairments, high blood pressure and problems with vital organs --- must be disclosed. Vision and hearing tests are also required.
- 3). Go to a local office that issues Colorado driver's licenses. Bring your state-issued driver's license and medical examination with you and your Social Security card.
- 4). Take a CDL knowledge test. Applicants are required to take one or more knowledge tests, such as the tank test for those hauling liquids, a hazardous material test, an air-brake test if the vehicle you're driving has a full brake system, and a general knowledge test that is required for all applicants. The test required depends on the class of license and any endorsements wanted. Endorsements include "H" for hazmat or "P" for passenger vehicle. As of 2010, the cost is $14 to take the knowledge test. If you pass the knowledge test, you are issued a CDL instruction permit and are eligible to take the skills test.
- 5). Take the skills test. Skill tests are given at third-party testing units. The skills test examines your skills in pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control and on-road driving. You must take the skills test in the same type of vehicle you will be driving once you receive your CDL. Fees vary by testing center.
- 6). Complete a background check for a hazardous material endorsement. This is only required if you will haul hazardous materials. You can complete the application online or by phone at 1-877-429-7746. After the application is complete, go to a Transportation Security Administration fingerprinting site and submit your fingerprints. The TSA agent will forward the prints to the FBI and will notify both you and the Colorado motor vehicle division of the results. In 2010, the cost for this procedure was $89.25.
- 7). Go back to the Colorado driver's license office. Bring your skills completion certificate and a state-issued driver's license with you. Pay the required fee for the CDL. As of 2010, a CDL cost $35. Each county reserves the right to charge a convenience fee on top of that.
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