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All about permit practice tests and CDL driver's licence in Colorado

To get a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Colorado, you’ll need to follow a clear step-by-step process. It’s designed to make sure you’re fully prepared to drive a commercial vehicle safely and in accordance with federal and state regulations. Here's everything you need to know:

1. Meet Basic Requirements

Before starting the CDL process in Colorado, you need to make sure you meet some basic eligibility requirements:

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old to get a CDL for intrastate driving (within Colorado), but you’ll need to be 21 if you want to drive across state lines (interstate driving) or transport hazardous materials.
• Colorado Driver’s License: You must already have a valid Colorado driver’s license before applying for your CDL.
• Legal Residency: You’ll need proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence, such as a birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card.

2. Decide What Type of CDL You Need

There are three main classes of CDLs, each for different types of commercial vehicles:

• Class A: Allows you to drive large vehicles like tractor-trailers or any combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, as long as the vehicle being towed weighs more than 10,000 pounds.
• Class B: For single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or for towing a vehicle that weighs less than 10,000 pounds. This includes large trucks and buses.
• Class C: For vehicles transporting 16 or more passengers or carrying hazardous materials.

Knowing what class of CDL you need is important because it determines the type of tests you’ll take.

3. Get Your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)

Before you can take the driving test, you must first get a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). Here’s how to do that:

• Pass a CDL Written Knowledge Test: You’ll need to pass a written test based on the Colorado Commercial Driver’s License Manual. It covers general knowledge about driving commercial vehicles, including topics like air brakes, combination vehicles (for Class A), and other specialized endorsements depending on your CDL class.
  • You can study the manual, which is available on the Colorado DMV website or at a DMV office. There are also practice tests online to help you prepare.
• Submit Documentation: At the DMV, you’ll need to bring documents proving your identity, residency, and legal presence in the U.S., as well as your current Colorado driver’s license.
• Medical Certification: You’re required to have a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate, commonly called a DOT physical. This shows you’re physically qualified to drive a commercial vehicle. You’ll get this from an FMCSA-approved medical examiner.
• Pay the Fee: There’s a fee for getting your CLP, which can vary slightly depending on the county you’re in. Expect to pay around $18.52.

Once you have your CLP, you must hold it for at least 14 days before you can take the skills test. During this time, you can practice driving a commercial vehicle, but only when accompanied by a licensed CDL holder.

4. Practice Driving

While holding your CLP, you should take advantage of this time to practice driving the type of commercial vehicle you plan to operate. Whether it’s a big rig, a bus, or another large vehicle, practicing will help you prepare for the next step: the skills test.

5. Pass the CDL Skills Test

Once you feel ready and have held your CLP for at least 14 days, you can schedule a CDL skills test. This test is broken into three parts:

• Pre-trip Vehicle Inspection: You’ll need to show that you can inspect your vehicle to ensure it’s safe to operate. This includes checking things like brakes, tires, lights, and other critical components.
• Basic Vehicle Control: You’ll demonstrate basic maneuvers like backing up, parking, and making turns. These are designed to show that you can handle the vehicle safely in tight spaces.
• On-road Driving Test: This part of the test evaluates your ability to drive the vehicle in real traffic conditions. You’ll be tested on things like obeying traffic signals, merging, lane changes, and overall safety.

You can take the CDL skills test at an approved third-party testing location or a Colorado DMV office. After passing the skills test, you’ll be ready to get your official CDL!

6. Pay the CDL Fee and Receive Your License

After passing your skills test, you’ll return to the DMV to pay the required fees and have your CDL added to your record. The total fee for a CDL in Colorado can vary, but it’s typically around $35-$40.

7. Endorsements (If Needed)

If you plan on driving specialized vehicles or carrying certain types of cargo, you’ll need additional endorsements on your CDL. Some common ones include:

• H – Hazardous Materials: Requires a background check by the TSA and a separate written test.
• P – Passenger: Needed if you’re driving a vehicle that carries 16 or more passengers (like a bus).
• T – Double/Triple Trailers: Required if you’re pulling more than one trailer.
• N – Tanker: For driving vehicles that haul liquid or gas in bulk.

Each endorsement requires a separate written test, and some, like the Hazardous Materials endorsement, may also have additional requirements like background checks.

8. Renewal and Upkeep

CDLs in Colorado typically last for four years, and you’ll need to renew it before it expires. If you have any endorsements, like the hazardous materials endorsement, you’ll need to stay current with their specific requirements (e.g., passing background checks).

Colorado-Specific Considerations

• Altitude and terrain: Colorado’s mountainous terrain can present unique challenges, especially for commercial drivers. It’s a good idea to get plenty of practice in both urban and rural areas, including mountain driving if that’s part of your route.
• Weather: Colorado experiences snow and ice during the winter months, so be prepared to drive in these conditions if you’re planning to drive year-round.

That’s it! Getting your CDL in Colorado requires some preparation and practice, but once you have it, you’ll be ready for a rewarding career driving commercial vehicles. Good luck!