If you are interested in a career change, or if you are moving to Colorado, then you will need to know state law regarding Colorado CDL, or Commercial Driver License. As of 2010, Colorado requires any person who operates a vehicle weighing over 26,001 pounds or a vehicle carrying more than 15 passengers or hazardous waste apply for a CDL. Below you will find all of the information necessary to take the required steps for a Colorado CDL.
Colorado CDL Instruction Permit:
The first step in obtaining a Colorado CDL Instruction Permit is to gather the following materials: Proof of legal residency, such as a birth certificate/driver’s license, a social security card as well as being at least 18 years old.
As with any Commercial Driver’s License in any state, you are required to provide the DMV with a Department of Medical Examination, which can be obtained online (a link to the form can be found in the Resources section below). You will then need to apply for a Colorado CDL Instruction Permit by visiting any Colorado DMV office, and filling out the Commercial Driver’s License Application. Once you turn in this application, your name will be sent through the Commercial Driver’s License Information System as well as the NationalDriver Registrar, which checks your driving records.
Applicants for a Colorado CDL Instruction Permit must take the knowledge test(s). All applications will be required to take the general knowledge test; however, depending on your Colorado CDL class type, you may be required to take additional knowledge tests. Information for these tests can be found within the Colorado Commercial Driver’s License Study Manual.
After passing the required knowledge tests, you must then pay the $14 permit fee, and a Colorado CDL Instruction Permit will be awarded. This permit is valid for six months, and anytime within the six months you can return to the DMV or a third-party tester to take the required skills examinations.
Colorado CDL Road Tests:
As of 2010, holders of a Colorado CDL Instruction Permit are required to pass three road tests in order to upgrade to an official Colorado CDL. These examinations include a Pre-Trip Inspection, Basic Vehicle Control exam as well as a On-Road Driving Test. Take note, you must perform the aforementioned examinations within the vehicle you are being licensed for.
Special Considerations:
If you are looking to obtain a hazardous material endorsement within you Colorado CDL, then you will need to fill out the Hazardous Material Endorsement Clearance Application. This application performs a criminal background check on you.
RESOURCES:
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/Revenue-MV/RMV/1187080326147
Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles: Obtaining a Commercial Driver License (CDL)
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?c=Page&cid=1208597668357&pagename=Revenue-MV/RMVLayout
Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles: CDL Instruction Permit
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/Revenue-MV/RMV/1187080326189
Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles: Hazardous Material Endorsement Clearance Application
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/documents/safetyprograms/Medical-Report.pdf
Medical Examination Report for Commercial Driver Fitness Determination
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/Revenue-MV/RMV/1187080326141
Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles: CDL Frequently Asked Questions
Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles: Colorado Commercial Driver License Manual
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?blobcol=urldata&blobheader=application/pdf&blobkey=id&blobtable=MungoBlobs&blobwhere=1231572827997&ssbinary=true
Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles: CDL Endorsements/Restrictions
