Colorado CDL License Requirements & Training :: AllTruckJobs.com

CDL License Requirements in Colorado

You must be at least 18 years old, pass a current physical examination, and have a valid driver’s license in order to obtain a Colorado CDL license. The USDOT regulates interstate transportation of cargo, so if you want to travel across state lines to deliver cargo, you must be at least 21 years old. All CDL applicants then need to pass a general knowledge exam and a skills test, which includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a basic vehicle knowledge test, and a hands-on test in which you’ll drive on the road. The driving test also must be taken in a vehicle that matches the class of CDL license you are trying to obtain. Other endorsements may also be tested for including air brakes, school buses, and vehicles that carry hazardous material. Once these requirements are satisfied, it’s time to find the right CDL School in Colorado.

Find CDL Training Schools in Colorado

Colorado CDL training schools are the best way to get your commercial drivers license so you can hit the road in no time. Our site also provides a list of different Colorado CDL schools that will advance your trucking job. It’s time to embark on a new career – but first, make sure you’re getting a proper education.

CDL Training Costs in Colorado

Currently, the average tuition cost of a Colorado CDL training school is around $3,700. This tuition cost will cover both the in-class portions of training as well as training on the road. Applying for financial aid through FAFSA is a great first step if you want to explore your federal student aid options, in which the government subsidizes some of the loan cost. If you qualify through FAFSA, a federal Pell Grant awarded through participating institutions is money that can be used for school and differs from a loan in that it doesn't need to be paid back. However, we also realize that not everybody can afford to pay the education up front. In some cases, a trucking company will pay for you to go to school with the expectation that you will work for the company once your pass your CDL license requirements in Colorado. Don’t let finances get in the way of pursuing your very own Colorado trucking career.

CDL Prep in Colorado

There are still a few things that you need to consider even after you finish Colorado CDL training school. If you want to get a feel of what the test will be like, feel free to take our practice test as many times as you need to so you can see how you stack up. You’ll also want to make sure that you practice in the same vehicle that you take the test in. Drive a vehicle you’re familiar with to ensure that you’re in a comfortable setting when taking your test. When in doubt, make sure to crack open your books and have a study session before the skills test and be sure to practice driving in your vehicle as much as possible. It’s time to conquer your Colorado CDL exam.

Colorado CDL Endorsement & Waivers

With a Colorado CDL, the individual or their employer might next require specialization to carry certain types of cargo - this is referred to as an endorsement and extra testing is required to ensure that the operator knows the additional responsibility of safe handling under the law. The following types of endorsements are common throughout Colorado and other states.

  • School Bus
  • Passenger
  • Tank Vehicles
  • Double/Triple
  • Hazardous Materials

CDL Tests in Colorado

There are two portions of the CDL exam that you need to pass before you can obtain your California CDL license. Below we’ve given you a preview of what you can expect during your Colorado Commercial Driver’s License test. Both the knowledge portion and the skills tests are described. Make sure to also look into our practice test if you need additional help.

CDL Knowledge Tests in Colorado

The Colorado CDL knowledge exam is a 50-question test that covers a variety of info you should have obtained through training school. To pass this portion, you must get at least an 80% on the exam. If you want to get a feel of how the exam will be formatted and what kind of questions to expect, our test offers 50 questions that will help you prepare for your upcoming Colorado CDL exam. Once you complete this portion of the exam, you’ll move onto the skills portion of the test.

CDL Skills Test in Colorado

The skills portion of the test will allow you to showcase your knowledge in a hands-on way. There will be three different aspects that the test will cover. Initially, you will be asked to conduct an inspection of your rig so you can identify any issues that may arise before you hit the road. Next, you will hit the road with your vehicle to make sure that you can properly identify road signs and the parts on your interior. Finally, you will be asked to maneuver the vehicle by turning, merging, and backing up. Once you complete this portion of the Colorado CDL test, your license is within reach.

Job Outlook in Colorado

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a number of trucking jobs in the United States are expected to rise 5% by 2024. Just below the projected growth rate of 7% for all occupations, it’s yet another sign that points towards an industry that’s trending upward. It’s no secret that trucking jobs are here to stay, so it’s important that you take this opportunity as soon as you can.

Colorado Truck Driver Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average driver in Colorado makes about $47,340 per year. This is just above the national average of $43,590. The investment you put into your CDL license education will surely be worth it when you land a trucking job that offers a stellar wage.