Application Fee
See agencyVerified by CO Board of Transportation
Truck Driver (CDL) Licensing in Colorado
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for truck driver (cdl) in Colorado, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Truck Driver (CDL) in Colorado
Estimated timeline: 4 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 3
Description: You must have a valid Commercial Driver License (CDL) to operate:.
- 4
Valid driver license from Colorado or another state or a commercial permit.
- 5
If you want to add a HAZMAT endorsement on your CDL, you will need to successfully pass the HAZMAT written exam and provide a current TSA background check every time you purchase a CDL.
- 6
Commercial Learner's Permits (CLP) are valid for 180 days, and are eligible for one renewal, which is also valid for 180 days.
Exam and processing details
- written exam and provide a current TSA background check every time you purchase a CDL
Continuing education and program notes
- Certified Medical Examiner in your area
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Revenue • Division of Motor Vehicles • CDL
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$60,260 median (5% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#10 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Commercial Learner's Permits (CLP) are valid for 180 days, and are eligible for one renewal, which is also valid for 180 days.).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required written exam and provide a current TSA background check every time you purchase a CDL.
- 4. Prepare supporting documentation (If you want to add a HAZMAT endorsement on your CDL, you will need to successfully pass the HAZMAT written exam and provide a current TSA...).
- 5. Submit the application to Department of Revenue~Division of Motor Vehicles~CDL and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Colorado
With a median salary of $60,260, Truck Driver (CDL)s in Colorado earn 5% above the national median of $57,440. Colorado ranks #10 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 4 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.8%Average Weekly Wage
$1,540Median annual salary
$60,260Hourly estimate
$28.975% above national median
Difference: +$2,820
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationTruck Driver (CDL) Salary Ranking
#10 of 50 statesfor Truck Driver (CDL) median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Alaska | $64,890 |
| #2 | New Jersey | $64,720 |
| #3 | Washington | $63,760 |
| #4 | Oregon | $61,180 |
| #5 | Minnesota | $61,090 |
Nearby States Comparison
Truck Driver (CDL) licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $60,260 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 4 years |
| Wyoming | $60,270 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 18-21 years |
| Nebraska | $57,940 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 18-21 years |
| Kansas | $56,940 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $51,920 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| New Mexico | $48,360 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arizona | $53,690 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Utah | $59,580 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 64 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Continuing education compliance is required. |
| Wyoming | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Kansas | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Oklahoma | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Mexico | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Agency website unverified
Department of Revenue • Division of Motor Vehicles • CDL
1881 Pierce St, Lakewood, CO, 80214
Phone: 332055600
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.
Related Careers in Colorado
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Pilot | $122,700 | Specific course required | 4 years |
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $81,020 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Truck Driver (CDL) in Colorado?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 4 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Truck Driver (CDL)s in Colorado?
Colorado lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Truck Driver (CDL)s.
What education do you need to become a Truck Driver (CDL) in Colorado?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Truck Driver (CDL) licensure in Colorado.
What is the typical Truck Driver (CDL) salary in Colorado?
The median annual salary for Truck Driver (CDL)s in Colorado is $60,260. Salaries range from $45,730 (10th percentile) to $80,150 (90th percentile).
How does the Truck Driver (CDL) salary in Colorado compare to the national average?
Truck Driver (CDL)s in Colorado earn 5% above the national median of $57,440, with a state median of $60,260.
How many Truck Driver (CDL)s work in Colorado?
Colorado employs approximately 27,840 Truck Driver (CDL)s according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Truck Driver (CDL) license to Colorado from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Truck Driver (CDL)s in Colorado?
The licensing agency is Department of Revenue / Division of Motor Vehicles / CDL. The official board website is currently under manual verification.
How often do you renew a Truck Driver (CDL) license in Colorado?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.