ELDT Training in Colorado — FMCSA-Registered Online Course

New CDL applicants in Colorado, from Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Fort Collins and Lakewood, need Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a registered provider before Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will give them the skills test. Lowest Cost ELDT is on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, so the CO theory portion is done online for $20 and your Colorado record is reported automatically.

How to get your CDL in Colorado

  1. Get your CLP from Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

    Pass the CDL knowledge tests, plus any endorsement tests, at a CO licensing office.

  2. Complete ELDT theory online

    Finish the Class A or Class B theory course here, $20, at your own pace from anywhere in Colorado; bus drivers add the passenger course and school bus drivers both the passenger and school bus courses.

  3. We report it to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry

    Your completion is submitted automatically, usually within minutes; the CO licensing agency checks the registry electronically before your skills test.

  4. Finish behind-the-wheel training in Colorado

    Range and public-road training is done in person with one of the registered CO providers listed below, for example in Denver; it can be a different provider from your theory course.

  5. Pass the CDL skills test in Colorado

    Federal rule 49 CFR 383.25 requires you to hold the CO CLP at least 14 days first; then book the pre-trip, basic control and road test with Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Colorado licensing details

CLP fee
Varies; check the current fee on the Colorado DMV site
CDL fee
Varies; check the current fee on the Colorado DMV site
  • The Colorado CDL skills test is taken at a DMV-authorized third-party testing facility, not at a state DMV office.
  • Colorado CLPs are valid for one year and cannot be renewed, so schedule your training and testing inside that window.
  • CDL written tests are booked through the DMV appointment scheduling system, and Colorado CDLs are issued for four years.

These CO fees and procedures are set by the agency and change without notice; confirm them on the official site before you go. Training costs are separate from Colorado fees: see what ELDT costs in 2026.

Behind-the-wheel schools in Colorado

CO has 67 registered training locations across 48 cities on the FMCSA registry: 49 registered for Class A, 62 for Class B, 53 for the passenger endorsement and 50 for school bus. 29 of the 67 (43%) publish a website, and the newest CO registry record dates from October 2026.

Browse by city: Denver CDL schools, Colorado Springs CDL schools and Aurora CDL schools, or open the full Colorado school directory with phone numbers and the classes each location teaches.

Counts come from the FMCSA registry export. We do not endorse any CO school; confirm courses, schedules and prices with the provider.

Hazmat endorsement in Colorado

31 of the 67 registered Colorado locations are hazmat (H) theory locations. Hazmat ELDT is theory only, so CO drivers can take the $20 hazmat endorsement course online, warm up with the free hazmat practice test, then pass the Colorado hazmat knowledge test and complete the TSA security threat assessment.

Courses accepted in Colorado

Each course is the federal curriculum, reported to the Training Provider Registry when a CO driver passes.

Class A

CLASS A CDL

For combination vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001+ lbs, where the towed vehicle is over 10,000 lbs.

For first-time Class A applicants. Reported to FMCSA as a New Class A application. Already hold a Class B CDL and want Class A? Choose the Class B to Class A Upgrade course instead.

30 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
Class B

CLASS B CDL

For single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001+ lbs, or towing vehicles under 10,000 lbs.

For first-time Class B applicants. Reported to FMCSA as a New Class B application.

29 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
Class A

CLASS B TO CLASS A UPGRADE

Class B to Class A upgrade theory curriculum covering advanced commercial vehicle operation, safety procedures, inspections, control skills, and compliance requirements for drivers moving from Class B to Class A CDL.

Class B to Class A upgrade. Reported to FMCSA as an Upgrade. Only for drivers who currently hold a valid Class B CDL.

3 hours
22 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
School Bus

SCHOOL BUS ENDORSEMENT

Required endorsement for all school bus drivers, covering safety protocols and procedures.

11 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
Passenger

PASSENGER ENDORSEMENT

Required for drivers operating vehicles designed to transport 16+ passengers.

5 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
Hazmat

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ENDORSEMENT

Required theory training for transporting hazardous materials safely and legally.

12 hours
13 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll

Colorado ELDT questions

Who gives the CDL skills test in Colorado?
DMV-authorized third-party CDL testers, not the state DMV offices. The Colorado DMV publishes a list and map of these testers, and you must hold your CLP for 14 days before testing with one.
Can my Colorado CLP be renewed if it expires?
No. A Colorado CLP is valid for one year and is not renewable, so if it lapses you start over with the knowledge tests.
Does Colorado accept online ELDT theory?
Yes. ELDT must be completed with a provider on the FMCSA registry, and the theory portion can be done online; the DMV checks the registry before your skills test result is accepted.
Where can I do behind-the-wheel training in Colorado?
With one of the 67 Colorado locations on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, including locations in Denver, Colorado Springs and Aurora; 49 are registered for Class A training and 62 for Class B. Theory and behind-the-wheel training can come from different registered providers, so you can finish the online theory first and then choose a school. Each school sets its own schedule and pricing, and some registered providers, such as school districts and transit agencies, train only their own drivers, so confirm before you enroll; we do not endorse any of them.

Start your CO CDL training today

$20 online theory, accepted in Colorado and reported to the FMCSA registry automatically.

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