Colorado CDL Practice Test

Correct answer: 18 years old

You must be at least 18 to apply for a Colorado CDL instruction permit or to receive a CDL. Interstate CMV operation still requires age 21 under federal law (49 CFR 391.11).

Correct answer: The "K" restriction — may operate a CDL vehicle only within the boundaries of Colorado

Drivers 18 through 20 receive the "K" (intrastate only) restriction and may operate a CMV only within Colorado. Colorado also uses "K" for drivers holding a Colorado State Patrol medical waiver.

Correct answer: One year — and it is not eligible for renewal

As of April 18, 2024, a Colorado CLP is valid for one year and is not eligible for renewal. If it expires before you convert it to a CDL, you must start over, including retaking any required exams and paying a new permit fee.

Correct answer: At least 14 calendar days

A Colorado CLP must be held at least 14 calendar days before you may take the CDL skills test at an approved third-party testing facility.

Correct answer: Only one CLP issuance — a CLP with a different class or endorsement means retaking all required exams

Colorado ties your written test results to one CLP issuance. If you later need a CLP with a different class or endorsement, you must re-take all required exams — so apply for the CLP you actually need.

Correct answer: Is at least 21 and holds a valid CDL of the same class or higher, seated closest to you

The instruction permit lets you operate only the class of vehicle shown on it, and only when a qualified CDL holder — at least 21, licensed for the same class or higher with the required endorsements — sits in the seat closest to you.

Correct answer: English only

All CDL skills tests must be taken in English only (49 CFR 383.133). The written CDL knowledge test, however, is available in English and Spanish in Colorado — but the hazmat knowledge test is English only.

Correct answer: 30 days

You must notify the Colorado Driver License Office within 30 days of a conviction for any traffic violation (except parking) in any other state or jurisdiction — no matter what vehicle you were driving. You must also notify your employer within 30 days.

Correct answer: Within 2 business days

You must notify your employer within two business days if your license is suspended, revoked, or canceled, or if you are disqualified from driving.

Correct answer: Only one — a court may fine you up to $5,000 or jail you for holding more

You cannot have more than one license. Break this rule and a court may fine you up to $5,000 or jail you, keep your home-state license, and return any others.

Correct answer: Within the first 50 miles

Inspect the cargo and securing devices again within the first 50 miles after beginning a trip, and make any adjustments needed. Settling cargo can loosen tiedowns early in a trip.

Correct answer: After every 3 hours or 150 miles, and after every break you take

Re-check the cargo and securing devices as often as necessary to keep the load secure — you need to inspect again after you have driven for 3 hours or 150 miles, and after every break you take during driving.

Correct answer: Obscure your view ahead or to the sides, or block your access to emergency equipment

You are responsible for knowing your cargo is secured so it does not obscure your view ahead or to the sides and does not restrict your access to emergency equipment.

Correct answer: The maximum Gross Vehicle Weight specified by the manufacturer for a single vehicle plus its load

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum Gross Vehicle Weight the manufacturer specifies for a single vehicle plus its load. Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the actual total weight of the vehicle plus its load.

Correct answer: The maximum Gross Combination Weight specified by the manufacturer for a specific combination of vehicles plus its load

Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the maximum Gross Combination Weight the manufacturer specifies for a specific combination of vehicles plus its load. It sets the safe upper limit for a tractor-trailer combination.

Correct answer: The weight transmitted to the ground by one axle or one set of axles

Axle weight is the weight transmitted to the ground by one axle or one set of axles. States set maximum axle weights, often by a bridge formula that allows less weight for axles that are closer together.

Correct answer: GCW is the actual total weight of the power unit, trailers, and cargo; GCWR is the manufacturer’s maximum for that combination

Gross Combination Weight (GCW) is the actual total weight of a powered unit plus trailer(s) plus cargo. Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the maximum GCW the manufacturer allows for that specific combination — the safe ceiling.

Correct answer: A rollover — the vehicle is more likely to tip over, especially in curves or a swerve

A high center of gravity (cargo piled high or heavy cargo on top) means you are more likely to tip over. It is most dangerous in curves or if you must swerve. Distribute cargo so it is as low as possible.

Correct answer: Put the heaviest parts of the cargo under the lightest parts

It is very important to distribute cargo so it is as low as possible — put the heaviest parts of the cargo under the lightest parts to keep the center of gravity low and reduce the chance of rollover.

Correct answer: Poor traction — the drive wheels may spin easily, and in bad weather the truck may not keep going

Too little weight on the driving axles can cause poor traction; the drive wheels may spin easily and in bad weather the truck may not be able to keep going. Too much weight on the steering axle, by contrast, causes hard steering.