Colorado CDL — General Knowledge practice
Penalties & Licensing
The point system, license suspension, provisional-license rules, insurance requirements, and other licensing basics.
Content reviewed against official driver handbooks · July 7, 2026
14 questions · pass with 11 correct. You get instant feedback and an explanation after every answer.
Study questions with answers
12 sample Penalties & Licensing questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.
1. Within what period must you inform your employer that your license has been suspended, revoked, or canceled?
Correct answer: Within two business days
A suspension, revocation, cancellation, or disqualification must be reported to your employer inside two business days.
Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 1.4 (Other CDL Rules)
2. How many driver licenses may a commercial driver legally hold?
Correct answer: Only one license
You cannot have more than one license; breaking this rule can bring a fine of up to $5,000 or jail, and your extra licenses will be taken.
Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 1.4 (Other CDL Rules)
3. A first conviction for driving a CMV with a BAC of .04 percent or more costs the driver the CDL for at least how long?
Correct answer: At least one year
A first major offense such as driving a CMV over the .04 BAC limit brings a disqualification of at least one year.
Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 1.3.2 (Alcohol, Leaving the Scene, and Felony)
4. A first railroad-highway grade crossing violation costs the CDL for at least how long?
Correct answer: At least 60 days
A first grade-crossing violation brings a disqualification of at least 60 days; a second within three years brings at least 120 days.
Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 1.3.5 (Railroad-highway Grade Crossing Violations)
5. If a CDL holder's privilege to drive their personal vehicle is revoked because of an alcohol, controlled-substance, or felony violation, what happens to the CDL?
Correct answer: The CDL is lost for one year
Such a revocation of the personal-vehicle privilege for alcohol, drug, or felony violations causes the loss of CDL driving privileges for one year.
Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 1.3.7 (Traffic Violations in Your Personal Vehicle)
6. Two serious traffic violations in a CMV within a three-year period cost the CDL for at least how long?
Correct answer: At least 60 days
Two serious traffic violations within three years bring a disqualification of at least 60 days; three or more bring at least 120 days.
Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 1.3.3 (Serious Traffic Violations)
7. What is the penalty a court may impose on someone who drives a commercial motor vehicle without a CDL?
Correct answer: A fine of up to $5,000 or jail
Driving a CMV without a CDL can bring a court fine of up to $5,000 or jail.
Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 1.4 (Other CDL Rules)
8. Repeated convictions for using a hand-held phone or texting while driving a CMV lead to a disqualification of how long for a third or later offense within three years?
Correct answer: 120 days
A second offense within three years brings a 60-day disqualification, and three or more within three years bring 120 days.
Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 2.9.4 (Cell/Mobile Phones)
9. A hazardous-materials endorsement requires the applicant to complete what, beyond a written test?
Correct answer: Fingerprinting and a TSA background check
The hazmat endorsement requires fingerprinting and a Transportation Security Administration background check reviewing criminal, immigration, and FBI records.
Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 1.3.6 (Hazardous Materials Endorsement Background Check)
10. When applying for a commercial driving job, how far back must you provide your driving-job history?
Correct answer: The past 10 years
When applying for a commercial driving position, you have to provide your employer with a record of every driving job worked over the previous ten years.
Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 1.4 (Other CDL Rules)
11. Which of these counts as a 'serious traffic violation' for a CDL holder?
Correct answer: Driving 15 mph or more over the posted speed limit
Serious traffic violations include excessive speeding of 15 mph or more over the limit, reckless driving, erratic lane changes, and following too closely.
Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 1.3.3 (Serious Traffic Violations)
12. Within how many days must a CDL holder notify their employer of a conviction for any traffic violation other than parking?
Correct answer: Within 30 days
A conviction for any traffic offense other than parking must be reported to your employer within 30 days, whatever vehicle you were driving.
Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 1.4 (Other CDL Rules)
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