Fitness to drive, distractions and basic control

Key points

1. You may not drive while wearing earphones, meaning any device covering all or part of both ears.

   Source: Handbook p. 5

   “You may not operate a motor vehicle while wearing earphones. The definition of earphones include any device or headset which covers all or a portion of both ears.”
   Colorado Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 5

2. Break long drives into two hour segments, and pull off and rest if you get drowsy.

   Source: Handbook p. 5

   “Break long driving periods into two-hour segments. If you become drowsy, pull off the road and rest.”
   Colorado Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 5

3. Distractions are the leading cause of driver error.

   Source: Handbook p. 6

   “Distractions are the leading cause of driver error.”
   Colorado Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 6

4. Safely pull over to deal with distracting or urgent situations.

   Source: Handbook p. 6

   “Safely pull over to address distracting or urgent situations.”
   Colorado Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 6

5. Never run the motor in your garage, or sit in the car with it running without opening a window.

   Source: Handbook p. 6

   “Never run the motor in your garage or sit in the car with the motor running without opening a window.”
   Colorado Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 6

6. Your right foot should be on the brake before you start the vehicle.

   Source: Handbook p. 6

   “your right foot should be on the brake before starting the vehicle.”
   Colorado Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 6

7. Hold the wheel at 3 and 9 o'clock or 4 and 8 o'clock for better control.

   Source: Handbook p. 6

   “at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions or the 4 and 8 o'clock positions.”
   Colorado Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 6

8. When backing, remember your mirrors do not show the area right behind your car.

   Source: Handbook p. 7

   “Use your mirrors for backing up but keep in mind these mirrors do not show the area immediately behind your vehicle.”
   Colorado Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 7

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Colorado practice test

1. 1. According to the Colorado handbook, where should your right foot be before starting the engine?

   1. On the brake
   2. On the accelerator
   3. On the floor beside the pedals
   4. On the parking brake handle
   Show answer

   On the brake. Colorado's starting procedure places the right foot on the brake before the vehicle is started. This gives the driver immediate control over unintended movement while checking the vehicle's indicator lights and gauges. The accelerator is not the starting position, and placing the foot away from the pedals removes a useful control. The parking brake handle is not a substitute for the brake pedal. Build the habit by checking the surroundings, pressing the brake, then starting and checking the vehicle information displays.

2. 2. Which steering-wheel hand positions give a driver better vehicle control?

   1. 3 and 9 o'clock or 4 and 8 o'clock
   2. 12 and 6 o'clock
   3. Both hands inside the wheel spokes
   4. One hand at the top and one on the gear selector
   Show answer

   3 and 9 o'clock or 4 and 8 o'clock. The handbook recommends placing both hands on opposite sides of the outside of the steering wheel, at 3 and 9 o'clock or 4 and 8 o'clock. Those positions support control while leaving room for airbag deployment and smooth steering. Holding the wheel at 12 and 6, gripping its inside, or leaving a hand on the gear selector reduces consistent control. Keep the grip firm but gentle, use your fingers, and keep your thumbs along the wheel face.

3. 3. What should a Colorado driver do before a trip to address a distracting cell phone situation?

   1. Ask a child in the vehicle to watch the road instead
   2. Handle the phone while moving if traffic is light
   3. Safely pull over before handling the distraction
   4. Increase speed so the task takes less time
   Show answer

   Safely pull over before handling the distraction. The handbook identifies distractions as a leading cause of driver error and specifically includes the cell phone among distractions to avoid. If a phone issue or another urgent situation demands attention, the safe response is to pull over safely before dealing with it. Light traffic does not make moving-phone use reliable, and neither a child passenger nor extra speed replaces the driver's attention. Make adjustments before leaving when possible, and use a safe stopping place for anything that cannot wait.

Source: the Colorado Driver Handbook, Before You Drive and Basic Driving. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.