CO Permit Practice Test

How to use this CO practice test

1. Take the full practice test above once, untimed, to find your weak topics.
2. Work through the numbered 20 question sets below. Each one is fixed, so a second attempt is a fair comparison.
3. Read the explanation on every miss. The wording comes from the Colorado Driver Handbook, which is what the examiners use.
4. When you pass three sets in a row at the score your state requires, book the real test.

CO practice tests, 20 questions each

Fixed sets in a fixed order so you can retake one and compare your score.

1. Test 1
2. Test 2
3. Test 3
4. Test 4
5. Test 5
6. Test 6
7. Test 7
8. Test 8
9. Test 9

Printable CO practice test with answer key

First 40 questions from the CO bank

Every question below comes from the Colorado question bank on this page. Open a question to see the correct answer and the explanation. Nothing here is hidden behind a signup.

1. 1. What does Colorado require when no different speed is posted?

   1. Follow the default speed limit for the road or district
   2. Always drive 10 mph below the posted limit
   3. Use the rural interstate limit on every road
   4. Choose any speed that feels comfortable
   Show answer

   Follow the default speed limit for the road or district. Colorado provides default speed limits for different road settings when no other limit is posted. Full explanation in Test 1

2. 2. For a Colorado driver age 21 or older, which BAC is identified as DUI per se?

   1. 0.02%
   2. 0.04%
   3. 0.05%
   4. 0.08%
   Show answer

   0.08%. For drivers age 21 and older, the handbook identifies DUI per se at a BAC greater than 0.08 percent. The 0. Full explanation in Test 1

3. 3. What may happen after a driver younger than 21 is convicted of DUI or DWAI for the first time?

   1. The license may be revoked if the driver fails to complete a court-ordered evaluation or program
   2. The license is permanently canceled in every first-conviction case
   3. The driver receives only a warning and keeps the license without conditions
   4. Revocation is possible only after a third conviction
   Show answer

   The license may be revoked if the driver fails to complete a court-ordered evaluation or program. For a first DUI or DWAI conviction involving a driver younger than 21, the handbook says the license is subject to revocation when the drive Full explanation in Test 1

4. 4. At a four-way stop, two vehicles arrive at the same time. Which driver must yield?

   1. The driver on the left
   2. The driver on the right
   3. The driver going straight
   4. The driver in the heavier vehicle
   Show answer

   The driver on the left. When vehicles reach a four-way stop simultaneously, the vehicle on the left yields and lets the vehicle on the right proceed first. Full explanation in Test 1

5. 5. When entering a Colorado roundabout, what traffic must an ordinary driver yield to?

   1. Traffic already inside the roundabout and approaching traffic on the left
   2. Only vehicles behind the entrance
   3. No traffic, because entering vehicles have priority
   4. Only trucks after they exit
   Show answer

   Traffic already inside the roundabout and approaching traffic on the left. A driver approaching a roundabout must look left for approaching traffic and must also yield to traffic already circulating when entering or Full explanation in Test 1

6. 6. When stopping quickly with ABS, what does the Colorado handbook advise?

   1. Apply hard, firm pressure and keep the brake pedal down
   2. Pump the pedal rapidly until the vehicle stops
   3. Release the pedal as soon as it pushes back
   4. Use the parking brake before touching the service brake
   Show answer

   Apply hard, firm pressure and keep the brake pedal down. With ABS, press the brake pedal firmly and keep it depressed while the system works. Full explanation in Test 2

7. 7. What does Colorado law prohibit while a driver is texting on a mobile device?

   1. Text messaging while driving, except to contact law enforcement or the fire department or in an emergency
   2. Text messaging whenever traffic is below 25 mph
   3. Text messaging only when stopped at a red light
   4. Text messaging whenever the driver keeps one hand on the wheel
   Show answer

   Text messaging while driving, except to contact law enforcement or the fire department or in an emergency. Colorado law prohibits using a mobile device for text messaging while driving. Full explanation in Test 2

8. 8. When are most deer and elk crashes described in the Colorado handbook as occurring?

   1. Between dusk and dawn
   2. Only during the middle of the afternoon
   3. Only during heavy snowfall at midday
   4. Between sunrise and noon on city streets
   Show answer

   Between dusk and dawn. The handbook identifies the period between dusk and dawn as the time when approximately 90 percent of deer and elk crashes occur. Full explanation in Test 2

9. 9. If an emergency vehicle is stopped on the shoulder, what should a driver do when possible?

   1. Leave at least one lane between the vehicle and the emergency vehicle
   2. Pass immediately beside it at the posted speed
   3. Stop in the adjacent lane next to the emergency vehicle
   4. Move toward the shoulder to give the emergency vehicle less room
   Show answer

   Leave at least one lane between the vehicle and the emergency vehicle. When approaching an emergency vehicle stopped along the road, the handbook says to try to leave at least one lane between the vehicles. Full explanation in Test 2

10. 10. What can happen to a Colorado driver younger than 21 after a first DUI or DWAI conviction if the required program is not completed?

    1. The driver license can be revoked
    2. Only the vehicle registration is canceled
    3. The driver automatically receives a lifetime license
    4. No licensing action is possible for a first conviction
    Show answer

    The driver license can be revoked. For a driver under 21, a first DUI or DWAI conviction can lead to license revocation when the driver fails to complete a court-ordered evalu Full explanation in Test 2

11. 11. According to the handbook, how quickly does BAC drop on average after alcohol is in the bloodstream?

    1. 0.015% per hour
    2. 0.005% every ten minutes
    3. 0.15% per hour
    4. It drops immediately after coffee is consumed
    Show answer

    0.015% per hour. The handbook gives an average decline of 0.015% per hour after alcohol enters the bloodstream. Full explanation in Test 3

12. 12. What proof must Colorado drivers have while operating a vehicle?

    1. Valid evidence of insurance
    2. A receipt for the most recent fuel purchase
    3. A printed map of every planned trip
    4. A mechanic's inspection report from that day
    Show answer

    Valid evidence of insurance. Colorado requires drivers to have valid evidence of insurance while operating a vehicle and identifies failure to provide it when requested Full explanation in Test 3

13. 13. What does a WRONG WAY sign tell a driver?

    1. The driver is traveling against the permitted direction and must not proceed
    2. The pavement is rough but travel may continue normally
    3. A truck route begins ahead
    4. The next intersection requires a U-turn
    Show answer

    The driver is traveling against the permitted direction and must not proceed. A WRONG WAY sign confirms that the vehicle is headed in a direction where travel is prohibited. Full explanation in Test 3

14. 14. What direction may a driver follow after seeing a One Way sign?

    1. Only the direction indicated by the sign’s arrow
    2. Any direction if the street is empty
    3. Only toward the nearest service facility
    4. The opposite direction during daylight
    Show answer

    Only the direction indicated by the sign’s arrow. A One Way sign indicates that travel is allowed only in the direction shown by its arrow. Full explanation in Test 3

15. 15. What does a round railroad advance warning sign indicate?

    1. A railroad crossing is ahead
    2. A bicycle lane begins immediately
    3. A roundabout requires a left turn
    4. A school entrance is ahead
    Show answer

    A railroad crossing is ahead. The round railroad advance warning sign tells the driver that a railroad crossing is ahead. Full explanation in Test 3

16. 16. What must a driver do at a Colorado STOP sign?

    1. Come to a complete stop
    2. Continue if no vehicle is visible
    3. Stop only if a train is approaching
    4. Slow down without stopping
    Show answer

    Come to a complete stop. A Colorado STOP sign requires a complete stop. Full explanation in Test 4

17. 17. What do the shapes and colors of Colorado traffic signs indicate?

    1. The type of information the sign provides
    2. The mechanical condition of the vehicle
    3. The driver's eligibility for a license
    4. Whether a railroad train is approaching
    Show answer

    The type of information the sign provides. Colorado explains that the shapes and colors of traffic signs indicate the type of information they provide. Full explanation in Test 4

18. 18. What information can Colorado traffic signs provide besides traffic rules and hazards?

    1. Current location, directions, and services
    2. Only vehicle maintenance instructions
    3. Only private business names
    4. Permission to ignore signals
    Show answer

    Current location, directions, and services. Colorado traffic signs do more than announce rules and hazards. Full explanation in Test 4

19. 19. What does a flashing yellow arrow require from a driver turning left?

    1. Proceed with caution and yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians
    2. Stop and wait until a green arrow appears
    3. Turn immediately because opposing traffic must yield
    4. Use the arrow as permission to pass through the intersection
    Show answer

    Proceed with caution and yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. A flashing yellow arrow permits a left turn only after the driver checks the path and yields to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Full explanation in Test 4

20. 20. If an emergency vehicle approaches while you are in an intersection, what should you do?

    1. Drive through the intersection, then pull over
    2. Stop immediately in the intersection
    3. Turn left and follow the emergency vehicle
    4. Reverse to the edge you just entered from
    Show answer

    Drive through the intersection, then pull over. A driver already in an intersection should not stop where the emergency vehicle needs to travel or reverse into other traffic. Full explanation in Test 4

21. 21. Which color and symbol combination identifies Colorado warning signs?

    1. Yellow or fluorescent green with black symbols
    2. Green with white mileage numbers
    3. Blue with white service symbols
    4. Brown with white recreation symbols
    Show answer

    Yellow or fluorescent green with black symbols. Warning signs use yellow or fluorescent green with black symbols to call attention to roadway conditions. Full explanation in Test 5

22. 22. Before turning left, what traffic must a driver yield to?

    1. All oncoming traffic unless protected by a green arrow or first at a four-way stop
    2. Only vehicles that are turning right
    3. Only pedestrians who are already in the roadway
    4. No traffic when the turn signal has been on for three seconds
    Show answer

    All oncoming traffic unless protected by a green arrow or first at a four-way stop. A left turn crosses the path of oncoming road users, so the driver must yield to all oncoming traffic unless a green arrow protects the move Full explanation in Test 5

23. 23. At an uncontrolled intersection, what does the vehicle on the left do when both vehicles arrive together?

    1. Yield and allow the vehicle on the right to go first
    2. Accelerate so it crosses before the vehicle on the right
    3. Stop in the center until the other driver waves
    4. Turn left automatically because it has the inside path
    Show answer

    Yield and allow the vehicle on the right to go first. The left-side driver yields when two vehicles reach an uncontrolled intersection at the same time. Full explanation in Test 5

24. 24. When visibility is less than 1,000 feet in Colorado, which lighting rule applies?

    1. Drive with headlights on
    2. Use parking lights only
    3. Turn lights off to reduce reflected glare
    4. Use hazard flashers instead of headlights
    Show answer

    Drive with headlights on. Colorado requires headlights from sunset to sunrise and whenever visibility is less than 1,000 feet. Full explanation in Test 5

25. 25. What do Colorado regulatory signs usually look like?

    1. Black or red on a white background
    2. Blue or brown with white symbols
    3. Orange with black letters only in rural areas
    4. Green with mileage numbers and route arrows
    Show answer

    Black or red on a white background. Regulatory signs communicate laws that apply at that location and are normally black or red on white. Full explanation in Test 5

26. 26. If the brake pedal stops slowing the vehicle, what should a Colorado driver try first?

    1. Take the foot off the accelerator and pump the brake pedal
    2. Pull the parking brake hard and lock the rear wheels
    3. Turn off the ignition and coast without steering
    4. Continue driving until the brakes cool down
    Show answer

    Take the foot off the accelerator and pump the brake pedal. For brake failure, Colorado advises removing the foot from the accelerator and pumping the brake pedal several times. Full explanation in Test 6

27. 27. If your vehicle is hydroplaning, when should you try to stop or turn?

    1. Only after the tires are gripping the road again
    2. Immediately, by braking hard and steering sharply
    3. Before lifting off the accelerator
    4. After shifting to park in the travel lane
    Show answer

    Only after the tires are gripping the road again. Hydroplaning means the tires are riding on water rather than gripping pavement. Full explanation in Test 6

28. 28. When may a driver turn in the direction shown by a lighted green arrow?

    1. When the arrow points that way, while still yielding as required if it goes off
    2. Only after waiting for every nearby vehicle to stop
    3. In any direction, because a green arrow cancels lane markings
    4. Only after the signal changes to a flashing red light
    Show answer

    When the arrow points that way, while still yielding as required if it goes off. A lighted green arrow authorizes movement in the direction the arrow displays. Full explanation in Test 6

29. 29. How far ahead should a Colorado driver look to reduce last-minute braking?

    1. At least 10 seconds ahead
    2. Only one car length ahead
    3. Exactly three seconds ahead
    4. No farther than the next lane marking
    Show answer

    At least 10 seconds ahead. Scanning well ahead gives time to spot slowing traffic, pedestrians, signals, and hazards before they become urgent. Full explanation in Test 6

30. 30. During the first six months after a Colorado minor's license is issued, which passenger is generally prohibited?

    1. A passenger younger than 21, unless a parent or licensed adult driver is present
    2. A sibling younger than 21 under every circumstance
    3. One passenger younger than 21, even with a parent present
    4. All passengers, regardless of age
    Show answer

    A passenger younger than 21, unless a parent or licensed adult driver is present. For the first six months of a minor's license, Colorado restricts passengers under 21. Full explanation in Test 6

31. 31. Under Colorado's DUI per se rule, which blood alcohol concentration can support a conviction?

    1. More than 0.08%
    2. Exactly 0.02% for every driver
    3. More than 0.04% only for a commercial driver
    4. Any measurable amount, regardless of driver or conduct
    Show answer

    More than 0.08%. The handbook says a driver may be convicted of DUI per se when the driver's BAC is greater than 0.08%. Full explanation in Test 7

32. 32. 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. Full explanation in Test 7

33. 33. What do brown backgrounds on service and recreation signs indicate?

    1. Recreational, historic, or cultural areas
    2. A mandatory reduced-speed zone
    3. A railroad crossing emergency phone
    4. A route reserved only for trucks
    Show answer

    Recreational, historic, or cultural areas. Brown service and recreation signs guide drivers to recreational, historic, or cultural places. Full explanation in Test 7

34. 34. When passing an emergency vehicle stopped along the road, what speed applies if the posted limit is 45 mph or less?

    1. Slow to 25 mph unless emergency personnel or conditions direct otherwise
    2. Continue at the posted limit if you move one lane away
    3. Slow to 15 mph in every such location
    4. Stop and wait until the emergency vehicle leaves
    Show answer

    Slow to 25 mph unless emergency personnel or conditions direct otherwise. When an emergency vehicle is stopped roadside, Colorado says drivers should leave at least one lane between vehicles when possible. Full explanation in Test 7

35. 35. How far before a turn or lane change must a driver signal in an urban area?

    1. Continuously for 100 feet
    2. Continuously for 25 feet
    3. Only for three seconds after beginning the maneuver
    4. For 200 feet on every road
    Show answer

    Continuously for 100 feet. In urban areas, Colorado requires a turn signal continuously for 100 feet before a turn or lane change. Full explanation in Test 7

36. 36. What does a broken yellow line between opposing traffic lanes tell a driver?

    1. Passing is permitted when the maneuver is safe
    2. Passing is prohibited until the line becomes white
    3. Traffic on both sides must travel in the same direction
    4. The lane is reserved for emergency vehicles
    Show answer

    Passing is permitted when the maneuver is safe. A broken yellow centerline separates traffic moving in opposite directions and marks a place where passing is permitted. Full explanation in Test 8

37. 37. What does a flashing yellow light warn an approaching driver to do?

    1. Slow down and proceed with caution
    2. Stop fully and wait for a green signal
    3. Accelerate before the light changes
    4. Turn around before reaching the warning
    Show answer

    Slow down and proceed with caution. A flashing yellow light is a warning that a hazard may be present. Full explanation in Test 8

38. 38. What does a broken white lane line mean?

    1. You may change lanes if it is safe
    2. Passing is forbidden in both directions
    3. Traffic on each side moves in opposite directions
    4. Only emergency vehicles may cross it
    Show answer

    You may change lanes if it is safe. White lane lines divide traffic moving in the same direction, and a broken white line allows a lane change when the move is safe. Full explanation in Test 8

39. 39. A circular green light remains on after the green arrow goes off. When may you still turn?

    1. After yielding to through vehicles and pedestrians
    2. Only if a police officer is standing nearby
    3. Without yielding because the arrow was green earlier
    4. Never, because the missing arrow always prohibits turns
    Show answer

    After yielding to through vehicles and pedestrians. When the arrow ends but the circular green remains, Colorado allows the turn only after yielding to through vehicles and pedestrians unless Full explanation in Test 8

40. 40. An angry driver is following you aggressively. What response does the handbook recommend?

    1. Back off, give way, and let that driver go
    2. Match the driver's speed to prevent being passed
    3. Make eye contact and confront the driver at the next stop
    4. Brake hard whenever the driver gets close
    Show answer

    Back off, give way, and let that driver go. The safest response to an aggressive driver is disengagement. Full explanation in Test 8