Colorado 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. Come back on a later day and retake the questions you missed. A score on questions you have not seen before tells you more than a repeat.

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
10. Test 10
11. Test 11
12. Test 12
13. Test 13
14. Test 14
15. Test 15
16. Test 16
17. Test 17
18. Test 18
19. Test 19
20. Test 20
21. Test 21
22. Test 22
23. Test 23
24. Test 24
25. Test 25

Printable CO practice test with answer key

40 sample practice 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. No median or barrier separates you from a stopped school bus with flashing red lights. How far before the bus must a Colorado driver stop?

   
   1. At least 5 feet
   2. At least 20 feet
   3. At least 50 feet
   4. Only far enough to leave one car length
   Show answer

   At least 20 feet. Colorado requires a driver to stop at least 20 feet before a school bus that is stopped with red lights flashing. Full explanation in Test 1

   Study this in the handbook: Right of way at intersections, roundabouts and mountain roads

2. 2. What do the signs posted for a High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane identify?

   1. The types of vehicles and number of occupants required to use it
   2. The hours when the lane switches to the opposite direction
   3. The toll each vehicle must pay before entering the lane
   4. The minimum speed required while driving in the lane
   Show answer

   The types of vehicles and number of occupants required to use it. An HOV lane is reserved for certain vehicles. Full explanation in Test 2

   Study this in the handbook: Lines, crosswalks and special lanes

3. 3. What must a Colorado minor submit with the application for a driver license?

   1. Only proof of vehicle registration
   2. A log showing 20 total hours, all during daylight
   3. A signed log showing 100 hours, none after sunset
   4. A completed, signed driving log showing 50 hours, including 10 at night
   Show answer

   A completed, signed driving log showing 50 hours, including 10 at night. The minor licensing requirement combines a 12-month instruction permit period with a completed, signed driving log. Full explanation in Test 3

   Study this in the handbook: Getting a license, instruction permits and the drive test

4. 4. With low beams and fog lights on in Colorado, when must you dim them for an oncoming vehicle?

   1. Before coming within 200 feet
   2. Before coming within 1,000 feet
   3. Before coming within 500 feet of the oncoming vehicle
   4. Only if the other driver flashes high beams
   Show answer

   Before coming within 500 feet of the oncoming vehicle. If you are driving with low beam lights and fog lights on, you must dim them before coming within 500 feet of any oncoming vehicle so the ot Full explanation in Test 4

   Study this in the handbook: Freeways, lane changes and passing

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

   
   1. A truck route begins ahead
   2. The pavement is rough but travel may continue normally
   3. The driver is traveling against the permitted direction and must not proceed
   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 5

   Study this in the handbook: Regulatory signs: stop, yield and speed

6. 6. A Colorado child is 5 years old and weighs 45 pounds. How must the child ride?

   1. In a rear-facing seat in the front
   2. In a child restraint system or booster seat in the rear seat, if one is available
   3. With only a lap belt in any seat
   4. Unrestrained, if a parent holds the child
   Show answer

   In a child restraint system or booster seat in the rear seat, if one is available. Children 4 years of age or older but less than 9, and weighing at least 40 pounds, must be properly secured in a child restraint system or b Full explanation in Test 6

   Study this in the handbook: Losing your license, seat belts and child restraints

7. 7. You approach a Colorado roundabout and no one is in or waiting at the crosswalk. When should you come to a complete stop?

   1. Every time, at the yield line, before entering
   2. Only when existing traffic keeps you from merging
   3. Only when a vehicle is waiting to enter on your right
   4. Never, even if traffic is blocking the entry
   Show answer

   Only when existing traffic keeps you from merging. Roundabouts are built for a slow, continuous approach. Full explanation in Test 7

   Study this in the handbook: Lines, crosswalks and special lanes

8. 8. Who may sign the Affidavit of Liability for a Colorado applicant under 18?

   1. Only a biological parent
   2. Any licensed driver 16 or older
   3. A parent, stepparent, grandparent with power of attorney, legal guardian, spouse older than 18, or another responsible adult
   4. The applicant, once they turn 17
   Show answer

   A parent, stepparent, grandparent with power of attorney, legal guardian, spouse older than 18, or another responsible adult. A Colorado applicant under 18 needs an Affidavit of Liability (DR2460) signed and verified by a parent, stepparent, grandparent with power o Full explanation in Test 8

   Study this in the handbook: Getting a license, instruction permits and the drive test

9. 9. The adult who signed a Colorado minor's Affidavit of Liability withdraws the signature. What happens?

   1. The minor's permit or license is canceled
   2. Nothing, because the license was already issued
   3. The minor must retake the written test
   4. The minor gets a 30 day grace period to find a new signer
   Show answer

   The minor's permit or license is canceled. Whoever signs the affidavit takes legal responsibility for the minor's driving. Full explanation in Test 9

   Study this in the handbook: Getting a license, instruction permits and the drive test

10. 10. What do Colorado traffic signals tell drivers?

    1. Which private business to visit
    2. When or where to stop and go
    3. How far away a service station is
    4. Where a railroad emergency phone is located
    Show answer

    When or where to stop and go. Traffic signals are lights that tell drivers when or where to stop and go. Full explanation in Test 10

    Study this in the handbook: Fitness to drive, distractions and basic control

11. 11. A marked animal crossing sign appears on a mountain road. What is the first precaution?

    1. Sound the horn to scatter the wildlife nearby
    2. Slow down and look carefully for animals
    3. Speed up to get through the crossing zone quickly
    4. Turn on the high beams even though it is midday
    Show answer

    Slow down and look carefully for animals. The handbook says that upon entering a designated animal crossing, the first precaution should be to slow down and look for animals. Full explanation in Test 11

    Study this in the handbook: Avoiding collisions, animals and vehicle failures

12. 12. How does reckless driving differ from a simple mistake?

    1. It requires proof that the driver was angry at someone else
    2. It applies only to crashes in which someone is injured or killed
    3. Operating a vehicle so as to endanger people or property, intended or not
    4. It covers only speeds that are over 100 mph
    Show answer

    Operating a vehicle so as to endanger people or property, intended or not. The handbook defines reckless driving as operating a vehicle in such a way that puts either people or property in danger, whether intentiona Full explanation in Test 12

    Study this in the handbook: Distracted, reckless and aggressive driving

13. 13. May a driver pass another vehicle by using the shoulder of the road?

    1. No, passing on the shoulder is not allowed
    2. Yes, if the vehicle ahead is moving slowly
    3. Yes, if there is no oncoming traffic
    4. Yes, but only in a work zone
    Show answer

    No, passing on the shoulder is not allowed. The handbook says that you are not allowed to pass another vehicle by driving off of the pavement or on the shoulder of a roadway. Full explanation in Test 13

    Study this in the handbook: Freeways, lane changes and passing

14. 14. A broken yellow line runs on your side beside a solid yellow line. When may you pass?

    1. When the broken line is on your side and it is safe
    2. Whenever the solid line looks faded or worn out
    3. Only when you are following behind a slow truck
    4. Never, since paired lines forbid all passing at all times
    Show answer

    When the broken line is on your side and it is safe. The handbook says that if the broken yellow line is on your side, you may pass if it is safe to do so. Full explanation in Test 14

    Study this in the handbook: Warning, guide, work zone and special signs

15. 15. You try to sort an unfamiliar sign quickly by its color and shape. What do those features communicate?

    1. The year in which the sign was installed there
    2. The speed limit on that stretch of road
    3. Whether or not the sign applies to trucks
    4. The type of information the sign gives
    Show answer

    The type of information the sign gives. The handbook says the shapes and colors of signs indicate the type of information they provide. Full explanation in Test 15

    Study this in the handbook: Fitness to drive, distractions and basic control

16. 16. What are truck and bus No Zones?

    1. Lanes that are set aside for trucks on steep downhill grades
    2. Special spaces where trucks may park overnight on the roadside
    3. Stretches of road where cars are required to speed up and pass
    4. Blind spot areas around a truck or bus where cars become hard for the driver to see
    Show answer

    Blind spot areas around a truck or bus where cars become hard for the driver to see. The handbook says trucks and buses have blind spots called No Zones. Full explanation in Test 16

    Study this in the handbook: Bicyclists, motorcycles, trucks and pedestrians

17. 17. A driver rolls through a regulatory sign's instruction, figuring signs are advisory. What does Colorado call that failure?

    1. It earns only a warning on the first offense, always
    2. It is a traffic violation
    3. It is legal if no officer happened to observe it
    4. It is a violation only on state highways
    Show answer

    It is a traffic violation. The handbook says failure to obey regulatory signs is a traffic violation. Full explanation in Test 17

    Study this in the handbook: Fitness to drive, distractions and basic control

18. 18. Why is a train's speed hard to judge at a crossing?

    1. Its large size makes it look slower than it really is
    2. Trains slow down at every crossing that they pass through
    3. Crossing lights hide the true speed of the train
    4. Freight trains always travel at less than 30 mph
    Show answer

    Its large size makes it look slower than it really is. The handbook says that because of its large size, a train appears to be moving more slowly than it actually is. Full explanation in Test 18

    Study this in the handbook: Railroad crossings and light rail

19. 19. Your brake pedal goes soft and the car will not slow normally. What is the first fix to try?

    1. Take your foot off the gas and pump the brake pedal
    2. Use the parking brake right away as your first step
    3. Shift to neutral and coast on downhill
    4. Turn off the engine while the car is still rolling fast
    Show answer

    Take your foot off the gas and pump the brake pedal. For brake failure, the handbook says to take your foot off the accelerator and pump the brake pedal several times. Full explanation in Test 19

    Study this in the handbook: Avoiding collisions, animals and vehicle failures

20. 20. You cross a road where yellow lines are painted down the middle. What do those lines separate?

    1. Lanes in which traffic moves in the same direction
    2. Parking areas that are set apart from the travel lanes
    3. Traffic moving in opposite directions
    4. Bicycle lanes that run beside the vehicle lanes
    Show answer

    Traffic moving in opposite directions. The handbook says yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions, and a broken yellow line means that passing is permitted when Full explanation in Test 20

    Study this in the handbook: Warning, guide, work zone and special signs

21. 21. How can the shape of a route sign help a Colorado driver?

    1. It tells drivers which lane is closed ahead
    2. It shows the posted speed for the next work zone
    3. It marks where a driver must stop before a crosswalk
    4. It identifies whether the route is Interstate, U.S., State, or County
    Show answer

    It identifies whether the route is Interstate, U.S., State, or County. Route marker shape is a quick classification cue, not a speed order or stop location. Full explanation in Test 21

    Study this in the handbook: Warning, guide, work zone and special signs

22. 22. You turn onto a quiet Colorado residential street with no speed sign in sight. What unposted limit should you assume?

    1. 30 mph
    2. 20 mph
    3. 25 mph
    4. 40 mph
    Show answer

    30 mph. The handbook lists the unposted limits in Colorado. Full explanation in Test 22

    Study this in the handbook: Emergency vehicles, school buses and work zones

23. 23. Inside a work zone, how should you position your vehicle around crews?

    1. Move closer to the workers so that they can see you sooner
    2. Hold the center of the work area at full speed
    3. Shift away from workers and slow for obstacles or changes
    4. Stop in the travel lane to watch the crews work
    Show answer

    Shift away from workers and slow for obstacles or changes. The handbook says that in a work or construction zone you keep crews and fellow road users safe by adjusting your lane position away from wo Full explanation in Test 23

    Study this in the handbook: Right of way at intersections, roundabouts and mountain roads

24. 24. From where should a Colorado driver start a left turn?

    1. From the left side of your lane
    2. From the rightmost part of the lane
    3. From the shoulder beside the roadway lane
    4. From the lane meant for oncoming traffic
    Show answer

    From the left side of your lane. The handbook states that when turning left you should be in the left side of your lane. Full explanation in Test 24

    Study this in the handbook: Emergency vehicles, school buses and work zones

25. 25. Morning fog limits your view to about 800 feet on a Colorado road. What lighting does the law require?

    1. Parking lights only, until the sun has fully risen in the sky
    2. No lights are needed in fog during the daytime
    3. Headlights on, since visibility is under 1,000 feet
    4. High beams, to help you cut through the fog
    Show answer

    Headlights on, since visibility is under 1,000 feet. Colorado law requires you to drive with your headlights on from sunset to sunrise or when visibility is less than 1,000 feet. Full explanation in Test 25

    Study this in the handbook: Freeways, lane changes and passing

26. 26. Under Colorado seat belt law, which group must wear a fastened belt in a vehicle with a factory-equipped belt system?

    1. Children under 16, while adults are exempt
    2. The driver and passengers in the back seat
    3. The driver, front seat passengers, and children under 16
    4. Every passenger except the driver
    Show answer

    The driver, front seat passengers, and children under 16. On Colorado public roads, the fastened-belt requirement applies in motor vehicles with a factory-equipped seat belt system to the driver, fr Full explanation in Test 1

    Study this in the handbook: Losing your license, seat belts and child restraints

27. 27. What do blue backgrounds on Colorado service signs provide?

    
    1. Directions to service facilities
    2. Warnings about school zones and curves
    3. Mileage to specific destinations only
    4. Rules prohibiting a turn
    Show answer

    Directions to service facilities. Blue backgrounds identify signs that provide directions to service facilities. Full explanation in Test 2

    Study this in the handbook: Regulatory signs: stop, yield and speed

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

    
    1. A roundabout requires a left turn
    2. A bicycle lane begins immediately
    3. A railroad crossing is ahead
    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

    Study this in the handbook: Railroad crossings and light rail

29. 29. Where are Colorado bicycle and pedestrian crossing signs used?

    
    1. At vehicle inspection stations along the highway
    2. In places where pedestrians are prohibited from crossing
    3. Where both bicyclists and pedestrians might cross the roadway
    4. Where the road becomes bicycle-only
    Show answer

    Where both bicyclists and pedestrians might cross the roadway. Colorado uses bicycle and pedestrian crossing signs where both bicyclists and pedestrians might cross the roadway, including an intersection Full explanation in Test 4

    Study this in the handbook: Warning, guide, work zone and special signs

30. 30. When following another vehicle at night, when must low beams be used?

    1. Only on urban streets with streetlights
    2. Only when you are within 50 feet
    3. When you are within 200 feet of the vehicle ahead
    4. High beams remain required until you reach an intersection
    Show answer

    When you are within 200 feet of the vehicle ahead. Colorado requires low beams, with fog lights off, when following another vehicle within 200 feet. Full explanation in Test 5

    Study this in the handbook: Freeways, lane changes and passing

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

    
    1. The driver's eligibility for a license
    2. The mechanical condition of the vehicle
    3. The type of information the sign provides
    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 6

    Study this in the handbook: Fitness to drive, distractions and basic control

32. 32. Unless otherwise posted, what is the Colorado speed limit on urban interstates and highways?

    1. 65 mph
    2. 45 mph
    3. 55 mph
    4. 75 mph
    Show answer

    55 mph. The handbook sets 55 mph on urban interstate and highways unless another limit is posted. Full explanation in Test 7

    Study this in the handbook: Emergency vehicles, school buses and work zones

33. 33. What license action does Colorado list for a third or later DWAI or DUI for a driver 21 or older?

    1. Revocation for 1 year
    2. Revocation for 2 years
    3. Revocation for 9 months
    4. Permanent cancellation
    Show answer

    Revocation for 2 years. A third or subsequent DWAI or DUI carries a 2 year revocation in the table, along with a $600 to $1,500 fine, 60 to 365 days in jail and 48 Full explanation in Test 8

    Study this in the handbook: Drugs, penalties and express consent

34. 34. How is a second or third DUI or DWAI conviction described for a driver younger than 21?

    1. A vehicle registration suspension only
    2. A warning with no licensing consequence
    3. A license renewal without restrictions
    4. A mandatory revocation of the driver license
    Show answer

    A mandatory revocation of the driver license. For a driver younger than 21, the handbook says a second or third DUI or DWAI conviction requires mandatory revocation of the license. Full explanation in Test 9

    Study this in the handbook: Drugs, penalties and express consent

35. 35. What must a driver do before entering a railroad crossing?

    
    1. Make sure there is enough room beyond the tracks for the vehicle to clear them
    2. Enter as soon as the warning sign is visible
    3. Shift gears while crossing to maintain momentum
    4. Try to beat the train if the gates are still raised
    Show answer

    Make sure there is enough room beyond the tracks for the vehicle to clear them. A railroad crossing requires space on the far side, not merely a clear view of the rails. Full explanation in Test 10

    Study this in the handbook: Regulatory signs: stop, yield and speed

36. 36. A farm vehicle ahead carries a reflective orange triangle on its rear. What speed was it designed for?

    1. Exactly 25 mph at all times of the day
    2. Slower than 25 mph
    3. Up to 35 mph when on rural roads
    4. Slower than 45 mph, by its design
    Show answer

    Slower than 25 mph. The handbook says a reflective orange triangle on the rear of a vehicle means it is designed to travel at speeds slower than 25 miles per ho Full explanation in Test 11

    Study this in the handbook: Warning, guide, work zone and special signs

37. 37. A city bus ahead signals left with its rear yield sign lit, wanting your lane. What should you do?

    1. Hold your speed and pass the bus before it moves over
    2. Flash your lights at the bus and claim the lane
    3. Stop behind the bus and wait until it parks somewhere
    4. Yield and let the bus move into the lane
    Show answer

    Yield and let the bus move into the lane. The handbook says you must yield right-of-way to a transit bus if it is signaling to enter a traffic lane and the yield sign on the rear of Full explanation in Test 12

    Study this in the handbook: Right of way at intersections, roundabouts and mountain roads

38. 38. Traffic ahead stops for a pedestrian at a crosswalk on a multi-lane road, and your lane looks clear. What must you do?

    1. Pass slowly in the open lane that is beside the stopped car
    2. Edge forward to look around the stopped vehicle
    3. Stop behind the vehicle or crosswalk and do not pass
    4. Proceed as long as your own lane stays empty
    Show answer

    Stop behind the vehicle or crosswalk and do not pass. The handbook says that when you approach a vehicle from the rear that is stopped at a crosswalk, you must not pass and must stop behind the Full explanation in Test 13

    Study this in the handbook: Warning, guide, work zone and special signs

39. 39. Freeway traffic merges from a ramp as you cruise in the right lane with room to your left. What courtesy does Colorado suggest when safe?

    1. Move over to make room for vehicles entering
    2. Hold your lane and your speed regardless of the ramp
    3. Slow sharply so that the ramp traffic enters first
    4. Flash your headlights to wave them in early
    Show answer

    Move over to make room for vehicles entering. The handbook says to move over, if it is safe to do so, when approaching a merge area, to make room for vehicles entering the freeway. Full explanation in Test 14

    Study this in the handbook: Signaling, turns, U turns and parking

40. 40. Your gas pedal sticks while traffic moves around you. What is the recommended first response?

    1. Shift quickly to neutral and keep your eyes on the road
    2. Turn the key off first while still traveling at full speed
    3. Press the brake and the gas hard at the same time
    4. Steer off the road before doing anything to slow down
    Show answer

    Shift quickly to neutral and keep your eyes on the road. For a jammed gas pedal, the handbook says to keep your eyes on the road, quickly shift to neutral, pull off the road when safe to do so, and Full explanation in Test 15

    Study this in the handbook: Avoiding collisions, animals and vehicle failures