Traffic Laws

Study questions with answers

12 sample Traffic Laws questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. A single vehicle rated at 26,001 pounds or more GVWR, or one towing a unit not over 10,000 pounds, fits which license group?

   Correct answer: Class B

   Class B covers heavy straight vehicles: a single unit of 26,001 pounds or more, or such a vehicle towing a trailer rated at 10,000 pounds or less.

   Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 1 (CDL Classifications)

2. 2. What does the manual require of a driver regarding the safety belt while operating a CMV?

   Correct answer: Be properly restrained by it at all times while driving

   A driver must stay buckled by the safety belt the entire time a CMV is in operation; those thrown from a vehicle without one are far more likely to die.

   Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 1.4 (Other CDL Rules)

3. 3. Which group of endorsements is the only set permitted on a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)?

   Correct answer: Passenger, school bus, and tank vehicle

   A CLP may carry only three endorsements: passenger, tank vehicle, and school bus.

   Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 1 (CDL Endorsements)

4. 4. Federal rules limit how a CDL driver may use a hand-held mobile phone while driving. What is allowed?

   Correct answer: A hands-free phone that can be reached and operated with a single button

   A driver may not hold a phone to talk or press more than one button to dial; only a hands-free phone placed close by and operable in one touch may be used.

   Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 1.4 (Other CDL Rules)

5. 5. A CDL is required to drive any vehicle designed to carry how many people, counting the driver?

   Correct answer: 16 or more people including the driver

   Any vehicle designed to seat 16 people or more, counting the driver, comes under the CDL rule.

   Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 1 (Introduction)

6. 6. According to the manual, what is the youngest age at which a person may seek a CDL learner permit or hold a CDL?

   Correct answer: 18 years of age

   The minimum age is 18 to seek a CDL learner permit or to be issued a CDL; those aged 18 to 20 are held to intrastate driving only.

   Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 1 (Legal Age)

7. 7. A tank (N) endorsement is required when a tank's single rated capacity tops 119 gallons and the combined capacity reaches at least what amount?

   Correct answer: 1,000 gallons or more

   The tank (N) endorsement applies once a tank's individual rating exceeds 119 gallons and the combined rating hits 1,000 gallons or above.

   Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 1 (CDL Endorsements)

8. 8. While operating a commercial motor vehicle, sending or reading text messages is treated how under federal rules?

   Correct answer: Prohibited while driving the vehicle

   Texting while driving a CMV is prohibited, and repeated convictions bring a driver disqualification and civil penalties.

   Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 2.9.5 (Texting)

9. 9. In what language must all segments of the CDL skills test be conducted?

   Correct answer: English only

   The manual states that all CDL skills tests must be taken in English only.

   Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 1.1.2 (Skills Tests)

10. 10. A CDL is required for a single vehicle whose manufacturer-rated loaded weight (GVWR) is at least what figure?

    Correct answer: 26,001 pounds

    A single unit rated at 26,001 pounds GVWR or above calls for a CDL.

    Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 1 (CDL Classifications)

11. 11. The passenger (P) endorsement is required for anyone who drives a vehicle designed to carry at least how many people, including the driver?

    Correct answer: 16 or more people including the driver

    A driver must add the passenger endorsement to operate a vehicle with a design capacity of 16 or more people, including the driver.

    Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 1 (CDL Endorsements)

12. 12. Which description matches a Class A vehicle group?

    Correct answer: A combination rated at 26,001 pounds or more towing a unit over 10,000 pounds

    Class A is a combination with a GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the unit being towed is rated over 10,000 pounds GVWR.

    Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 1 (CDL Classifications)