Colorado Car / Permit Exam Simulation
25 questions · 20 correct to pass. You won't see any feedback until you finish — just like the real test.
Colorado Car / Permit questions with answers
20 sample questions from the Colorado Car / Permit question bank — each with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the section of the official handbook it comes from.
1. A child under 2 years old who weighs less than 40 pounds must ride in:
Correct answer: a rear-facing child restraint in the back seat
Children under 2 and under 40 pounds must be secured in a rear-facing restraint in the rear seat of the vehicle.
2. About how far does an average freight train traveling 55 mph need in order to stop?
Correct answer: about one mile
A freight train at 55 mph takes roughly a mile to stop and appears to move slower than it really is, so never try to beat one across the tracks.
3. A driver 21 or older can be charged with DUI per se when their blood alcohol concentration is greater than:
Correct answer: 0.08%
A BAC above 0.08% supports a DUI per se charge, while a lower level can still lead to a DWAI charge.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Driving Under the Influence
4. At a steady red light, making a right turn is generally:
Correct answer: allowed after a full stop and yielding, unless a sign prohibits it
After stopping and yielding to pedestrians and traffic, you may turn right on red unless a posted sign forbids it.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Traffic Signals (Steady Red Light)
5. You must switch your high beams to low before coming within how many feet of an oncoming vehicle?
Correct answer: 500 feet
High beams, or low beams with fog lights, must be dimmed before you are within 500 feet of an approaching vehicle so you do not blind that driver.
6. On narrow, winding mountain highways and blind curves, the default speed limit is:
Correct answer: 20 mph
Unless posted otherwise, drive no faster than 20 mph on narrow, winding mountain roads and blind curves, versus 40 mph on open mountain highways.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Speed
7. The crosshatched (diagonally striped) area beside a disabled parking space is:
Correct answer: reserved for van access, where parking is never allowed
Crosshatched sections next to accessible spaces provide van access and may not be parked in at any time.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Traffic Signs (Disabled Parking Signs)
8. The safest way to see where you are going while backing up is to:
Correct answer: turn and look over your shoulder through the rear window
When reversing, look directly over your shoulder through the rear window; mirrors and cameras help but do not show the area right behind the vehicle.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Basic Driving (Backing Up)
9. Signs with an orange background and black letters or symbols normally appear:
Correct answer: in and around road construction or maintenance areas
Orange is reserved for work-zone signs, which help guide traffic safely past crews and equipment, and fines are commonly doubled in these areas.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Traffic Signs (Work Zone Signs)
10. On a divided highway with a median separating the directions of travel, drivers coming from the opposite direction of a stopped school bus:
Correct answer: are not required to stop because of the physical barrier
When a median or barrier separates your side from the bus, you do not have to stop; the requirement applies when there is no such separation.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Right-of-Way (School Bus)
11. If a large animal suddenly appears in your path, the handbook advises that the safest choice may be to:
Correct answer: brake and stay in control, even if it means striking the animal
Drastic evasive action to miss a large animal can cause a worse crash, so concentrate on keeping control, as hitting the animal may be the safest outcome.
12. Before applying for a license, a Colorado minor must hold an instruction permit for 12 months and log:
Correct answer: 50 hours of driving, including 10 at night
Minors must keep a permit for 12 months and complete a signed log of 50 hours of driving, 10 of which are at night.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Minor Drivers (Application for driver license)
13. When it comes to pedestrians, a driver should never assume that they:
Correct answer: can see or hear the vehicle or its signals
Some pedestrians are deaf, hard of hearing, or blind, so do not assume they can hear or see your vehicle; watch carefully and be ready to stop.
14. Combining two or more substances such as alcohol, marijuana, or medications while driving is:
Correct answer: polydrug impairment, which can increase the effects and is especially dangerous
Polydrug impairment comes from using more than one substance together; mixing them can amplify their effects and is more dangerous than a single drug.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Driving Under the Influence (Polydrug Impairment)
15. When you approach a steadily flashing yellow traffic light, you should:
Correct answer: slow down and move through with caution
A flashing yellow signal warns of a hazard, so reduce speed and proceed carefully without a required stop.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Traffic Signals (Flashing Yellow Light)
16. In an urban area, how far ahead of a turn or lane change must you keep your turn signal on?
Correct answer: 100 feet
City drivers must signal continuously for 100 feet before turning or changing lanes, and a good rule of thumb is at least three seconds.
17. The handbook cites that a lightweight passenger car traveling 55 mph can stop in roughly:
Correct answer: 200 feet under ideal conditions
Under ideal conditions a lightweight passenger car at 55 mph needs about 200 feet to stop, and heavier vehicles require more.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Speed (Stopping distance)
18. Parking is prohibited on all of the following except:
Correct answer: a legal metered space along the street
You may not park on crosswalks, sidewalks, bridges, elevated structures or railroad tracks; a legal marked space is, of course, permitted.
19. A driver whose license carries a corrective-lens restriction must:
Correct answer: wear glasses or contact lenses whenever driving
If your license has a corrective-lens restriction, you are required to wear your glasses or contacts every time you drive.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Before You Drive (Vision)
20. A sign with a green background most often provides:
Correct answer: directions and mileage to a destination
Green guide signs give directional information such as route names, exits and the distance to a place.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Traffic Signs (Guide Signs)