Penalties & Licensing

Study questions with answers

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

1. 1. Drivers in Colorado are required to:

   Correct answer: carry valid proof of insurance and show it to an officer on request

   You must have proof of insurance while driving; failing to provide it when an officer asks can lead to suspension of your driving privilege.

   Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — How You Can Lose Your License

2. 2. Which of the following can cause your Colorado driving privilege to be suspended or revoked?

   Correct answer: refusing a chemical test for alcohol or drugs

   Reasons for losing your license include refusing a test, a DUI conviction, leaving the scene of a crash, and accumulating too many points.

   Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — How You Can Lose Your License

3. 3. A new Colorado resident must obtain a Colorado driver license within:

   Correct answer: 30 days of becoming a resident

   With limited exceptions, a new resident must get a Colorado license within 30 days, and must also report a name or address change within 30 days.

   Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Getting a Driver License

4. 4. If you fail the driving skills test, you must wait to retake it until:

   Correct answer: the next business day

   A driver who fails the drive test must wait until the next business day before attempting it again.

   Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Getting a Driver License (Driving Skills Test)

5. 5. Colorado's seat belt law requires a fastened belt for the driver, front-seat passengers, and:

   Correct answer: children under 16

   The seat belt law covers the driver, front-seat passengers and children under 16 in any vehicle equipped with factory seat belts.

   Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Seat Belt Laws

6. 6. During the first six months after a minor is licensed, they generally may not carry:

   Correct answer: any passenger under 21 unless a parent or licensed adult is present

   For the first six months a young driver may not have passengers under 21 unless a parent or another licensed adult is in the car; siblings and medical emergencies are exceptions.

   Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Minor Drivers (Passenger restrictions)

7. 7. For a minor's first year of licensed driving, driving is generally not allowed between:

   Correct answer: midnight and 5 a.m.

   During the first year a young driver may not drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent, guardian or instructor, with limited exceptions for school, work or emergencies.

   Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Minor Drivers (Curfew)

8. 8. To operate a motor vehicle on Colorado's public roads, a person must be at least:

   Correct answer: 16 years old and hold a valid license

   Anyone driving a motor vehicle on Colorado's public streets must be 16 or older and carry a valid driver license.

   Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Getting a Driver License

9. 9. A first offense for illegally passing a stopped school bus can result in:

   Correct answer: a fine up to $300, a mandatory court appearance, and six points

   Violating school bus stop laws is a misdemeanor carrying a fine up to $300, a required court appearance and six license points; a second offense within five years can cost up to $1,000.

   Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Sharing the Road (School Buses)

10. 10. A conviction for reckless driving in Colorado can add up to how many points to your record?

    Correct answer: eight points

    Reckless driving — operating in a way that endangers people or property — can result in up to eight points assessed against your driving record.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Careless/Reckless Driving

11. 11. While driving with an instruction permit, you must have in the front passenger seat a person who is:

    Correct answer: 21 or older and holding a valid Colorado license

    A permit holder must have a licensed adult 21 or older with a valid Colorado license seated in the front passenger seat.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Getting a Driver License (Instruction permits)

12. 12. A person under 21 who is convicted of buying or possessing alcohol may:

    Correct answer: lose their driving privilege even if driving was not involved

    Anyone under 21 convicted of purchasing or possessing alcohol is subject to revocation of driving privileges, even when a vehicle was not involved.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Driving Under the Influence (Under 21)