Colorado Motorcycle practice
Colorado Motorcycle: Safe Driving Practices practice test
Following distance, scanning, blind spots, using your lights, and the habits that prevent crashes and keep you in control.
Content reviewed against official driver handbooks · August 12, 2026
12 questions · pass with 10 correct. You get instant feedback and an explanation after every answer.
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12 sample Safe Driving Practices questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.
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1. What does the handbook advise about tiredness on a long trip?
Correct answer: Split the miles into roughly two-hour stretches and pull over to rest if drowsiness sets in
Tiredness dulls your reactions and your judgment, so split the miles into roughly two-hour stretches and stop to rest as soon as drowsiness sets in.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook - Before You Drive (Fatigue)
2. In the Scan step of SIPDE, where does an experienced rider search?
Correct answer: Forward, to both sides, and behind the motorcycle
Scanning is an aggressive search forward, sideways and to the rear, so that hazards turn up early enough for you to act on them.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook - Section 7, SIPDE (Scan)
3. According to the handbook, a motorcycle is the right size for you when:
Correct answer: You can set your feet down on the ground while sitting on it
A machine that fits lets a seated rider reach the ground, and newer riders are warned away from big bikes until they have real experience.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook - Section 15.1, The Right Equipment
4. SIPDE is a five-step strategy that stands for:
Correct answer: Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute
SIPDE stands for Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, and Execute, a process used to make judgments in traffic.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook - Section 7, SIPDE
5. Colorado's mobile device law allows a driver to use a phone while driving in which situation?
Correct answer: Through a hands-free accessory, in an emergency, or to reach police or fire crews
Handheld use is barred; the exceptions are a hands-free accessory, an emergency, or a call placed to law enforcement or the fire department. Texting follows the same rule.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook - Safe Driving Tips (Using a Cell Phone While Driving)
6. You are about to ride a motorcycle you have never used before. The handbook tells you to:
Correct answer: Locate every control without looking, then ride with extra caution until it feels familiar
Find every control by feel first, learn how the gears are laid out, exercise the throttle, clutch and brakes, then ride with extra care until the machine feels familiar.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook - Section 2.3, Become Familiar with the Motorcycle
7. Before setting out on a trip, the handbook says a safe rider always does three things. Which one is on that list?
Correct answer: Put on the proper riding gear
The three habits are putting on proper riding gear, inspecting the machine's equipment, and knowing the motorcycle you are about to ride.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook - Section 2, Preparing to Ride
8. According to the handbook, most collisions between motorcycles and cars happen:
Correct answer: At intersections
Most motorcycle-automobile collisions occur at intersections, where other traffic may cross your path.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook - Section 7, SIPDE
9. How often should you glance at your rear view mirror in normal traffic?
Correct answer: Every 5 to 8 seconds
A look every five to eight seconds is what reveals someone crowding your tail or closing fast, and heavy traffic calls for checking even more often.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook - Safe Driving Tips (Look Behind)
10. Compared with a car, how much inspection and upkeep does a motorcycle need?
Correct answer: More, because a minor failure can lead to a crash
A motorcycle demands attention far more often, because a small fault that would merely annoy a driver can put a rider on the ground.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook - Section 15.2, Motorcycle Care
11. To avoid last-second braking or sudden swerves, how far up the road should you be looking?
Correct answer: About ten seconds ahead
Aim your eyes roughly ten seconds down the road, which works out to about a city block in town and around half a mile in open country.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook - Safe Driving Tips (Look Ahead)
12. SIPDE's Identify step sorts hazards into three groups. Which grouping does the handbook use?
Correct answer: Other vehicles, people and animals, and stationary objects
The three groups are other vehicles and motorcycles, people and animals, and fixed objects such as potholes, guard rails and signs.
Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook - Section 7, SIPDE (Identify)
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