Permito

Colorado permit practice test

Here are 10 practice questions written for Colorado, based on the Colorado driver handbook and vehicle code. Think of your answer first, then open “Show answer” to see the explanation and the source.

This is practice, not the state test, and the questions are not taken from it. The set changes every quarter (this one is 2026-Q4).

Question 1

An officer signals you to stop at night. What helps keep the stop safe?

  1. Step out and walk to the officer
  2. Reach for your papers at once
  3. Dome light on, hands in view
  4. Turn off all your lights
Show answer

Answer: C. Dome light on, hands in view

Use your turn signal, pull to the right, turn off the engine, stay in the car, and keep your hands visible. At night, turn on the interior light.

Sources: Driver handbook, Safe Driving Tips

Question 2

You are 17 and ride a motorcycle. A friend, 19, rides behind you. Who must wear a helmet?

  1. Only your friend on the back
  2. You do, your friend does not
  3. Neither of you needs a helmet
  4. Both of you must wear one
Show answer

Answer: B. You do, your friend does not

Colorado requires a protective helmet for motorcycle riders under 18. A rider who is 18 or older is not required to wear one.

Sources: C.R.S. 42-4-1502; Driver handbook, Sharing the Road

Question 3

You are 25 and drive with an unopened beer in the back seat. Is that an open container violation?

  1. Yes, if the beer is within your reach
  2. No, only an opened container counts
  3. Yes, if you are driving after dark
  4. Yes, any alcohol in the car is banned
Show answer

Answer: B. No, only an opened container counts

The law bans drinking and open or partly emptied alcohol containers in the passenger area. A sealed container is not an open container.

Sources: C.R.S. 42-4-1305; Driver handbook, Driving Under the Influence

Question 4

The posted limit is 65 mph, but heavy fog cuts your view to a few car lengths. What speed is right?

  1. 70 mph, to leave the fog sooner
  2. 65 mph if your headlights are on
  3. Much slower than 65 mph
  4. 65 mph, since that is the posted limit
Show answer

Answer: C. Much slower than 65 mph

A posted limit is for ideal conditions. When fog, ice or traffic create a hazard, a driver must slow below it and stay able to stop.

Sources: C.R.S. 42-4-1101; Driver handbook, Speed

Question 5

You are on a four-lane highway and a tow truck is stopped ahead on the shoulder with flashing lights. What should you do?

  1. Move over one lane if it is safe
  2. Honk to warn the driver
  3. Stop in your lane until it leaves
  4. Stay in your lane and speed up
Show answer

Answer: A. Move over one lane if it is safe

The Move Over Law asks you to move over a lane for a stopped emergency, tow or utility vehicle. If you cannot, slow to a safe speed.

Sources: C.R.S. 42-4-705; Driver handbook, Emergencies

Question 6

Which statement about the striped zone beside a disabled parking space is correct?

  1. Anyone with a placard may park in it
  2. It may be used at night
  3. It must stay clear at all times
  4. It may be used for a short stop
Show answer

Answer: C. It must stay clear at all times

Crosshatched sections beside disabled spaces are for van access and parking there is never allowed. Illegal use of a disabled space can bring a fine of $350 to $5,000.

Sources: Driver handbook, Traffic Controls

Question 7

Who must sit in the front passenger seat while an instruction permit holder drives?

  1. A licensed driver aged 21 or up
  2. A passenger aged 16 or older
  3. Any licensed driver aged 18 or older
  4. A licensed driver in the back seat
Show answer

Answer: A. A licensed driver aged 21 or up

A permit holder needs a licensed adult, 21 or older, beside the driver. For a minor, that is usually the parent who signed the form.

Sources: C.R.S. 42-2-106; Driver handbook, Getting a Driver License

Question 8

You drive a narrow, winding mountain highway toward a trailhead. No limit is posted. What is the speed limit?

  1. 20 mph on narrow mountain roads
  2. 30 mph, as in a residence district
  3. 40 mph, as on open mountain roads
  4. 25 mph, as in a business district
Show answer

Answer: A. 20 mph on narrow mountain roads

The default drops to 20 mph on tight, twisting mountain roads and around blind curves. Open mountain highways allow 40 mph.

Sources: C.R.S. 42-4-1101; Driver handbook, Speed

Question 9

You want to turn left into a store and the road has a shared center turn lane. What do you do?

  1. Drive in the center lane for a mile
  2. Turn left from the lane nearest the curb
  3. Use the center lane to pass slow cars
  4. Move into the center lane, then turn
Show answer

Answer: D. Move into the center lane, then turn

A shared center turn lane is only for left turns in either direction. Signal, move in, wait for a gap, and turn from it.

Sources: Driver handbook, Traffic Controls

Question 10

You are 17 and drive a five-seat car. Three friends want to sit in the front seat together. Is that legal?

  1. Yes, if all of them wear seat belts
  2. Yes, as long as you drive slowly
  3. Yes, since the front seat has enough room
  4. No, only one rider may use the front seat
Show answer

Answer: D. No, only one rider may use the front seat

In a car driven by a minor, only one passenger may sit in front, the back may hold only as many as there are belts, and all must buckle up.

Sources: C.R.S. 42-2-105.5; Driver handbook, Seat Belt Laws

More Colorado practice

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