20 questions from the Colorado driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. Which of the following locations is listed as a place where you cannot park?
Answer: Within 30 feet of a traffic signal. The handbook lists 'Within 30 feet of a traffic signal' as a specific restriction for parking.
Colorado driver handbook, page 16: “Within 30 feet of a traffic signal, stop sign, railroad crossing or within 15 feet of a fire hydrant”
2. What should you do if your tires lose traction and begin to hydroplane?
Answer: Take your foot off the gas pedal to allow the vehicle to slow down. The instructions for handling hydroplaning specify removing your foot from the gas pedal to let the vehicle slow down naturally.
Colorado driver handbook, page 19: “Take your foot off the gas pedal to allow the vehicle to slow down.”
3. How far ahead should a driver look when driving on an open road to avoid last-minute braking?
Answer: Half a mile. The handbook specifies that on an open road, the driver should look half a mile ahead, which corresponds to about 10 seconds of travel time.
Colorado driver handbook, page 21: “In order to avoid last-minute braking or the need to turn abruptly, you should look down the road at least 10 seconds ahead of your vehicle (city — one block, open road — half a mile).”
4. Which of the following is a specific safety tip for driving near Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs)?
Answer: Never turn in front of an approaching LRV. The handbook lists specific tips for LRV areas, starting with the instruction to never turn in front of an approaching light rail vehicle.
Colorado driver handbook, page 24: “Never turn in front of an approaching LRV.”
5. How are additional suspensions or revocations handled if they result from the same incident as an initial alcohol-related suspension?
Answer: They are added onto the end of the revocation consecutively. The handbook specifies that additional suspensions arising from the same incident are added consecutively to the end of the initial revocation period.
Colorado driver handbook, page 8: “If other suspensions or revocations come about from this same incident, they will be added onto the end of the revocation (consecutively).”
6. Under what condition are you allowed to pass another vehicle on the right?
Answer: On one-way streets and roadways with two or more lanes of travel in each direction. The handbook specifies that passing on the right is permitted only on one-way streets or multi-lane roads with traffic moving in the same direction.
Colorado driver handbook, page 18: “You are only allowed to pass on the right on one way streets and on roadways with two or more lanes of travel in each direction.”
7. Why should drivers stay behind white-painted stop bars at intersections when behind large trucks?
Answer: To give trucks the room they need for turns. The handbook explains that these stop bars are measured specifically to provide large vehicles with sufficient space to complete turning maneuvers.
Colorado driver handbook, page 23: “Stay behind white-painted stop bars at stop signs and traffic lights because many are carefully measured to give trucks the room they need for turns.”
8. When stopping your vehicle while headed downhill with a curb present, how should you position your front wheels?
Answer: Turn them toward the curb. The handbook instructs drivers to turn front wheels toward the curb when stopping downhill to use the curb as a block.
Colorado driver handbook, page 17: “When you stop your vehicle while headed downhill, turn your front wheels toward the curb.”
9. What is the correct procedure when approaching a railroad crossing that is not marked with flashing lights or gates?
Answer: Stop before reaching the crossing to check for approaching trains. Drivers must stop before the crossing to verify safety when automated warning devices are absent.
Colorado driver handbook, page 24: “When approaching a railroad crossing that is not marked with flashing lights or gates you should stop (if necessary) before reaching the crossing, to check for approaching trains.”
10. How often should a driver check their rear view mirror to monitor traffic behind them?
Answer: Every 5 to 8 seconds. The handbook states that checking the rear view mirror every 5 to 8 seconds is necessary to know if someone is following too closely.
Colorado driver handbook, page 21: “You must check traffic behind you in your rear view mirror every 5 to 8 seconds.”
11. What is the recommended action to take when encountering an aggressive driver to protect yourself?
Answer: Avoid eye contact and give way to the other driver. The handbook advises avoiding eye contact, not matching aggressive acts, and giving way to the aggressive driver to ensure safety.
Colorado driver handbook, page 28: “Avoid eye contact and don’t attempt to match an aggressive act. If the other driver is angry, back off, give way to the other driver and let the aggressive driver go.”
12. What is the correct procedure when approaching a railroad crossing with flashing light signals?
Answer: Stop when the lights flash and do not cross until they stop flashing. The rules require a complete stop whenever the lights are flashing, and crossing is only permitted after the lights cease flashing.
Colorado driver handbook, page 24: “Always stop when the lights flash. Do not attempt to cross until the lights have stopped flashing.”
13. What is the recommended procedure for making an evasive turn while braking in a vehicle without ABS?
Answer: Step on the brake pedal, then let up and turn the steering wheel. Without ABS, the driver must release the brake pedal before making the turn to avoid locking the wheels and losing control.
Colorado driver handbook, page 29: “Step on the brake pedal, but then let up and turn the steering wheel.”
14. Which statement accurately describes how a person's Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) decreases over time?
Answer: On average, a person’s BAC will drop by 0.015% per hour. The handbook provides the specific average rate at which alcohol is eliminated from the bloodstream.
Colorado driver handbook, page 6: “On average, a person’s BAC will drop by 0.015% per hour.”
15. Under Colorado's Express Consent Law, what is the consequence if a driver refuses to take a chemical test when suspected of driving while impaired?
Answer: The driver's license is revoked for one year and an ignition interlock device must be installed for two years. The handbook states that refusal results in a one-year license revocation and a mandatory two-year ignition interlock installation.
Colorado driver handbook, page 8: “If you refuse to take the test or do not comply with being tested, your driver license will be revoked for one year and you will be required to install an ignition interlock device on any motor vehicle you drive for two years.”
16. For the first six months after a minor receives their driver license, who is permitted to ride in the vehicle?
Answer: A parent or another licensed adult driver. The rule allows passengers under 21 only if accompanied by a parent or licensed adult driver, or if they are siblings or have medical emergencies, making option C the most accurate general condition listed.
Colorado driver handbook, page 5: “For the first six months after your license is issued, you cannot have any passengers under 21, unless a parent or another licensed adult driver is in the vehicle.”
17. How should a driver treat a Crossbuck sign at a railroad crossing?
Answer: The same as a yield sign. The handbook directly instructs drivers to treat Crossbuck signs with the same priority and procedure as yield signs.
Colorado driver handbook, page 24: “Crossbuck signs: These signs should be treated the same as a yield sign.”
18. Which of the following is listed as one of the three options available to drivers to avoid a collision?
Answer: Turn. The handbook lists slowing down/stopping, turning, and speeding up as the three options for avoiding collisions, making 'Turn' the correct choice among the options provided.
Colorado driver handbook, page 28: “To avoid a collision, drivers have three options: ● Slow down or stop ● Turn ● Speed up”
19. If a traffic signal is not operating or is malfunctioning, how should a driver treat the intersection?
Answer: As a four-way stop. The handbook instructs drivers to treat intersections with non-functioning signals as four-way stops.
Colorado driver handbook, page 10: “If the traffic signal is not operating or is malfunctioning, treat the intersection as a four way stop.”
20. What is the consequence of refusing to sign a traffic ticket issued by an officer?
Answer: Your refusal may result in your arrest. The handbook states that refusing to sign the ticket can lead to arrest, whereas signing it is not an admission of guilt.
Colorado driver handbook, page 22: “However, the refusal to sign a traffic ticket may result in your arrest.”