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Colorado DMV Permit Practice Test 2026

Colorado's written test is required before the DMV issues an instruction permit. You can take it at a DMV office or at home. These practice questions cover Colorado laws from the Colorado Driver Handbook first, then general US rules and road signs.

Read before you practiseStart with the Colorado Driver Handbook Study Guide: plain-language notes, diagrams and the numbers to remember.

  1. Question 1 of 25

    How long must a Colorado minor hold an instruction permit before applying for a license?
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    Answer: C. 12 months

    Colorado minors must hold the permit for 12 months before applying for a driver license.

  2. Question 2 of 25

    Who must sit in the front passenger seat when a Colorado permit holder drives?
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    Answer: D. A licensed Colorado driver at least 21 years old

    Permit holders must have a licensed Colorado driver aged 21 or older in the front passenger seat.

  3. Question 3 of 25

    How many hours must a Colorado teen's signed driving log show before the license?
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    Answer: B. 50 hours, including 10 at night

    Minors need a signed log showing 50 hours of driving, 10 of them at night.

  4. Question 4 of 25

    A Colorado teen applying for a license before age 16½ must also complete what?
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    Answer: B. 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training with an approved instructor

    Applicants under 16½ need 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training with an approved instructor, with a parent option only where no school is nearby.

  5. Question 5 of 25

    What does the adult who signs a Colorado minor's Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship agree to?
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    Answer: A. To take financial responsibility for crashes the minor causes

    The signer of form DR 2460 accepts financial responsibility for accidents the minor causes and must attend any related hearing.

  6. Question 6 of 25

    How long is a Colorado minor instruction permit valid?
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    Answer: D. Three years

    Colorado minor permits are valid for three years.

  7. Question 7 of 25

    During the first 6 months with a Colorado minor license, which passengers under 21 may ride along without a parent or licensed adult?
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    Answer: C. None, except siblings or in a medical emergency

    For the first 6 months, no passengers under 21 are allowed unless a parent or licensed adult driver is present. Siblings and medical emergencies are exceptions.

  8. Question 8 of 25

    From 6 months to 1 year with a Colorado minor license, how many passengers under 21 may you carry?
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    Answer: B. One

    After 6 months, a minor driver may carry one passenger under 21. After a year, the limit is the number of seat belts.

  9. Question 9 of 25

    During the first year with a Colorado minor license, when may you NOT drive unless an instructor, parent or guardian is with you?
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    Answer: A. Midnight to 5 a.m.

    For the first year, minor drivers may not drive from midnight to 5 a.m. unless accompanied or an exception applies.

  10. Question 10 of 25

    Which is an exception to Colorado's midnight to 5 a.m. limit for new minor drivers?
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    Answer: B. Driving to or from work with a signed statement

    Exceptions include school or work (with a signed statement), medical emergencies, and emancipated minors.

  11. Question 11 of 25

    In a vehicle driven by someone under 18 in Colorado, what is the rule for passengers?
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    Answer: C. All must wear seat belts, and there can be no more passengers than seat belts

    When the driver is under 18, every passenger must be buckled, and the number of passengers cannot exceed the number of seat belts.

  12. Question 12 of 25

    A Colorado driver under 21 can have their license revoked with a BAC over what level?
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    Answer: A. 0.02

    For drivers under 21, a BAC over 0.02 can lead to license revocation.

  13. Question 13 of 25

    In Colorado, driving while ability impaired (DWAI) starts at what BAC?
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    Answer: D. 0.05%

    Colorado's DWAI level is 0.05% BAC. DUI is 0.08%.

  14. Question 14 of 25

    What is the penalty for refusing a chemical test under Colorado's express consent law?
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    Answer: B. A one-year license revocation and two years of ignition interlock

    By driving in Colorado you agree to testing. Refusal brings a one-year revocation and a two-year ignition interlock requirement.

  15. Question 15 of 25

    When may a Colorado driver use a mobile phone while driving?
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    Answer: D. With a hands-free accessory, in an emergency, or to contact police or fire

    Colorado bans mobile device use and texting while driving unless you use a hands-free accessory, face an emergency, or contact police or the fire department.

  16. Question 16 of 25

    In Colorado, a child under 2 who weighs less than 40 pounds must ride how?
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    Answer: A. Rear-facing in the rear seat

    Children under 2 and under 40 pounds must ride rear-facing in the rear seat.

  17. Question 17 of 25

    Under Colorado law, children aged 4 to under 9 (at least 40 pounds) must use what?
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    Answer: B. A child restraint or booster seat, in the rear seat if available

    Children 4 to under 9 who weigh at least 40 pounds need a child restraint or booster seat, in the rear seat if one is available.

  18. Question 18 of 25

    How far back must you stop from a Colorado school bus with flashing red lights?
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    Answer: A. At least 20 feet

    Stop at least 20 feet before the bus and stay stopped until the red lights stop flashing.

  19. Question 19 of 25

    When are you NOT required to stop for a Colorado school bus with flashing red lights?
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    Answer: A. When a median or physical barrier separates you from the bus

    You do not need to stop if a median or physical barrier separates you from the bus.

  20. Question 20 of 25

    You pass a stopped emergency vehicle in Colorado on a road posted at 40 mph, and you cannot leave a lane between you. How fast may you go?
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    Answer: D. 25 mph

    If you cannot leave a lane, slow to 25 mph where the limit is 45 mph or less, or to 20 mph below the limit on faster roads.

  21. Question 21 of 25

    Unless posted otherwise, what is the speed limit in a Colorado residence district?
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    Answer: D. 30 mph

    Colorado's default limits are 25 mph in business districts and 30 mph in residence districts.

  22. Question 22 of 25

    Unless posted otherwise, what is the speed limit in a Colorado business district?
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    Answer: C. 25 mph

    The default limit in business districts is 25 mph.

  23. Question 23 of 25

    Unless posted otherwise, what is the speed limit on narrow, winding Colorado mountain highways and blind curves?
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    Answer: A. 20 mph

    The default is 20 mph on narrow, winding mountain highways and blind curves, and 40 mph on open mountain highways.

  24. Question 24 of 25

    In Colorado, you must use headlights from sunset to sunrise and whenever visibility is less than what?
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    Answer: A. 1,000 feet

    Headlights are required from sunset to sunrise or when you cannot see clearly for 1,000 feet.

  25. Question 25 of 25

    Where can a Colorado minor take the permit written test?
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    Answer: C. At a DMV office or at home online, then visit the DMV to get the permit

    Colorado offers the written test at DMV offices and at home. After passing at home, you schedule an appointment to get the permit.

What to know before the test

  • You can take the Colorado permit written test at a DMV office or at home, then book an appointment to get the permit.
  • The test machine can read the exam aloud, and sign language interpretation is available.
  • Minor permits are valid for three years. Minors must hold the permit 12 months before applying for a license.
  • Teens need a signed log of 50 driving hours, 10 at night, with a licensed driver 21 or older in the front seat.
  • In the first year of a minor license, there is a midnight to 5 a.m. curfew and limits on passengers under 21.
  • DMV offices do not give written tests within 30 minutes of closing time.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take the Colorado permit test at home?

Yes. Colorado offers at-home written testing. After you pass, you schedule a DMV appointment to have the permit issued.

How long do I need my permit before getting a license in Colorado?

Minors must hold the permit for 12 months and log 50 hours of driving, including 10 at night.

What are the passenger rules for new Colorado drivers?

For the first 6 months, no passengers under 21 unless a parent or licensed adult is with you. For the next 6 months, one passenger under 21. Siblings and medical emergencies are exceptions.

Who can supervise a Colorado permit driver?

A licensed Colorado driver who is at least 21 and sits in the front passenger seat.

What is the DWAI limit in Colorado?

Driving while ability impaired (DWAI) starts at 0.05% BAC. DUI is 0.08%, and drivers under 21 can lose their license over 0.02.

Sources

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