The Colorado written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices

Colorado's written knowledge test is a multiple-choice exam you take at a Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. The test has 25 questions, and you need to answer at least 20 correctly to pass. Each question presents four possible answers, and you select one. The test covers Colorado traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices found in the Colorado Driver Handbook.

You take the test on a computer at the DMV office where you explore for your license. There is no time limit, though most people finish in 20 to 30 minutes. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day — Colorado does not impose a waiting period between attempts, but you will pay the test fee again.

The test is offered in English and Spanish. If you need the test in another language, contact your local DMV office at least two weeks ahead to arrange an interpreter.

Key Takeaways

  • The Colorado written test has 25 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass.
  • You take the test on a computer at a DMV office with no time limit, and you can retake it the same day if you fail.
  • The test covers road signs, traffic laws, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices from the Colorado Driver Handbook.
  • You can request the test in Spanish or arrange an interpreter by contacting your DMV office at least two weeks in advance.

What the Colorado Driver Handbook covers

The Colorado Driver Handbook is the official study material for the written test. You can read it free from the Colorado DMV website or pick up a printed copy at any DMV office. The handbook is organized by topic: traffic signs and signals, speed limits and right-of-way, parking rules, driving under the influence, seat belts and child safety seats, and handling emergencies on the road.

The test draws questions directly from the handbook, so reading it thoroughly is the most direct way to prepare. Pay special attention to sections on right-of-way at intersections, what different road signs mean, and Colorado-specific laws like the requirement to use headlights when windshield wipers are on. These topics appear frequently on the test.

Road signs and traffic signals you need to know

Road sign questions make up a significant portion of the test. You will see images of signs and choose what they mean. Common signs tested include stop signs, yield signs, speed limit signs, one-way signs, no-passing zone signs, and warning signs like curves ahead or pedestrian crossing. You also need to know the difference between solid and dashed yellow lines, what a flashing red light means versus a solid red light, and what a green arrow allows you to do.

The Colorado Driver Handbook includes a full section with images of every sign you might encounter. Study this section carefully, because the test will show you the actual sign and ask what it means or what you should do when you see it. Memorizing the shape and color of signs helps: red means stop or do not enter, yellow means caution or warning, white means regulation, and green means go or direction.

Right-of-way and intersection rules

Right-of-way questions test your understanding of who goes first at intersections, on roads, and in parking lots. You need to know the rules when two vehicles arrive at a four-way stop at the same time, what to do when a traffic light is broken, and who has the right of way when turning left across oncoming traffic. Colorado also has specific rules about yielding to pedestrians and cyclists.

A common mistake is assuming that the vehicle on the right always has the right of way. That is true at a four-way stop when two vehicles arrive at the same time, but not in other situations. Study the handbook's section on right-of-way carefully, and pay attention to scenarios involving pedestrians, because Colorado law gives pedestrians the right of way in marked crosswalks even if the traffic light is green for vehicles.

Colorado-specific laws and penalties

Several questions test Colorado laws that differ from other states. Colorado requires you to use headlights whenever your windshield wipers are on — this is a common test question. The state also has strict rules about distracted driving: you cannot use a handheld phone while driving, and texting while driving carries a fine. Drivers under 18 cannot use any cell phone while driving, even hands-free.

Colorado also tests your knowledge of seat belt laws, child safety seat requirements by age and weight, and the penalties for driving under the influence. The handbook spells out these laws clearly, and the test will ask you to identify the correct rule or the correct penalty. Read the sections on Colorado traffic laws and vehicle equipment requirements before you take the test.

How to prepare and what to bring

Start by reading the Colorado Driver Handbook from beginning to end. Most people spend 3 to 5 hours reading it thoroughly. After you finish, go back and reread the sections you found confusing. Many DMV offices and public libraries have practice tests available online or in print — these are not official tests, but they follow the same format and cover the same topics.

On the day of your test, bring your process form (completed), proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. Arrive at least 15 minutes early. You will not be allowed to bring study materials, phones, or notes into the testing area. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, wear them during the test.

If you fail the test, ask the DMV staff which topics gave you trouble. They cannot tell you which specific questions you missed, but they can point you toward sections of the handbook to review before you retake it.

Retaking the test if you do not pass

If you score below 20 correct answers, you fail and must retake the test. Colorado allows you to retake it when ready — you can schedule another test the same day if seats are available, or return another day. Each time you take the test, you pay the test fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it.

Between attempts, focus your study on the topics you found hardest. If you struggled with road signs, spend extra time on that section of the handbook. If right-of-way questions confused you, work through those scenarios step by step. Many people pass on the second or third attempt after targeted review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a calculator or notes during the test?

No. You cannot bring any materials into the testing area except your identification. The test does not require math or calculations — it is all about road rules and signs. You must answer from memory based on what you studied in the Colorado Driver Handbook.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day or return another day. Colorado does not impose a waiting period between attempts. You will pay the test fee each time you take it. Focus your next study session on the topics that gave you trouble, and ask DMV staff which sections of the handbook to review.

Is the test the same every time I take it?

No. Each test draws from a question bank, so the specific questions change each time. However, all tests cover the same topics and follow the same format. Studying the Colorado Driver Handbook thoroughly prepares you for any version of the test.

Can I take the test in a language other than English or Spanish?

Contact your local DMV office at least two weeks in advance to request an interpreter or translated test. Colorado may be able to arrange this, but you need to give them time to prepare. Call ahead rather than showing up without notice.

Do I need to pass the written test before I take the driving test?

Yes. You must pass the written knowledge test before you can schedule the behind-the-wheel driving test. Some DMV offices allow you to take both on the same day if you pass the written test first, but you cannot take the driving test without passing the written test.