What Colorado Tests You On

Colorado's written test covers traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and what to do in emergency situations. The test is 25 questions long, and you need to answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You take it on a computer at a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office.

The questions come from the Colorado Driver Handbook, which is the official source for everything on the test. You cannot bring the handbook into the testing room, so you need to study it beforehand. The test covers both the rules of the road and the meaning of specific signs and markings you will see while driving.

Colorado does not publish the exact questions in advance, but the handbook tells you what topics will appear. The test is the same whether you are getting your first license, renewing after it expired, or upgrading from a permit to a full license.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado's written test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass.
  • All test content comes from the official Colorado Driver Handbook, which you can read online or pick up at any DMV office for free.
  • You take the test on a computer at a DMV office; you cannot bring notes, phones, or the handbook into the testing room.
  • If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day, depending on the DMV office's schedule.

How to Get the Colorado Driver Handbook

The Colorado Driver Handbook is available online at the Colorado DMV website (dor.colorado.gov/dmv). You can read it there, print it, or read it as a PDF. The handbook is also available in Spanish.

If you prefer a printed copy, you can pick one up at any Colorado DMV office at no cost. Many libraries and high schools also keep copies on hand. The handbook is updated when Colorado traffic laws change, so make sure you are studying the current version.

The handbook is organized by topic: traffic signs and markings, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, driving in bad weather, and what to do after an accident. Read through all of it, but pay extra attention to sections on signs, because sign recognition makes up a significant portion of the test.

What Happens on Test Day

Arrive at your DMV office at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. Bring your permit or ID, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number if you are a first-time applicant. The DMV staff will check your documents and then direct you to a computer terminal.

You will sit at a private computer station and answer 25 multiple-choice questions. You have no time limit, though most people finish in 10 to 20 minutes. You can review your answers before you submit the test. Once you submit, the computer tells you when ready whether you passed or failed and shows you which questions you missed.

If you pass, the DMV will schedule your road test (if you are a new driver) or issue your license on the spot (if you are renewing or upgrading). If you fail, ask the staff whether you can retake it the same day. Some offices allow same-day retakes; others require you to schedule another appointment.

Common Topics on the Test

Traffic signs make up a large portion of the test. You need to know the shape, color, and meaning of stop signs, yield signs, speed limit signs, warning signs (diamond-shaped, yellow), and regulatory signs (rectangular, white or green). The handbook has a full section with pictures of every sign type.

Right-of-way rules are tested heavily. Study when you must yield at intersections, at four-way stops, when turning left, when merging, and when pedestrians are in the roadway. Colorado also tests knowledge of school bus rules — you must stop when a school bus is loading or unloading children, even on the opposite side of a divided highway.

Safe driving practices appear on every test. This includes following distance (the two-second rule), speed adjustments for weather, what to do if your brakes fail, how to handle a skid, and when to use your headlights. You will also see questions about seat belts, child safety seats, and distracted driving.

How to Study Effectively

Read the entire Colorado Driver Handbook at least once before you take the test. Do not try to memorize it word-for-word; instead, focus on understanding the rules and the reasons behind them. When you read about a rule, think about why it exists and how it keeps you safe.

After you finish reading, go back through the handbook a second time and focus on the sections that confused you. Pay special attention to signs, because they are visual and straightforward to mix up. If you have access to a smartphone, the Colorado DMV website has a practice test tool that mimics the real test format.

Study in short sessions over several days rather than cramming the night before. Your brain retains information better when you spread learning out over time. If you are nervous about the test, take the practice test multiple times until you consistently score above 20 out of 25.

What Happens If You Fail

Failing the test does not affect your permit or your ability to drive with a licensed adult. You can retake it as soon as the DMV office allows, which is usually the same day or within a few days. There is no penalty for retaking the test, and you can take it as many times as you need.

If you fail, ask the DMV staff which topics gave you the most trouble. Go back to the handbook and study those sections more carefully. Many people who fail the first time pass on the second attempt because they now know what to expect and what to focus on.

Some DMV offices offer a brief waiting period between attempts — for example, you might have to wait an hour before retaking the test the same day. Use that time to review the handbook sections you struggled with, not to panic. The test is designed to be passable for anyone who studies the handbook.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my phone or notes during the test?

No. You cannot bring any materials into the testing room except your ID. The DMV staff will ask you to put your phone away before you sit down at the computer. The test is closed-book and closed-note.

How long does the test take?

Most people finish in 10 to 20 minutes, but there is no time limit. You can take as long as you need to answer all 25 questions. You can also review your answers before you submit the test.

What if I do not pass on my first try?

You can retake the test when ready or schedule another appointment, depending on your DMV office's policy. Ask the staff what the waiting period is. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, and each attempt costs the same fee.

Is the test the same in Spanish?

Yes. Colorado offers the written test in Spanish as well as English. The questions are the same; only the language changes. You choose your language when you check in at the DMV office.

Do I have to pass the written test before I take the road test?

Yes. You must pass the written test before you can schedule a road test in Colorado. The written test comes first in the licensing process.