Colorado DMV Permit Test flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Colorado urban speed limit

In Colorado, the default speed limit in a business or residential district is 25 mph unless a sign posts a different limit.

Right turn on red

Permitted after a complete stop and a yield to pedestrians and traffic, unless a sign at that intersection prohibits the turn.

Four-way stop order

The first vehicle to arrive goes first. If two arrive at the same time, the driver on the right has the right-of-way.

Colorado Move Over law

Change lanes away from stopped emergency or service vehicles with flashing lights; if you cannot, slow to at least 20 mph below the posted limit.

Safety Stop for bicyclists

Where local law allows, a bicyclist may treat a stop sign as a yield and a red light as a stop-then-proceed when the way is clear.

Three-second following rule

Pick a fixed object ahead; when the vehicle in front passes it, you should not reach it for at least three seconds in good conditions.

Octagon sign meaning

An eight-sided red sign always means stop. Come to a complete stop, yield to traffic and pedestrians, then proceed when safe.

Pennant sign meaning

A yellow triangular pennant marks the start of a no-passing zone. Do not begin a pass until you pass the end-of-zone sign.

Flashing red signal

Treat it exactly like a stop sign: stop completely, yield to cross traffic and pedestrians, and go only when the way is clear.

Double solid yellow lines

These mark a no-passing zone for traffic in both directions. You may cross them only to turn into or out of a driveway or side road.

Red X lane signal

A red X above a lane means that lane is closed to your direction of travel. Move out of it as soon as it is safe.

Fluorescent yellow-green signs

This color marks school zones, school crossings, and pedestrian or bicycle warning areas, telling drivers to slow and watch closely.

Anti-lock brake technique

Press the brake pedal firmly and hold continuous pressure. Do not pump the pedal, and steer while braking if you need to avoid a hazard.

Hydroplaning recovery

Ease off the accelerator, keep the wheel straight, and avoid hard braking until the tires regain contact with the pavement and steering returns.

Skid recovery steering

Steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go, look where you want to travel, and avoid hard braking while correcting.

Headlight use requirement

Use headlights from sunset to sunrise, when visibility is 1,000 feet or less, and whenever windshield wipers are on due to weather.

Colorado adult point suspension

An adult driver in Colorado faces license suspension after accumulating 12 points within 12 months on their driving record.

Blowout control steps

Grip the wheel firmly, release the accelerator, and let the vehicle slow gradually before braking and easing off the roadway.

Three-foot bicycle clearance

When passing a bicyclist in Colorado, leave at least three feet of space between your vehicle and the rider until you are safely past.

Truck mirror visibility rule

If you cannot see the truck driver's mirrors, the driver cannot see you. Avoid lingering in those blind spots on either side.

School bus red lights

When a school bus displays flashing red lights and an extended stop arm, traffic in both directions must stop until the lights stop flashing.

Pedestrian crosswalk right-of-way

Drivers must yield to pedestrians in a marked or unmarked crosswalk and must not pass a vehicle stopped at one.

Motorcycle lane sharing

Motorcyclists are entitled to the full use of a lane. No other vehicle may share that lane or pass within it.

Emergency vehicle response

Pull to the right edge of the road and stop until the emergency vehicle passes. Never follow one closer than one block.

Under-21 BAC limit

Colorado's zero-tolerance law sets a 0.02% BAC limit for drivers under 21; any measurable alcohol can trigger license consequences.

Colorado DWAI threshold

Driving while ability impaired applies at a BAC of 0.05% to 0.079%, a lesser charge than DUI but still a criminal offense.

Express consent refusal

Refusing a chemical test after a lawful arrest triggers automatic license revocation through the express consent law, separate from criminal charges.

BAC elimination rate

Blood alcohol concentration falls about 0.015% per hour on average; only time removes alcohol, and coffee or food do not speed it up.

Commercial driver BAC limit

A driver holding a commercial driver's license in Colorado is presumed impaired at 0.05% BAC, lower than the 0.08% standard limit.

Fog driving headlights

Use low beams in fog because high beams reflect off moisture and reduce visibility. Slow down and increase your following distance.

Winter storm stranded rule

Stay with your vehicle, run the engine briefly with a window cracked, and clear snow from the exhaust pipe to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Brake failure response

Pump the pedal, downshift to a lower gear, apply the parking brake gradually, and look for an uphill grade or runaway truck ramp.