Updated for 2026

Colorado Colorado DMV (Division of Motor Vehicles)

Comprehensive study guide for the 2026 driver's knowledge exam. Everything you need to know about laws, fees, and requirements.

Total Questions

25

Passing Score

20

Standard Fee

$16.80 (Instruction Permit)

Testing System

computerized touchscreen / Online (for select groups)

Critical Failure Factors

A specific reason for failing in Colorado is the lack of understanding of mountain driving protocols (lower gears, right-of-way on narrow roads) and the specific distinctions between DUI and DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired).

Legal Statutes & Driving Codes

Colorado's traffic laws are heavily influenced by its geography and weather. The most unique and critical set of regulations involves the 'Traction Law' (Code 15) and 'Passenger Vehicle Chain Law' (Code 16). On I-70 and other mountain corridors, from September 1 to May 31, all vehicles are required to have specific equipment. Under the Traction Law, motorists must have either 4WD/AWD, snow tires, or tires with the Mud and Snow (M+S) designation, and crucially, a minimum tread depth of 3/16 of an inch. If conditions worsen, the Chain Law goes into effect, requiring every vehicle (including 4WD) to have chains or alternative traction devices (like AutoSocks) on board or installed. Fines for blocking traffic due to inadequate equipment can exceed $650. Colorado also has distinct impaired driving laws: besides the standard DUI (0.08% BAC), there is a lesser offense called DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired), which can be charged at a BAC as low as 0.05%. This means you can be arrested after just one drink if an officer deems your driving affected. Regarding marijuana, although recreational use is legal, driving under the influence is strictly prohibited. The legal limit for THC is 5 nanograms per milliliter of blood. Furthermore, open container laws apply to marijuana; it must be in a sealed container in the trunk, not in the cabin. The 'Move Over' law in Colorado was recently expanded; drivers must move over or slow down not only for police and emergency responders but also for any stationary vehicle on the side of the road with its hazard lights flashing. For teen drivers, the GDL laws are strict: for the first 6 months of a license, no passengers under 21 are allowed (unless siblings), and driving is prohibited between midnight and 5:00 AM. Additionally, cell phone use is completely banned for drivers under 18.

Statistical Realities

Driving in Colorado requires adapting to high-altitude environments where vehicle performance changes. A key fact to remember is that engines lose horsepower at higher elevations due to thinner air; you may find acceleration sluggish when merging onto highways in the Rockies. A critical rule of the road for mountain driving involves narrow, steep roads: if two vehicles meet on a steep, narrow road where neither can pass, the vehicle facing DOWNHILL must yield the right-of-way by backing up until the vehicle facing UPHILL can pass. The logic is that the uphill vehicle has less control if it has to stop and restart on a steep incline. Colorado also features 'Runaway Truck Ramps' on steep downgrades; these are deep gravel pits strictly for heavy trucks with failed brakes. It is illegal for a passenger car to park or stop in these ramps (or their entrances) for any reason, such as taking photos. Another unique modern law is the 'Colorado Safety Stop'. This allows bicyclists and users of low-speed conveyances to treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs, provided the intersection is clear. Drivers must be aware that cyclists may not stop fully at 4-way stops if no traffic is present. Regarding the test, the Colorado exam consists of 25 questions, requiring 20 correct answers (80%) to pass. The questions are notoriously tricky regarding the specific distance for signaling (100 feet in urban areas, 200 feet on highways/speeds over 40 mph). Colorado is also one of the few states that offers a specific driver's license for undocumented residents under the Colorado Road and Community Safety Act (SB 251), which requires a specific appointment type and different documentation. Finally, be wary of Express Lanes (HOV/Toll) marked by solid white lines; crossing these solid lines to enter or exit the lane improperly results in automatic fines sent by mail, as cameras monitor the lane boundaries constantly.