Colorado DMV Cheat Sheet

Correct answer: Often more dangerous because mixing can increase the substances’ effects

Polydrug impairment comes from using two or more drugs simultaneously, which can increase their effects. Colorado data shows polydrug impairment is more common and more dangerous than most single-drug impairment.

Correct answer: Blood, breath, saliva or urine

If you are suspected of driving while impaired, officers can require you to take a chemical test of your blood, breath, saliva or urine.

Correct answer: Only the passage of time

Only the passage of time will make a person sober, as the body eliminates alcohol through normal processes. On average, a person’s BAC drops by about 0.015% per hour.

Correct answer: 24 hours

During Accident Alert Status, if there are no injuries, no alcohol or drugs, and all vehicles are drivable, you exchange information and must file an accident report with law enforcement within 24 hours.

Correct answer: The minor’s permit or license is canceled

Whoever signs the affidavit takes legal responsibility for the minor’s driving. If that person withdraws their signature, the minor’s permit or license is canceled.

Correct answer: 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training with an approved driver education instructor

If younger than 16 and 6 months, a minor must complete 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training with an approved driver education instructor (with a substitution allowed if no qualifying school is within 30 miles of home).

Correct answer: Turn the wheel sharply to the left and back slowly toward the car behind

After backing until you clear the vehicle ahead, turn the wheel sharply to the left and back slowly, then turn sharply right and pull toward the curb, centering the vehicle in the space.

Correct answer: The vehicle going downhill yields by backing up to a wider place

When vehicles meet on a steep, narrow road not wide enough for two, the vehicle going downhill must yield by backing up to a wider place — except where it is more practical for the uphill vehicle to return to a turnout.

Correct answer: Not pass, and stop behind the vehicle or behind the crosswalk in the adjacent lane on a multi-lane road

Whenever you approach from the rear a vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk, you must not pass. Stop behind the vehicle, or behind the crosswalk in the adjacent lane if it is a multi-lane roadway.

Correct answer: 25 MPH

If you cannot change lanes, slow down to a safe speed: 25 MPH if the posted speed limit is 45 MPH or less, or 20 MPH under the posted limit if the posted limit is above 45 MPH.

Correct answer: When a median or other physical barrier separates the bus from your vehicle

You must stop for a bus with flashing red lights whether it is on your side, the opposite side, or at an intersection ahead — but you are not required to stop if a median or other physical barrier separates the bus from your vehicle.

Correct answer: It is signaling to enter a traffic lane and the yield sign on its rear is illuminated

You must yield the right-of-way to a transit bus if it is signaling to enter a traffic lane and the yield sign on the rear of the bus is illuminated.

Correct answer: Has more traction but cannot stop any sooner than a conventional car

Four-wheel drive gives increased traction for getting moving, but it cannot stop any sooner than a conventional car. On ice, every vehicle needs extra distance to stop.

Correct answer: Use threshold braking — apply pressure just short of locking up the brakes

Without anti-lock brakes, use threshold braking: apply brake pressure to a point just short of locking up the wheels. You cannot use anti-lock braking technique on a vehicle without ABS.

Correct answer: Reduced traction and effects on steering and vehicle control

Unpaved dirt or gravel rural roads offer less traction, and washboarding — a series of ridges and potholes — can affect your steering and vehicle control, so slow down.

Correct answer: In case your vehicle stalls on the tracks

Do not shift gears when crossing railroad tracks in case your vehicle stalls. Never start to cross the tracks until there is enough room for your vehicle to clear them on the other side.

Correct answer: Making a left turn in either direction; it may not be used for passing or through travel

A two-way left-turn lane is for the exclusive use of left-turning vehicles from either direction. It may not be used for passing or travel; you may stop in it only until it is safe to complete the turn.

Correct answer: A High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) or restricted-use lane

A white diamond painted on the roadway identifies a High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) or other restricted lane. Signs identify the vehicle types and number of occupants required to use it.

Correct answer: Yield to approaching traffic on the left and to pedestrians in the crosswalk

At a roundabout with no large vehicles present, you must yield to approaching traffic on the left and do not stop completely unless existing traffic prevents merging. You must also yield to pedestrians and bicyclists in any crosswalk.

Correct answer: You can see both of its headlights in your rear-view mirror

Because trucks need much longer distances to stop, do not pull in front of one until you can see both of its headlights in your rear-view mirror, leaving it enough room to stop.

Correct answer: Is not legally required to stop

On a divided highway of four or more lanes separated by a median, vehicles traveling in the opposite direction from a stopped school bus are not legally required to stop.

Correct answer: Open the door with the hand farther from it, which turns your body to look behind

The "Dutch Reach" means opening your door with the hand closest to the center of the vehicle — the hand farther from the door. This naturally turns your body so you check behind for bicyclists before opening.

Correct answer: 200 feet

According to the National Safety Council, a lightweight passenger car traveling 55 mph can stop in about 200 feet under ideal conditions. Other vehicles require different stopping distances.

Correct answer: Increase your following distance, because the stopping distance required is greatly increased

Consider weather, road conditions, traffic, and time of day, because the stopping distance required is greatly increased. Slow your speed and increase your following distance in poor conditions.

Correct answer: Briefly cross a solid yellow line when there is no oncoming traffic and you have a clear view ahead

You can briefly cross a solid yellow line to pass a bicyclist with the required 3 feet of space when there is no oncoming traffic and you have a clear view ahead.