The Colorado Driving Test Cheat Sheet: Key Numbers & Rules to Pass

The day of your Colorado driving test is here. You've practiced for hours, and you're ready to get behind the wheel. To give you a final boost of confidence, we've created this easy-to-scan "cheat sheet." This isn't about cheating the test; it's about having the most critical information fresh in your mind.

This guide is your quick-reference tool for the essential numbers, rules, and maneuvers the examiner will be looking for. Review this just before your test to sharpen your knowledge and calm your nerves.

The Numbers You MUST Know

Driving is full of numbers. Knowing these specific figures for Colorado is crucial and shows your examiner you've studied the official handbook.

Speed Limits

Unless otherwise posted, these are the standard speed limits in Colorado. Exceeding the speed limit is a critical driving error.

Residential or Business Streets: 25 mph
Narrow, Winding Mountain Highways or Blind Curves: 20 mph
Open Mountain Highways: 40 mph
School Zones (during posted times): 20 mph. Speeding here will likely result in an automatic fail.
Interstate Highways (in urban areas): 55-65 mph
Interstate Highways (designated rural areas): 65-75 mph

Distances & Timing

Precision is key in driving. Your examiner will be watching these details closely.

Turn Signals: You must signal continuously for at least 100 feet before turning in urban areas, and 200 feet on highways.
Following Distance: Maintain at least a three-second following distance from the vehicle ahead. This gives you time to react safely.
Parking Distance from a Fire Hydrant: Do not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
Parking Distance from a Crosswalk or Stop Sign: Do not park within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection, or within 30 feet of a stop sign or traffic signal.

Critical Rules of the Road: Examiner's Focus Points

These are the non-negotiable rules that demonstrate you are a safe and aware driver.

Right-of-Way

Knowing when to go and when to yield is fundamental.

Intersections: At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to arrive has the right-of-way. If two vehicles arrive simultaneously, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.
Pedestrians: Always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: If you see an emergency vehicle with flashing lights and a siren, you must immediately pull over to the right side of the road and stop until it has passed.
Roundabouts: Traffic entering a roundabout must yield to traffic already circulating within it. Signal to the right before you exit.

Lane Integrity and Turns

Your ability to control your vehicle within the lines is a major scoring category.

Stay Centered: Do not drift or hug the lines. Stay in the center of your lane.
Complete Stops: When you stop at a stop sign or red light, your vehicle must come to a full and complete stop behind the white line or crosswalk. No "rolling stops."
Turning Lanes: When making a turn, you must finish the turn in the correct lane. A left turn should end in the left-most lane available, and a right turn should end in the right-most lane available.

Maneuvers Demystified: What You'll Be Tested On

Your test will include several specific maneuvers designed to assess your vehicle control.

Key Driving Skills

Lane Changes: Your examiner will be looking for the "SMOG" method: Signal, check your Mirrors, look Over your shoulder (blind spot), and then Go. Do this every single time.
Backing Up: You may be asked to back up in a straight line for a certain distance. Look over your right shoulder through the rear window, not just in your mirrors.
Turns (Left & Right): Examiners watch for smooth deceleration, proper lane entry and exit, and speed control through the turn. You should not be braking during the turn itself.
Parallel Parking: This is a common source of anxiety. Practice until you are confident. The key is setting up correctly, using your mirrors, and making small, precise movements.
Three-Point Turn: If required, perform this maneuver efficiently and safely, checking for traffic throughout the entire process.

Examiner's Pet Peeves: Instant Red Flags

Avoid these common habits that signal inexperience or a lack of attention.

One-Handed Driving: Keep both hands on the steering wheel, preferably at the "9 and 3" position.
Forgetting Head Checks: Never rely on mirrors alone. A quick glance over your shoulder to check your blind spot before a lane change or merge is mandatory.
Jerky Movements: Smooth acceleration and gradual braking demonstrate good vehicle control.
Distracted Driving: This is an absolute no. The radio and your cell phone must be turned off. Your full attention must be on driving.

By keeping this cheat sheet in mind, you're reinforcing the core skills and knowledge needed to pass. Take a deep breath, trust your practice, and show the examiner the safe, capable driver you are. Good luck!