In normal driving conditions, what following-gap guideline does the Colorado handbook give?
Correct answer: Leave at least a three-second gap.
The handbook uses a three-second following rule for normal conditions. Time your gap using a fixed point the vehicle ahead passes; adverse conditions call for more space.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook, DR 2337 (12/05/24), physical PDF page 21 (printed 18); Space Cushion / Following Distance. ↗
Heavy rain is reducing visibility and making the road slippery. How should you change your following gap?
Correct answer: Increase it to leave more time and stopping room.
The normal following gap is not enough for every situation. Leave more space when visibility or traction is reduced.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook, DR 2337 (12/05/24), physical PDF page 19 (printed 16); Bad Weather. ↗
A road's posted maximum is 55 mph, but dense fog limits your view. What should guide your speed?
Correct answer: Choose a lower speed suited to what you can see.
Posted maximum speeds apply to favorable conditions. Adjust your speed for visibility, road conditions and the distance available to stop.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook, DR 2337 (12/05/24), physical PDF page 15 (printed 12); Speed. ↗
Why should you scan well beyond the vehicle directly ahead?
Correct answer: To notice hazards early and avoid last-second moves.
Looking well ahead gives you time to recognize changing traffic and road conditions, plan a response and slow smoothly.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook, DR 2337 (12/05/24), physical PDF page 21 (printed 18); Look Ahead. ↗
As you approach an intersection, which observation pattern helps you check crossing traffic?
Correct answer: Look left, right, then left again as you approach.
Scan left, right and left again for traffic approaching from either side. Keep observing for pedestrians and other hazards as the situation develops.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook, DR 2337 (12/05/24), physical PDF page 21 (printed 18); Look to the Sides. ↗
Your mirrors show an open lane next to you. What should you do before changing into it?
Correct answer: Check the blind spot with a brief shoulder glance.
Mirrors do not show every area beside your vehicle. A brief shoulder check helps reveal someone in the blind spot before you move.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook, DR 2337 (12/05/24), physical PDF page 18 (printed 15); Changing Lanes / Blind Spots. ↗
Your turn signal remains on after you have finished a turn. What should you do?
Correct answer: Cancel it so other drivers are not misled.
Check that your signal cancels after the maneuver. A signal left on can make others expect a turn or lane change you do not intend.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook, DR 2337 (12/05/24), physical PDF page 18 (printed 15); Signaling. ↗
With a clear acceleration lane and suitable conditions, how should you prepare to merge onto a freeway?
Correct answer: Build a suitable speed and look for a safe traffic gap.
Use the acceleration lane to approach the speed of traffic when conditions and the limit permit. Merge into an adequate opening; traffic already on the freeway has priority.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook, DR 2337 (12/05/24), physical PDF page 17 (printed 14); Freeway Driving — Entering. ↗
In an ordinary planned freeway exit, when should you begin the main reduction to exit-ramp speed?
Correct answer: After moving into the deceleration lane.
For a normal exit, move into the deceleration lane before slowing to the ramp speed. Plan ahead and adjust for any hazard that requires earlier slowing.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook, DR 2337 (12/05/24), physical PDF page 18 (printed 15); Freeway Driving — Exiting. ↗
You approach a sharp curve. When should you make the main speed reduction?
Correct answer: Before entering the curve.
Reduce speed before the curve so you can steer through it under control. Entering too fast can leave little room to correct safely.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook, DR 2337 (12/05/24), physical PDF page 19 (printed 16); Curves. ↗
Before descending a long, steep mountain grade, what can help control your speed?
Correct answer: Select an appropriate lower gear.
Use an appropriate lower gear to help control speed on a steep descent. Coasting in neutral removes this assistance.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook, DR 2337 (12/05/24), physical PDF page 20 (printed 17); Mountain Driving. ↗
An oncoming vehicle's headlights are glaring into your eyes. Where should you avoid looking directly?
Correct answer: Into the approaching headlights.
Do not stare into bright oncoming lights. Use the right side of the roadway as a guide while keeping aware of the road and traffic ahead.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook, DR 2337 (12/05/24), physical PDF page 19 (printed 16); Night Driving. ↗
Why does a dark, poorly lit road require extra care around pedestrians and cyclists?
Correct answer: They may be difficult to see until you are close.
Pedestrians and cyclists can be hard to detect at night. Reduce speed as needed and scan carefully rather than assuming the road is empty.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook, DR 2337 (12/05/24), physical PDF page 19 (printed 16); Night Driving. ↗
What should you do with cruise control when roads become icy?
Correct answer: Leave it off and control speed yourself.
Do not use cruise control on slippery roads. Control speed directly and leave extra room for changing traction.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook, DR 2337 (12/05/24), physical PDF page 19 (printed 16); Bad Weather. ↗
After a freezing night, which road surface may still be icy even when nearby pavement looks dry?
Correct answer: A bridge deck or a shaded stretch.
Bridge surfaces and shaded areas can remain icy when other road surfaces appear dry. Do not assume uniform traction.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook, DR 2337 (12/05/24), physical PDF page 20 (printed 17); Snow and Ice. ↗
