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Colorado permit test: speed

The basic speed rule, speed limits and following distance. 14 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.

Study this topic as flashcards

Rules to remember10 key speed rulesShow the rules
  1. Unless otherwise posted, urban interstates and highways are 55 mph; designated rural interstates and highways are 65-75 mph. (p. 15)
  2. Speed is the greatest factor influencing the severity of a crash, and many fatal Colorado crashes involve drivers going too fast. (p. 15)
  3. Unless otherwise posted, the limit is 20 mph on narrow, winding mountain highways and blind curves. (p. 15)
  4. Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit is 30 mph in any residence district. (p. 15)
  5. According to the National Safety Council, a lightweight passenger car going 55 mph can stop in about 200 feet. (p. 15)
  6. Reduced speed limits in work or construction zones are clearly marked, and failing to follow them can result in double fines. (p. 15)
  7. Cities or towns may adopt lower speed limits in their jurisdictions by ordinance. (p. 15)
  8. Driving slower than a posted minimum speed is a traffic violation, unless road or weather conditions make it necessary. (p. 15)
  9. Stopping distance is how far your vehicle travels from the moment you realize you must stop until it actually stops. (p. 15)
  10. Colorado's default limits include a special 45 mph limit for vehicles in the business of hauling trash, unless another limit is posted. (p. 15)

Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.

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Sample speed questions

  1. 1.You are driving on a residential street with no posted speed limit. How fast may you go?

    • A25 mph
    • B40 mph
    • C30 mph
    • D20 mph
    Show the answer

    ✓ C. 30 mph

    Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit is 30 mph in any residence district.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337) (DR 2337), page 15

  2. 2.Unless posted otherwise, what is the speed limit on an urban interstate in Colorado?

    • A65 mph
    • B45 mph
    • C75 mph
    • D55 mph
    Show the answer

    ✓ D. 55 mph

    Unless otherwise posted, urban interstates and highways are 55 mph; designated rural interstates and highways are 65-75 mph.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337) (DR 2337), page 15

  3. 3.A freeway has a posted minimum speed. On a clear, dry day you drive below it. What is true?

    • AIt is only a warning
    • BIt is a traffic violation
    • CIt is always the safest choice
    • DIt is fine on any freeway
    Show the answer

    ✓ B. It is a traffic violation

    Driving slower than a posted minimum speed is a traffic violation, unless road or weather conditions make it necessary.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337) (DR 2337), page 15

  4. 4.What does 'stopping distance' measure?

    • AOnly how far your brakes skid
    • BThe space you leave behind the car ahead
    • CFrom when you press the brake until you stop
    • DFrom when you realize you must stop until you stop
    Show the answer

    ✓ D. From when you realize you must stop until you stop

    Stopping distance is how far your vehicle travels from the moment you realize you must stop until it actually stops. It depends on speed, recognition, reaction and braking.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337) (DR 2337), page 15