Careless/Reckless Driving — Colorado Driver's License Practice Test

This Colorado Driver's License Careless/Reckless Driving practice set has 11 practice questions based on the official exam materials, each with an instant explanation. You need 80% on the real Colorado Driver's License knowledge test to pass.

Sample questions

Three questions from the Careless/Reckless Driving bank with the correct answer and an explanation. The practice quiz above draws 11 questions at random from the same bank.

1. What is a driving distraction?

   • Anything that takes your attention away from driving, including mental activities that take your mind off driving — Correct answer
   • Only activities that require you to take both hands off the wheel
   • Only the use of electronic devices
   • Only things that make you take your eyes off the road for more than 5 seconds

   Explanation: A distraction is anything that takes your attention away from driving — taking your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or mind off driving are all risks, and mental distractions are just as dangerous as physical ones.

   Handbook: Careless/Reckless Driving — What is a distraction

2. Under Colorado law, when may a driver use a mobile electronic device while driving?

   • Only with a hands-free device or in an emergency situation — Correct answer
   • Whenever the vehicle is traveling below 25 mph
   • Only while stopped at red lights
   • Anytime, as long as the driver is over 21

   Explanation: Drivers may not use any mobile electronic device while driving unless it is with a hands-free device or in an emergency; driving carelessly while texting or manually using a mobile device can result in a fine or a misdemeanor charge.

   Handbook: Careless/Reckless Driving — Mobile electronic devices

3. How do drugs such as alcohol and marijuana affect a driver's ability to handle distractions?

   • They reduce the ability to manage multiple tasks, making distractions potentially life-threatening for an impaired driver — Correct answer
   • They sharpen focus, so distractions matter less
   • They only affect reaction time, not attention
   • They have no effect on handling distractions if the driver is experienced

   Explanation: Many drugs, including alcohol and marijuana, reduce a driver's ability to manage multiple tasks, so distractions that are merely hazardous for a normal driver may be life-threatening for an impaired driver.

   Handbook: Careless/Reckless Driving — Distractions and impairment