What Do They Test During Behind-The-Wheel Driving Test In Colorado?

Your Driver's Ed course is complete and the final step before getting your Colorado driver's license is taking (and passing) the behind-the-wheel driving test. You may be feeling nervous, which is completely normal. Being prepared is key, as it will help you remain calm and confident for your test. So, what do they test during the behind-the-wheel test in Colorado? We have the details below!

Up First: Pre-Driving Checklist

Before the actual driving test begins, the examiner will complete a preliminary inspection to make sure your vehicle complies with Colorado state laws. Some of the items that will be checked include:

• Tires
• Horn
• Driver's window
• Headlights
• Rearview mirrors
• Emergency brake
• Emergency flashers
• Turn signals — left and right

In addition to passing the pre-driving checklist, you will also need to provide proof of insurance and current registration before the actual driving test can begin. If everything looks good, it is time to begin the actual road test.

Next Up: The Actual Road Test

When it comes to the driving portion of the test, you want to make sure to follow all the instructions the examiner gives you. You will be asked to perform a number of different maneuvers and drive in different areas of town, including the highway or freeway, business districts, residential districts, through intersections and more.

For scoring, it is based on how you do within each section. To pass, you must have three or fewer errors in the pre-drive checklist section. You must also have fewer than 15 errors under the scoring maneuvers section, which includes:

• Lane changes
• Intersections, which includes through intersections where there are no stop signs present and intersections that require stopping and starting
• Parking lot driving
• Turning, which includes approaching the turn, stopping before turning and completing the turn
• Residential/rural and business/urban driving
• Highway or freeway driving including entering and exiting, merging, and lane use
• Backing up

During the road test, the examiner will mark you off for any infractions you commit and add notes to the sheet as to why.

Critical Driving Errors

During the behind-the-wheel driving test, there are several things you can do that would result in a critical driving error. If any of the following are done, it would result in immediate failure of the driving test:

• Disobeying traffic signs or signals
• Speeding
• Intervention by examiner
• Lane violations
• Striking objects or curbs
• Disobeying safety vehicle or personnel
• Auxiliary equipment use
• Dangerous maneuvers

The Retesting Process

For the driving test, you are allowed to take it as many times as needed to pass, unlike other states. However, you have to wait one day to retake it. You may also take the exam at a third-party testing center instead of the DMV.

This is a stressful time for new drivers and parents, so go into it as prepared as possible by making sure to study this list often! As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our friendly support staff. If you want to start your driver's training journey with Coastline Academy, make sure to sign up for Drivers Ed and book your driving lesson today.