Key Colorado facts: Alcohol & Drugs
Colorado makes it unlawful to have an open container of alcohol, or an open container of marijuana, in the passenger area of a motor vehicle on a public road. Driving Under the Influence, printed p. 3 (PDF p. 6) DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) means impaired to the slightest degree; DUI means substantially incapable of driving safely. Driving Under the Influence, printed p. 3 (PDF p. 6) A license may be revoked for a test refusal, or for a BAC over .08, over .02 for a driver under 21, or over .04 for a commercial (CDL) driver. Driving Under the Influence, printed p. 3 (PDF p. 6) In the handbook's penalty table, a first DWAI is listed at a BAC of 0.05% and a first DUI at 0.08%. Driving Under the Influence, Table 1, printed p. 4 (PDF p. 7) The penalty table lists revocation of 9 months for a first DUI, 1 year for a second and 2 years for a third or later DWAI or DUI. Driving Under the Influence, Table 1, printed p. 4 (PDF p. 7) Sample Alcohol & Drugs questions
Under Colorado's express consent law, what happens if you refuse a chemical test?
You only pay a small fine Your license is revoked for one year Your license is suspended for 30 days Nothing, if you are later found sober Show the answer
Your license is revoked for one year
Refusal brings a one-year revocation and you must use an ignition interlock afterward.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337), Driving Under the Influence, Express Consent Law, printed p. 5 (PDF p. 8)
What is the lowest BAC above which a Colorado driver under 21 can have their license revoked?
Show the answer
0.02
Revocation can follow a BAC over .02 for drivers under 21, compared with over .08 for adults.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337), Driving Under the Influence, printed p. 3 (PDF p. 6)
Which sample may a Colorado officer require for a chemical test of a suspected impaired driver?
Blood, breath, saliva or urine Fingerprints only Hair only A written statement only Show the answer
Blood, breath, saliva or urine
Officers can require a test of blood, breath, saliva or urine to check for alcohol or drugs.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337), Driving Under the Influence, Express Consent Law, printed p. 5 (PDF p. 8)
Which BAC does Colorado's penalty table list for a first DWAI conviction?
Show the answer
0.05%
The table shows 0.05% for a first DWAI and 0.08% for a first DUI.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337), Driving Under the Influence, Table 1, printed p. 4 (PDF p. 7)
On average, by how much does a person's BAC drop each hour?
Show the answer
0.015%
BAC falls about 0.015% per hour on average, and only the passing of time lowers it.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337), Driving Under the Influence, printed p. 3 (PDF p. 6)
What does DWAI mean in Colorado?
Driving without auto insurance Driving with a BAC of 0.15 or more Driving after your license is revoked Driving while impaired to the slightest degree Show the answer
Driving while impaired to the slightest degree
DWAI stands for Driving While Ability Impaired, which covers impairment to the slightest degree.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337), Driving Under the Influence, printed p. 3 (PDF p. 6)
A driver is substantially incapable of driving safely because of alcohol. Which charge fits that level of impairment?
Careless parking Failure to signal DUI DWAI Show the answer
DUI
DUI means the driver is substantially incapable of safe driving; DWAI covers impairment to the slightest degree.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337), Driving Under the Influence, printed p. 3 (PDF p. 6)
What kind of drug is alcohol?
A depressant A pain reliever A vitamin A stimulant Show the answer
A depressant
Alcohol slows brain function and impairs thinking, reasoning and muscle coordination.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337), Driving Under the Influence, printed p. 3 (PDF p. 6)
How does a THC level in the blood relate to how impaired a driver is?
Each nanogram equals 0.01% BAC Higher levels always mean less impairment There is no reliable link between the two It shows impairment exactly, like BAC Show the answer
There is no reliable link between the two
Unlike alcohol, THC levels in blood, breath or saliva do not track the degree of impairment.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337), Driving Under the Influence, printed p. 5 (PDF p. 8)
What is polydrug impairment?
Impairment from two or more drugs at once Impairment from a single strong drink Impairment caused only by fatigue Impairment from one prescribed medicine Show the answer
Impairment from two or more drugs at once
Mixing drugs, including alcohol, marijuana and medicines, can increase their effects and is more dangerous.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337), Driving Under the Influence, Polydrug Impairment, printed p. 5 (PDF p. 8)
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About these questions
We wrote these practice questions from the facts in the Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025 (file DR_2337_Jan2025.pdf, footer DR 2337 (12/05/24), PDF created 2024-12-04, 36 pages), linked from https://dmv.colorado.gov/drivereducation. dmv.colorado.gov refuses automated requests (Cloudflare 403), so the owner supplied the file; read 2026-11-09. Citations give the printed page and the PDF page (PDF page = printed page + 3). PDF pages 23 (printed p. 20) and 33 also carry hidden, off-page text left over from an older edition (sections 13.3-13.5 and 15.5-16, e.g. school bus fines of up to $300 and six points); it is not visible on the page and no fact is taken from it. Where the handbook is silent, DMV pages (dmv.colorado.gov, read 2026-11-09 through a fetch tool), the Code of Colorado Regulations (1 CCR 204-30, Rule 8) and signed acts on leg.colorado.gov are the source. Statute checks used the 2024 compilation of C.R.S. title 42 (as republished by colorado.public.law, not an official host, so it is not cited) together with the 2024-2026 bills that changed it. edition) and from official sources on road signs. Every answer links to its source, so you can check it and read more.
DMV Decoded is an independent guide, not a government agency. This practice test is not connected to the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles, and your actual test will have different questions. Study the handbook, and check the agency's website for current rules.
