DMV Driver Handbook in Colorado

SUMMARY: Colorado Driver Handbook

The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has various publications available to help you be a safe driver. These include the CO driver's handbook, commercial driving manual, and motorcycle driver's manual. To learn more about various traffic laws, you can read the Colorado Vehicle Code.

Below you'll find more information about the DMV handbook you need to read and study to get your driver's license.

You'll also find information about driving manuals for special types of licenses, such as motorcycle licenses.

Colorado Driver Handbook

Prior to getting your CO driver's license, you'll need to prepare for the written test by studying the traffic rules and regulations covered in the Colorado DMV manual.

The Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337) (also available in Spanish (DR 2337S) offers a complete overview of driving-related topics, such as:

  • Safe driving and mountain driving tips.
  • Rules of the road.
  • Traffic signs.
  • Sharing the road with pedestrians and cyclists.

You'll also find more information about the Colorado DMV written exam in the DMV handbook.

NOTE: The driver's manual is also available at your nearest Colorado DMV driver services office.

Don't Forget an Online Practice Test!

A perfect complement to studying the CO DMV Handbook is preparing for the written test with the help of an online practice test. These industry-leading study assistants have been created to ensure passing the test on your first attempt. Our certified partner offers practice tests based on the driving manuals for cars, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles.

CO Motorcycle Operator's Handbook

If you need your motorcycle license in Colorado, the Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook (DR 2336) will help you apply and become a safe rider.

The motorcycle driver's manual has instructions for motorcycle operation, including:

  • How to avoid a motorcycle collision.
  • Switching lanes.
  • Braking and accelerating.

The DMV handbook for motorcycles also provides safety information, including:

  • What type of motorcycle gear to wear.
  • Troubleshooting mechanical issues.
  • Riding at night or in groups.
  • Carrying passengers and cargo.

The procedures, rules, and concepts in the motorcycle driver's handbook are the basis for the written motorcycle test. You can prepare for the test by taking online practice tests.

Refer to our Motorcycle License section for more details about motorcycle licenses and operation.

Commercial Driver's Handbook

If you're applying for a commercial driver's license (CDL) in Colorado, you may want to read the CDL Driver's Handbook (DR 2251) in preparation. The DMV handbook for commercial drivers has helpful information about the following topics:

  • Operating a commercial vehicle safely.
  • Traffic laws, and other rules of the road.
  • Transporting hazardous materials.

The commercial driving manual also helps you understand:

  • How to apply for a CO CDL.
  • CDL endorsements.
  • Vehicle classes.
  • DMV point system.

The written test for a CDL is based on the information in the commercial driver's manual.

For more information about Colorado CDLs, including commercial license requirements, visit our Commercial Drivers section.

School Bus Manual

The CO DMV also offers the School Bus Driver Training Manual (REV 2011) if you're a CDL holder who would like to add an "S" endorsement to drive a bus. From the bus driving handbook, you'll learn about topics, such as:

  • Loading and unloading children.
  • Emergency procedures.
  • Student supervision.
  • How to use your mirrors properly.

The bus driving manual helps you prepare for the commercial endorsement test.

For general CDL information, see the CO DMV handbook for commercial drivers, above.

Colorado Vehicle Code

Have a look at the CO Vehicle Code for specific details about Colorado motor vehicle laws and regulations that may not be addressed in full in the driver's handbook.

The Vehicle Code goes into more depth than the DMV handbook or other driving manuals. The legal language in the Vehicle Code may not be as clear as the information in the CO DMV manual.

To get to the applicable laws, click on “ Colorado Revised Statutes," in the left hand column and then see “Title 42: Vehicles and Traffic."

NOTE: Depending on which Internet browser you are using, you may be required to create a custom ID to access the statutes.

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