Parking & Stopping

Study questions with answers

12 sample Parking & Stopping questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. Which of the following is an illegal place to park?

   Correct answer: A bike lane

   Parking is prohibited in a bike lane, as well as on crosswalks, sidewalks, bridges, railroad tracks and within intersections or tunnels.

   Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Parking

2. 2. Where parallel parking is allowed, your vehicle must end up within how far of the curb?

   Correct answer: 12 inches

   A parallel-parked vehicle must be within 12 inches of the curb, or as close to the edge of the shoulder as possible, so it does not block traffic.

   Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Parking (Parallel parking)

3. 3. The handbook describes stopping a vehicle smoothly by:

   Correct answer: checking mirrors, moving your foot to the brake, and pressing with steady pressure

   To stop smoothly, check your mirrors for traffic behind, move your foot from the accelerator to the brake, and apply steady pressure until the car stops.

   Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Basic Driving (Stopping the Vehicle)

4. 4. After parking a vehicle with a manual transmission facing uphill, you should leave it in:

   Correct answer: low gear, with the parking brake set

   Park a manual transmission in low gear when facing uphill and in reverse when facing downhill, set the parking brake and take the key.

   Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Parking

5. 5. When leaving a parallel parking spot, you should:

   Correct answer: signal, check your mirrors and blind spots, then pull out when it is safe

   To exit a parallel space, turn on your signal, check mirrors and blind spots, and move out only when there is a safe gap in traffic.

   Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Parking (Parallel parking)

6. 6. How close to a stop sign, traffic signal, or railroad crossing may you legally park?

   Correct answer: no closer than 30 feet

   You may not park within 30 feet of a traffic signal, stop sign or railroad crossing so that these controls stay visible.

   Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Parking

7. 7. When you park facing uphill where there is a curb, your front wheels should be turned:

   Correct answer: away from the curb

   Facing uphill with a curb, turn the wheels away from the curb and let the car roll back slightly so a front wheel rests against the curb.

   Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Parking (Uphill)

8. 8. When parking while facing downhill next to a curb, turn your front wheels:

   Correct answer: toward the curb

   Facing downhill, turn the wheels toward the curb so the front tire rests against it and blocks the car if it rolls.

   Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Parking (Downhill)

9. 9. When parking on a hill with no curb, you should turn your front wheels:

   Correct answer: toward the right edge of the road, whether facing up or down the hill

   With no curb, turn the wheels to the right whether headed uphill or downhill, so a rolling vehicle drifts off the road rather than into traffic.

   Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Parking (No curb)

10. 10. You may not park within how many feet of a fire hydrant?

    Correct answer: 15 feet

    Parking is prohibited within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, while a 30-foot limit applies near traffic signals, stop signs and railroad crossings.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Parking

11. 11. You may park in a designated disabled parking space only when:

    Correct answer: the person the placard or plate belongs to is getting into or out of the vehicle

    A disabled space may be used only while the person who holds the placard or plate is entering or exiting the vehicle; misuse can bring heavy fines.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Traffic Signs (Disabled Parking Signs)

12. 12. Before leaving a parked vehicle, a driver should:

    Correct answer: set the emergency brake and remove the ignition key

    Always set the emergency brake and take the ignition key when you leave the vehicle, and place an automatic transmission in park.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Parking