Pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists and school buses

Key points

1. Stop for a school bus with red lights flashing or stop arm out, unless a physical barrier separates the roadway.

   Source: Handbook p. 43

   “You must always stop for a school bus that has its red lights flashing or its stop arm extended at all times unless the roadway is separated by a physical barrier.”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 43

2. Always be prepared to yield to pedestrians, even outside a crosswalk.

   Source: Handbook p. 61

   “Always be prepared to yield to pedestrians even if they are not in a crosswalk.”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 61

3. Come to a complete stop for a pedestrian guided by a dog or carrying a white cane.

   Source: Handbook p. 61

   “When a pedestrian is crossing a street guided by a dog or carrying a white cane, come to a complete stop.”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 61

4. Yield to all pedestrians in the intersection even if your light is green.

   Source: Handbook p. 61

   “Yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians in the intersection even if the traffic light is green.”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 61

5. At a school crossing with traffic patrol, stop and yield if signaled.

   Source: Handbook p. 61

   “At a school crossing where there is traffic patrol, stop and yield if signaled to do so.”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 61

6. Give a bicycle at least 3 feet when the limit is 35 mph or less, and 6 feet when it is higher.

   Source: Handbook p. 46

   “shall allow a minimum of a three-foot separation between the right side of the driver's vehicle, including any mirror or other projection, and the left side of the bicycle if the posted limit is thirty-five miles per hour or less and shall allow a minimum of six feet separation if the posted limit is greater than thirty-five miles per hour.”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 46

7. Yield when a bicycle path or bike lane crosses the road.

   Source: Handbook p. 61

   “Yield the right-of-way when a bicycle path or bike lane intersects a road.”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 61

8. Follow a motorcycle by at least 4 seconds, more in wet conditions.

   Source: Handbook p. 62

   “When following a motorcyclist, allow for a minimum 4-second following distance or more in wet conditions”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 62

9. Near animal drawn vehicles or horses, do not use the horn or rev the engine.

   Source: Handbook p. 65

   “Pass with caution and do not use the horn or “rev” the engine because this may scare the horse and cause a crash.”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 65

Numbers to know

3 questions from the South Dakota practice test

1. 1. When must you stop for a South Dakota school bus?

   1. Whenever its red lights flash or stop arm is extended unless a physical barrier separates the roadway
   2. Only when you are behind it on a two-lane road
   3. Only during posted school hours
   4. Only if children have already stepped into your lane
   Show answer

   Whenever its red lights flash or stop arm is extended unless a physical barrier separates the roadway. South Dakota requires stopping for a school bus with flashing red lights or an extended stop arm unless a physical barrier separates the roadway. Limiting the rule to drivers behind the bus misses traffic approaching from other directions. Use the red lights and visible stop arm as the cue, then proceed slowly after they end. Children may appear from the front or rear of the bus, so keep watching beyond the bus itself.

2. 2. A school crossing guard tells you to stop. What does South Dakota require?

   1. Stop only if the guard is holding a red sign
   2. Continue slowly unless children are already in the crosswalk
   3. Obey only traffic lights and posted signs
   4. Follow the guard's direction to stop
   Show answer

   Follow the guard's direction to stop. School crossing guards are included in South Dakota's traffic control devices, along with law enforcement and highway personnel. Their directions are not optional suggestions. The choice about continuing until children are already in the crosswalk reacts too late and ignores the guard's authority. When a person directing traffic faces your lane and signals stop, brake before the crossing and wait for a clear release.

3. 3. Why does the South Dakota manual tell drivers to be especially watchful for bicyclists at night?

   1. Bicyclists are required to ride on the sidewalk after dark
   2. Some bikes may not have the reflectors or lights they should have
   3. Bicycles are not allowed on roads at night
   4. Bicycle lights are always bright enough to be seen
   Show answer

   Some bikes may not have the reflectors or lights they should have. Bicyclists should have reflectors or lights on their bikes, but the manual warns that some bikes may not have this equipment, so drivers must be especially careful and watchful for bikes and bicyclists. A rider with no lights can be invisible until the last moment. Slow down when approaching, pass with room, and remember that bicyclists have the same rights on the roadway as other vehicles. They are not required to leave the road at night.

Source: the South Dakota Driver License Manual, Sharing the Road. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.