South Dakota Permit Practice Test

How to use this SD practice test

1. Take the full practice test above once, untimed, to find your weak topics.
2. Work through the numbered 20 question sets below. Each one is fixed, so a second attempt is a fair comparison.
3. Read the explanation on every miss. The wording comes from the South Dakota Driver License Manual, which is what the examiners use.
4. Come back on a later day and retake the questions you missed. A score on questions you have not seen before tells you more than a repeat.

SD practice tests, 20 questions each

Fixed sets in a fixed order so you can retake one and compare your score.

1. Test 1
2. Test 2
3. Test 3
4. Test 4
5. Test 5
6. Test 6
7. Test 7
8. Test 8
9. Test 9
10. Test 10
11. Test 11
12. Test 12
13. Test 13
14. Test 14
15. Test 15
16. Test 16
17. Test 17
18. Test 18
19. Test 19
20. Test 20
21. Test 21
22. Test 22
23. Test 23
24. Test 24
25. Test 25

Printable SD practice test with answer key

40 sample practice questions from the SD bank

Every question below comes from the South Dakota question bank on this page. Open a question to see the correct answer and the explanation. Nothing here is hidden behind a signup.

1. 1. After a crash involving an unattended parked vehicle, what must you do if you cannot find the owner?

   1. Drive away if the damage appears minor
   2. Leave identifying and crash information where the owner can find it
   3. Wait 24 hours before notifying anyone
   4. Move the parked vehicle before leaving a note
   Show answer

   Leave identifying and crash information where the owner can find it. If you damage unattended property and cannot locate the owner, South Dakota says to contact law enforcement and leave information where the Full explanation in Test 1

   Study this in the handbook: Crashes, emergency vehicles and traffic stops

2. 2. In which months does the South Dakota manual say to be especially alert for deer?

   1. October and November
   2. June and July
   3. January and February
   4. March and April
   Show answer

   October and November. The manual singles out October and November as the months to be especially alert for deer, because those are the months with the highest num Full explanation in Test 2

   Study this in the handbook: Night, winter, deer and work zones

3. 3. A South Dakota Instruction Permit holder under 16 is convicted of a first traffic violation. How long is the suspension?

   1. Seven days
   2. Until age 18
   3. A full year
   4. Thirty days
   Show answer

   Thirty days. For a minor under 16, a conviction for a traffic violation or a violation of the permit or license restrictions suspends driving privileges Full explanation in Test 3

   Study this in the handbook: Instruction and Restricted Minor's Permits

4. 4. How long does a new South Dakota resident have to register a vehicle brought in from another state?

   1. Within 30 days
   2. Within 60 days
   3. Within one year
   4. Within 90 days
   Show answer

   Within 90 days. All motor vehicles, motorcycles, and trailers owned by South Dakota residents and used on public highways must be registered with the County Full explanation in Test 4

   Study this in the handbook: Instruction and Restricted Minor's Permits

5. 5. You want to pass a slow-moving vehicle but are not sure there is enough space to complete the pass. What does the South Dakota manual advise?

   1. Pass on the right before it reaches the next driveway
   2. Honk steadily so the driver holds a straight path
   3. Wait until you are sure there is enough space
   4. Move beside it and check for a hand signal
   Show answer

   Wait until you are sure there is enough space. South Dakota tells drivers to wait when they are unsure there is enough room to pass. Full explanation in Test 5

   Study this in the handbook: Following distance, passing and large vehicles

6. 6. Your vehicle has trouble and you must stop on a South Dakota highway. What should you try to do first?

   1. Get your vehicle off the road and away from traffic if possible
   2. Stop in the travel lane and wait for help
   3. Turn off all lights so other drivers are not distracted
   4. Stand near the center line to warn traffic
   Show answer

   Get your vehicle off the road and away from traffic if possible. South Dakota's breakdown guidance starts with getting the vehicle off the road and away from traffic when that is possible. Full explanation in Test 6

   Study this in the handbook: Night, winter, deer and work zones

7. 7. In South Dakota, what do the shape and color of a route number sign tell you?

   1. The speed limit on that road
   2. How far it is to the next city
   3. Whether trucks may use the road
   4. The type of roadway, such as interstate, U.S., state, or county road
   Show answer

   The type of roadway, such as interstate, U.S., state, or county road. South Dakota says the shape and color of route number signs indicate the type of roadway: interstate, U.S. Full explanation in Test 7

   Study this in the handbook: Warning, railroad and work zone signs

8. 8. A South Dakota Instruction Permit holder was convicted of a traffic violation four months ago. What does that block?

   1. Getting a Restricted Minor's Permit until six months pass without a conviction
   2. Only night driving
   3. Retaking the knowledge test
   4. Nothing, as long as the fine is paid
   Show answer

   Getting a Restricted Minor's Permit until six months pass without a conviction. To obtain a Restricted Minor's Permit, the applicant must be at least 14, complete the Instruction Permit requirements, pass the driving tes Full explanation in Test 8

   Study this in the handbook: Instruction and Restricted Minor's Permits

9. 9. A 19-year-old South Dakotan renews a license. When will a license issued to someone under 21 with five years or less until age 21 expire?

   1. On the 21st birthday
   2. 30 days after the 21st birthday
   3. Five years from issue no matter what
   4. On the 25th birthday
   Show answer

   30 days after the 21st birthday. Any South Dakota driver license or ID issued to someone under 21 with five years or less remaining until the 21st birthday expires 30 days a Full explanation in Test 9

10. 10. If your wheels leave the paved road surface, how should you return?

    1. Steer sharply back onto the pavement at once
    2. Slow gradually when safe, then turn back onto the pavement
    3. Brake hard and stop in the travel lane
    4. Accelerate until all wheels are on the shoulder
    Show answer

    Slow gradually when safe, then turn back onto the pavement. For a pavement drop off, avoid panic steering. Slow down gradually when it is safe, regain control, and then turn back onto the pavement. Full explanation in Test 10

    Study this in the handbook: Skids, brake failure and other vehicle emergencies

11. 11. You feel unwell but need to travel somewhere. What does the handbook advise?

    1. Drive yourself slowly with windows open
    2. Coffee or fresh air makes driving safe
    3. Delay medication until after the drive
    4. Let someone else drive when you are not feeling well
    Show answer

    Let someone else drive when you are not feeling well. Illness degrades the driver before it shows, so when you are not feeling well and must go, hand the trip to someone else. Full explanation in Test 11

    Study this in the handbook: Vision, fatigue, distraction and aggressive driving

12. 12. How do drivers who are deaf or have hearing problems adjust to drive safely?

    1. They rely more on vision and stay more alert
    2. They drive only with a hearing passenger
    3. They use louder horns than other drivers
    4. They avoid roads above 35 mph
    Show answer

    They rely more on vision and stay more alert. The handbook says drivers with hearing problems learn to rely more on their vision and tend to stay more alert. Full explanation in Test 12

    Study this in the handbook: Vision, fatigue, distraction and aggressive driving

13. 13. How are air bags designed to function in relation to seatbelts?

    1. As complete replacements for seatbelts
    2. As protection for side impacts mainly
    3. As cushions meant only for low speed parking impacts
    4. As supplemental restraints that work best in combination with seatbelts
    Show answer

    As supplemental restraints that work best in combination with seatbelts. Air bags are supplemental restraints engineered to work best with seatbelts, which position the body so the bag can cushion head and chest a Full explanation in Test 13

    Study this in the handbook: Seat belts, child seats and driving position

14. 14. On narrow rural roads with ditches instead of shoulders, how should you position and drive?

    1. Ride the center line to avoid ditches
    2. Hug the ditch edge to leave maximum room
    3. Reduce speed, center the vehicle in the lane, and watch for oncoming traffic sharing the lane
    4. Drive faster through narrow stretches to clear them as soon as possible
    Show answer

    Reduce speed, center the vehicle in the lane, and watch for oncoming traffic sharing the lane. Narrow rural lanes with ditch drop-offs call for reduced speed and a centered vehicle, watching for oncoming drivers who may need part of yo Full explanation in Test 14

    Study this in the handbook: Night, winter, deer and work zones

15. 15. You are judging whether to pass a multiple-trailer truck. What should that decision account for?

    1. A truck that long stops faster than a car because its many axles brake harder on dry roads
    2. A multiple trailer truck can be 75 feet or longer and takes much longer to pass than a car
    3. Length does not change passing time, since speed matters more than size here
    4. You may pass in short stages, pulling in briefly between each trailer set
    Show answer

    A multiple trailer truck can be 75 feet or longer and takes much longer to pass than a car. Length is time. A multiple-trailer combination can run seventy five feet or longer, and every extra foot extends the seconds you spend in th Full explanation in Test 15

    Study this in the handbook: Following distance, passing and large vehicles

16. 16. Why must you check for more than one track at every highway-railroad grade crossing?

    1. Every crossing hides a second track behind the bulk of the first long freight train
    2. Some multi-track crossings lack signs, so another train may be crossing
    3. Crossing gates indicate how many tracks lie ahead
    4. A second train uses the nearest track only
    Show answer

    Some multi-track crossings lack signs, so another train may be crossing. Some crossings with several tracks never post a track count sign, so your own look down both directions must confirm that a second train is Full explanation in Test 16

    Study this in the handbook: Warning, railroad and work zone signs

17. 17. You are unsure whether a drug is safe to combine with driving. What should you do?

    1. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about side effects
    2. Take half a dose and test your driving
    3. Read online reviews from other drivers
    4. Skip the drug only on highway trips
    Show answer

    Ask your doctor or pharmacist about side effects. When safety is uncertain, ask a doctor or pharmacist about side effects before driving on any drug, prescription or otherwise. Full explanation in Test 17

    Study this in the handbook: Vision, fatigue, distraction and aggressive driving

18. 18. Ideally, how far ahead in time should you try to look while driving?

    1. About 5 seconds ahead of the vehicle on the road in front of you
    2. Only to the next intersection line
    3. What is occurring 20 to 30 seconds in front of the car
    4. Two car lengths in city traffic
    Show answer

    What is occurring 20 to 30 seconds in front of the car. Aiming your search at events twenty to thirty seconds ahead buys decision time that last second reactions never have, letting speed and lane Full explanation in Test 18

19. 19. Judging distances and speeds matters most in which driving tasks?

    1. Reversing carefully into a parallel parking space between two parked vehicles downtown
    2. Judging safe gaps when merging and passing on two-lane roads, and judging a train's speed before crossing tracks
    3. Reading street signs at night
    4. Choosing a lane at a toll plaza
    Show answer

    Judging safe gaps when merging and passing on two-lane roads, and judging a train's speed before crossing tracks. Distance and speed judgment earns its keep where gaps decide outcomes: merging into traffic, passing on two-lane roads, and reading an appro Full explanation in Test 19

    Study this in the handbook: Vision, fatigue, distraction and aggressive driving

20. 20. At 50 mph on dry pavement with good brakes, about how far does braking alone take?

    1. About 100 feet
    2. About 250 feet
    3. About 158 feet
    4. About 320 feet
    Show answer

    About 158 feet. Braking distance measures only the stretch used after the brakes engage, not the whole stopping event. Full explanation in Test 20

    Study this in the handbook: Controlling speed

21. 21. What do no-passing signs together with pavement markings indicate along a road?

    1. County boundary locations posted along rural highways across the state
    2. Places where trucks must stop for scheduled safety inspection checks
    3. Where future construction projects will close lanes for road work
    4. Where you can pass, and the beginning and ending of passing zones or where you may not pass
    Show answer

    Where you can pass, and the beginning and ending of passing zones or where you may not pass. Signs and markings work as one system marking where passing is allowed, where a passing zone begins and ends, and where passing is barred al Full explanation in Test 21

    Study this in the handbook: Regulatory, stop, yield and guide signs

22. 22. How should you approach an uncontrolled rural intersection with no stop or yield signs?

    1. Keep your normal speed if no vehicle is visible at first
    2. Honk and maintain your speed through it
    3. Slow down and be prepared to stop for crossing or oncoming traffic
    4. Assume cross traffic must yield to you
    Show answer

    Slow down and be prepared to stop for crossing or oncoming traffic. An unsigned rural junction delegates safety to caution: slow down and arrive ready to stop for crossing or oncoming vehicles that may assume Full explanation in Test 22

    Study this in the handbook: Night, winter, deer and work zones

23. 23. You begin a parallel parking maneuver. Where should you stop first relative to the vehicle ahead of the space?

    1. Even with that vehicle, about 2 feet away from it
    2. One full car length behind that vehicle before starting to back
    3. Beside its rear bumper, about 4 feet away
    4. Ahead of it, angled toward the curb already
    Show answer

    Even with that vehicle, about 2 feet away from it. The setup position is alongside the vehicle in front of the space, even with it and about 2 feet away, before any backing begins. Full explanation in Test 23

24. 24. A snowplow works near the center line throwing clouds of snow. How should you respond?

    1. Pass quickly through the snow cloud
    2. Follow closely behind it in the cleared path
    3. Slow down and give the plow as much room as possible
    4. Pass the plow while it is working near the center line
    Show answer

    Slow down and give the plow as much room as possible. Snowplows are wide, may work close to the center line, and can throw clouds of snow that affect vision. Full explanation in Test 24

    Study this in the handbook: Night, winter, deer and work zones

25. 25. After stopping a disabled vehicle, where should you stand while waiting?

    1. In front of the vehicle to flag passing traffic
    2. Off the road where you are safe from traffic
    3. Between your vehicle and the moving traffic lanes
    4. On the center line to become visible sooner
    Show answer

    Off the road where you are safe from traffic. Stand clear of the roadway where traffic cannot reach you, because disabled vehicles attract the very collision you are waiting beside. Full explanation in Test 25

    Study this in the handbook: Night, winter, deer and work zones

26. 26. How should a driver respond to deer eyes reflecting beside the road?

    1. Speed up before more deer reach the pavement
    2. Swerve toward the shoulder to scare the deer away
    3. Slow down, blow the horn, and be ready to stop
    4. Dim all lights and coast past silently
    Show answer

    Slow down, blow the horn, and be ready to stop. If headlights reflect in deer eyes beside the road, slow down, blow the horn, and prepare to stop. Full explanation in Test 1

    Study this in the handbook: Night, winter, deer and work zones

27. 27. What does a red arrow signal mean?

    1. You may turn after yielding to pedestrians
    2. The arrow direction has priority over other lanes
    3. You may proceed if there is no oncoming traffic
    4. You must stop and may not go in the arrow's direction
    Show answer

    You must stop and may not go in the arrow's direction. A red arrow means stop, and you cannot move in the direction shown by the arrow until the signal changes. Full explanation in Test 2

    Study this in the handbook: Traffic signals and arrows

28. 28. For a second DWI in South Dakota, what minimum license loss does the manual list?

    1. At least 60 days
    2. At least 30 days
    3. At least one year
    4. Until the driver turns 21
    Show answer

    At least one year. A second DWI has a much tougher license consequence than a first DWI. Full explanation in Test 3

    Study this in the handbook: DWI and zero tolerance penalties

29. 29. What maximum prison term does South Dakota list for a third DWI offense?

    1. Six months
    2. Life
    3. Up to ten years
    4. Up to two years
    Show answer

    Up to two years. A third DWI is a Class 6 felony punishable by a fine, imprisonment up to two years, and loss of the license for no less than one year after Full explanation in Test 4

    Study this in the handbook: DWI and zero tolerance penalties

30. 30. You are driving through a South Dakota work zone. Until what point should you keep obeying the posted work zone signs?

    1. Until you pass the last orange cone
    2. Until no workers are in sight
    3. Until the lane closure ends
    4. Until you see the End Road Work sign
    Show answer

    Until you see the End Road Work sign. South Dakota tells drivers to observe the posted work zone signs until they see “End Road Work. Full explanation in Test 5

    Study this in the handbook: Following distance, passing and large vehicles

31. 31. In a South Dakota funeral procession, which vehicle must obey traffic signs and signals?

    1. Only the hearse
    2. Only the first vehicle
    3. Every third vehicle
    4. Only vehicles without headlights on
    Show answer

    Only the first vehicle. South Dakota assigns the traffic-control duty to the first vehicle in a funeral procession. Full explanation in Test 6

    Study this in the handbook: Right of way, funerals and intersections

32. 32. Where should both hands usually be placed on the steering wheel for best control?

    1. At the 2 and 10 o'clock positions
    2. At the 3 and 9 o'clock positions
    3. Together at the bottom of the wheel
    4. One hand inside the rim and one on top
    Show answer

    At the 3 and 9 o'clock positions. South Dakota recommends both hands on opposite sides of the wheel at 3 and 9 o'clock. Full explanation in Test 7

    Study this in the handbook: Seat belts, child seats and driving position

33. 33. What does a red circle with a red slash over a symbol tell you?

    
    1. The pictured action is recommended in heavy traffic
    2. The pictured action is prohibited by that sign
    3. The pictured action is allowed after a full stop
    4. The sign gives route information for services
    Show answer

    The pictured action is prohibited by that sign. South Dakota uses the red circle and slash on regulatory signs to show a banned movement, such as a no turn or no parking symbol. Full explanation in Test 8

    Study this in the handbook: Regulatory, stop, yield and guide signs

34. 34. What penalties can follow a South Dakota conviction for failing to maintain proof of financial responsibility (insurance)?

    1. A Class 2 misdemeanor plus a driver license suspension
    2. A $25 fine only
    3. A warning on the first offense
    4. Loss of license until age 21
    Show answer

    A Class 2 misdemeanor plus a driver license suspension. Failure to maintain proof of financial responsibility is a Class 2 misdemeanor in South Dakota, which can bring time in county jail, a fine, Full explanation in Test 9

    Study this in the handbook: License rules, insurance and the point system

35. 35. A new South Dakota resident holds a valid out-of-state regular (non-commercial) license. How long does the driver have to apply for a South Dakota license?

    1. Within 30 days
    2. Within 60 days
    3. Within one year
    4. Within 90 days
    Show answer

    Within 90 days. Holders of a valid out-of-state non-commercial license must apply for a South Dakota license within 90 days of establishing residency. Full explanation in Test 10

    Study this in the handbook: License rules, insurance and the point system

36. 36. While backing into a parallel space, you have cleared the vehicle in the space ahead. What should you do next?

    1. Straighten the wheels and keep backing straight until you reach the curb line
    2. Turn the wheels sharply to the right, driving the rear toward the curb
    3. Stop, pull forward into the lane, and restart the whole maneuver
    4. Turn sharply left and back slowly toward the vehicle in the space behind
    Show answer

    Turn sharply left and back slowly toward the vehicle in the space behind. Clearing the front vehicle opens the swing. Full explanation in Test 11

37. 37. What does the handbook say frequent sudden stopping usually reveals about a driver?

    1. The brakes need immediate replacement
    2. The roadway has too many intersections
    3. Other traffic is moving too slowly
    4. The driver was not paying attention
    Show answer

    The driver was not paying attention. Sudden stops usually point to a driver who was not paying attention, because hazards were spotted late rather than read early. Full explanation in Test 12

    Study this in the handbook: Seat belts, child seats and driving position

38. 38. After which record must a driver prove future financial responsibility before driving or registering a vehicle again?

    1. One reckless driving conviction in any five year span
    2. Two speeding convictions in one calendar year
    3. Two reckless driving convictions within one year
    4. One equipment violation with a paid fine
    Show answer

    Two reckless driving convictions within one year. Future proof is required after two reckless driving convictions land within a single one year period, before the driver may drive or registe Full explanation in Test 13

    Study this in the handbook: Instruction and Restricted Minor's Permits

39. 39. How should your grip on the steering wheel feel during normal driving?

    1. As tight as possible at all times
    2. Firm but gentle, using fingers with thumbs up along the wheel face
    3. Press your palms hard against the inside of the rim
    4. Loose enough for the wheel to spin freely
    Show answer

    Firm but gentle, using fingers with thumbs up along the wheel face. A firm but gentle grip, fingers doing the work and thumbs resting up along the wheel face, gives control without the fatigue and overcorrect Full explanation in Test 14

    Study this in the handbook: Seat belts, child seats and driving position

40. 40. Besides flashers, how can you signal that your stopped vehicle is an emergency?

    1. Leave all vehicle doors standing wide open toward traffic
    2. Raise the hood or tie a white cloth to the antenna, side mirror, or door handle
    3. Remove both license plates from the stopped disabled vehicle
    4. Park with the front wheels turned sharply toward traffic
    Show answer

    Raise the hood or tie a white cloth to the antenna, side mirror, or door handle. A raised hood or a white cloth tied to the antenna, mirror, or door handle broadcasts distress to every passerby, marking the vehicle as dis Full explanation in Test 15

    Study this in the handbook: Night, winter, deer and work zones