SD 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. When you pass three sets in a row at the score your state requires, book the real test.

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

Printable SD practice test with answer key

First 40 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. On a South Dakota multilane highway, you approach a stopped vehicle with amber warning lights. What must you do if safe?

   1. Move into the lane farthest from the stopped vehicle at least 300 feet before it
   2. Stop beside the vehicle and wait for directions
   3. Stay in your lane and maintain speed
   4. Move over only after passing the vehicle
   Show answer

   Move into the lane farthest from the stopped vehicle at least 300 feet before it. For stopped vehicles using amber, yellow, or blue warning lights on multilane South Dakota interstates or highways, the driver must merge aw Full explanation in Test 1

2. 2. According to the South Dakota manual, which driving sense is affected at 0.02% BAC?

   1. Vision
   2. Hearing
   3. Smell
   4. Balance only while walking
   Show answer

   Vision. The manual identifies vision as the key sense that can already be harmed at 0.02% BAC. Full explanation in Test 1

3. 3. After a conviction for failing to maintain proof of financial responsibility, how long must SR22 proof be filed from the eligibility date?

   1. 3 years
   2. 30 days
   3. 6 months
   4. Until the next registration renewal only
   Show answer

   3 years. A no-proof conviction can bring a Class 2 misdemeanor, a license suspension, and an SR22 filing obligation. Full explanation in Test 1

4. 4. You are leaving a private road and entering a South Dakota public highway. Who has priority?

   1. Drivers already on the public highway
   2. The driver leaving the private road
   3. Only traffic approaching from the left
   4. Whichever vehicle is moving more slowly
   Show answer

   Drivers already on the public highway. Traffic already on the public highway has priority over a driver entering from a private road or driveway. Full explanation in Test 1

5. 5. At a South Dakota intersection, who must be yielded to if they are still in the intersection?

   1. Pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers
   2. Only motor vehicles larger than yours
   3. Only pedestrians inside painted crosswalk lines
   4. No one after your signal turns green
   Show answer

   Pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers. South Dakota includes pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers in its yield rule for anyone still occupying the intersection. Full explanation in Test 1

6. 6. 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. Follow the guard's direction to stop
   4. Obey only traffic lights and posted signs
   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. Full explanation in Test 2

7. 7. A South Dakota driver under 21 has a BAC of 0.03%. Which statement matches the manual?

   1. The driver may be arrested for alcohol impairment under the underage rule
   2. The driver is legal because BAC is below 0.08%
   3. The driver can only be cited for possession, not driving
   4. The driver is legal if no crash occurred
   Show answer

   The driver may be arrested for alcohol impairment under the underage rule. For drivers under 21, South Dakota allows arrest for alcohol impairment at 0.02%, so 0.03% is already over that underage threshold. Full explanation in Test 2

8. 8. How must vehicles in a South Dakota funeral procession identify themselves?

   1. They must have headlights on
   2. They must use hazard flashers only
   3. They must display a temporary permit in the windshield
   4. They must honk before each intersection
   Show answer

   They must have headlights on. Vehicles following in a funeral procession are required to have headlights on. Full explanation in Test 2

9. 9. What habit does the South Dakota manual call the best way not to speed?

   1. Check the speedometer often
   2. Estimate speed from engine noise
   3. Follow the fastest nearby driver
   4. Look only at the posted limit once
   Show answer

   Check the speedometer often. South Dakota emphasizes that drivers are poor judges of their own speed, especially after leaving faster roads for slower streets. Full explanation in Test 2

10. 10. What does South Dakota say may happen to speeding fines in a work zone?

    1. They may be doubled
    2. They are waived if workers are absent
    3. They are always reduced for first offenses
    4. They become parking violations
    Show answer

    They may be doubled. Work zones require lower speeds and closer attention because workers, lane shifts, equipment, and rough surfaces may be present. Full explanation in Test 2

11. 11. How does South Dakota classify a third DWI offense in the manual?

    1. Class 6 felony
    2. Class 2 misdemeanor
    3. Petty offense
    4. Civil insurance violation
    Show answer

    Class 6 felony. The third DWI listed in the manual is no longer treated as the same misdemeanor level as earlier offenses. Full explanation in Test 3

12. 12. From 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., when may a South Dakota Restricted Minor’s Permit holder drive under the basic restriction?

    1. When accompanied by a parent or legal guardian seated beside the driver
    2. When any licensed friend rides in the back seat
    3. Whenever the trip is less than 5 miles
    4. Only if the vehicle has daytime running lamps
    Show answer

    When accompanied by a parent or legal guardian seated beside the driver. The basic nighttime restriction for a Restricted Minor’s Permit requires a parent or legal guardian in the seat beside the driver from 10 p. Full explanation in Test 3

13. 13. A South Dakota minor under 16 gets a second traffic violation on an Instruction Permit. What suspension period is listed?

    1. 180 days or the driver’s 16th birthday, whichever is longer
    2. 7 days or until court costs are paid
    3. 30 days with no exceptions
    4. Until age 18 in every case
    Show answer

    180 days or the driver’s 16th birthday, whichever is longer. For a second traffic violation on an Instruction or Restricted Minor’s Permit, South Dakota lists a suspension of 180 days or until the driv Full explanation in Test 3

14. 14. Which permit holders are barred from using any wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle?

    1. Instruction and Restricted permit holders
    2. Only drivers over 18
    3. Only motorcycle operators on interstates
    4. Only drivers carrying passengers
    Show answer

    Instruction and Restricted permit holders. South Dakota places a special wireless-device ban on Instruction Permit and Restricted Permit holders while they operate a motor vehicle. Full explanation in Test 3

15. 15. At this red eight-sided sign, where should you stop if a stop line or crosswalk is present?

    1. Past the crosswalk where you can see better
    2. Behind the stop line or crosswalk
    3. Only before the sign post itself
    4. Beside the sign after yielding
    Show answer

    Behind the stop line or crosswalk. A stop sign requires a full stop, and South Dakota tells drivers to stop behind the stop line or crosswalk when one is present. Full explanation in Test 3

16. 16. What does this ONE WAY arrow tell you about traffic on that street?

    1. Traffic flows only in the arrow's direction
    2. Drivers may choose either direction after stopping
    3. The arrow marks a recommended detour
    4. Only trucks must follow the arrow
    Show answer

    Traffic flows only in the arrow's direction. A one-way sign tells you that traffic is allowed only in the direction shown by the arrow. Full explanation in Test 4

17. 17. A black and white SPEED LIMIT sign tells you what?

    1. The suggested speed for bad weather
    2. The maximum safe speed allowed or minimum speed required
    3. The speed only commercial traffic must use
    4. The advisory speed for the next curve
    Show answer

    The maximum safe speed allowed or minimum speed required. South Dakota says speed limit signs are black and white and show either a maximum safe speed or a required minimum speed. Full explanation in Test 4

18. 18. What does this five-sided fluorescent yellow-green sign identify?

    1. A school crossing area
    2. A hospital service route
    3. A truck-only entrance ramp
    4. A no-passing zone
    Show answer

    A school crossing area. South Dakota notes that some warning signs may be fluorescent yellow, including school crossing signs, and its common warning list names Sch Full explanation in Test 4

19. 19. What roadway condition does this merge sign warn about?

    1. Traffic entering or joining your roadway
    2. A railroad crossing with several tracks
    3. A road closed by construction barriers
    4. A required stop at every lane line
    Show answer

    Traffic entering or joining your roadway. South Dakota lists Merging Traffic as one of the common warning signs. Full explanation in Test 4

20. 20. What condition does this skidding-car sign warn about?

    1. The road may be slippery when wet
    2. Only vehicles with chains may enter
    3. The lane is closed to passenger cars
    4. A sharp drop-off begins at the shoulder
    Show answer

    The road may be slippery when wet. South Dakota's common warning signs include Slippery When Wet. Full explanation in Test 4

21. 21. What does a yellow plus-shaped crossroad sign warn of?

    1. A cross road ahead
    2. A divided highway ending
    3. A speed limit beginning
    4. A railroad gate ahead
    Show answer

    A cross road ahead. The plus-shaped warning sign corresponds to Cross Road Ahead in South Dakota's warning sign examples. Full explanation in Test 5

22. 22. What may a driver do at a flashing yellow left-turn arrow?

    1. Turn cautiously after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians
    2. Turn immediately because oncoming traffic has a red light
    3. Stop and remain stopped until a green arrow appears
    4. Proceed straight only and cancel the turn
    Show answer

    Turn cautiously after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. A flashing yellow arrow allows the indicated left turn only when it is safe after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Full explanation in Test 5

23. 23. What should you do when an emergency vehicle with lights and siren approaches?

    1. Yield the right-of-way and pull over to the edge of the road so it may pass
    2. Stop immediately in your lane wherever you are
    3. Speed up until you reach the next intersection
    4. Follow the emergency vehicle through traffic
    Show answer

    Yield the right-of-way and pull over to the edge of the road so it may pass. South Dakota tells drivers to yield the right-of-way to an emergency vehicle when its flashing lights and sirens are on by pulling over to t Full explanation in Test 5

24. 24. What shape and color combination usually identifies a warning sign in South Dakota?

    1. A blue rectangle with white symbols
    2. A yellow diamond with black letters or symbols
    3. A green rectangle with white distance information
    4. A red triangle pointing downward
    Show answer

    A yellow diamond with black letters or symbols. Warning signs usually use a yellow diamond with black lettering or symbols to call attention to possible danger ahead. Full explanation in Test 5

25. 25. Where does the South Dakota manual say to find the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle?

    1. On the tire sidewall only
    2. At any gas station pump
    3. In the owner's manual or on the driver side door jamb
    4. On the registration card
    Show answer

    In the owner's manual or on the driver side door jamb. Before entering a vehicle, check tire pressures using the recommended PSI located in the vehicle owner's manual or on the driver side door j Full explanation in Test 5

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

    1. At the 2 and 10 o'clock positions
    2. Together at the bottom of the wheel
    3. At the 3 and 9 o'clock positions
    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 6

27. 27. When may a driver under 18 with a restricted minor's permit drive alone after 10 p.m.?

    1. When taking the most direct route to or from school, church, work, or farm related work
    2. Whenever the trip is inside the driver's home county
    3. Only when carrying no passengers and staying under 35 mph
    4. Any time after completing one month on the restricted permit
    Show answer

    When taking the most direct route to or from school, church, work, or farm related work. A restricted minor's permit normally limits unsupervised driving after 10 p.m., but South Dakota lists specific direct route exceptions. Full explanation in Test 6

28. 28. At a flashing red traffic light, what action is required?

    1. Treat it like a yield sign and roll through if clear
    2. Come to a complete stop, then go when safe
    3. Proceed without stopping because cross traffic has yellow
    4. Stop only when pedestrians are in a marked crosswalk
    Show answer

    Come to a complete stop, then go when safe. A flashing red light has the same meaning as a stop sign. You must come to a complete stop and may proceed only when the way is safe. Full explanation in Test 6

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

    1. Leave identifying and crash information where the owner can find it
    2. Drive away if the damage appears minor
    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 6

30. 30. What should you do if your vehicle breaks down on a highway?

    1. Stop just past a hill so approaching traffic slows
    2. Leave the vehicle in the lane with headlights off
    3. Get off the road and turn on emergency flashers
    4. Stand behind the vehicle to direct traffic around it
    Show answer

    Get off the road and turn on emergency flashers. For a highway breakdown, get the vehicle off the road and away from traffic, then turn on emergency flashers so other drivers can see the pr Full explanation in Test 6

31. 31. What color are service signs that point to facilities such as rest areas, gas stations, or hospitals?

    1. Blue with white letters or symbols
    2. Orange with black construction symbols
    3. Yellow with black hazard symbols
    4. Brown with white route numbers
    Show answer

    Blue with white letters or symbols. Service signs are blue with white letters or symbols, and they guide drivers to facilities such as rest areas, gas, campgrounds, and hospita Full explanation in Test 7

32. 32. 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. Bicycles are not allowed on roads at night
    3. Some bikes may not have the reflectors or lights they should have
    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 mus Full explanation in Test 7

33. 33. When may a driver turn right on a red light?

    1. After stopping, when safe, unless a sign prohibits it
    2. Without stopping if the right lane is clear
    3. Only when a green arrow appears
    4. Only from a one way street onto another one way street
    Show answer

    After stopping, when safe, unless a sign prohibits it. South Dakota allows a right turn on red after a complete stop when it is safe and no sign prohibits the turn. Full explanation in Test 7

34. 34. If you are involved in a crash where someone is injured or killed, who must be notified?

    1. Only your insurance company
    2. The police
    3. The nearest vehicle repair shop
    4. A driver licensing examiner
    Show answer

    The police. When a crash injures or kills someone, the police must be notified. Full explanation in Test 7

35. 35. Why does the South Dakota manual say to lower your speed in places where people gather or traffic is heavy?

    1. Speed limits are always 15 mph in those places
    2. Pedestrians there always have the right of way
    3. Room to move is limited, and you need time to react in a crowded space
    4. Police enforce speed more strictly there
    Show answer

    Room to move is limited, and you need time to react in a crowded space. The manual's trouble spots are places like shopping centers, parking lots, downtown areas, and anywhere people gather or traffic is heavy. Full explanation in Test 7

36. 36. How should you drive through a South Dakota work zone?

    1. Reduce speed, increase following distance, and watch for workers
    2. Keep the normal limit because work areas are short
    3. Follow closely so no vehicle enters your lane
    4. Ignore work signs after you pass the first barrel
    Show answer

    Reduce speed, increase following distance, and watch for workers. Work zones call for lower speed and more space because lanes can narrow, pavement may be rough, and workers or equipment may be near traffic Full explanation in Test 8

37. 37. You have a green light, but pedestrians are still in the intersection. What should you do?

    1. Yield until the pedestrians are clear
    2. Drive through because green gives priority over pedestrians
    3. Honk once and steer around them
    4. Enter the crosswalk and wait there
    Show answer

    Yield until the pedestrians are clear. A green signal does not erase the duty to yield to pedestrians who are in the intersection. Full explanation in Test 8

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

    1. Only when you are behind it on a two-lane road
    2. Whenever its red lights flash or stop arm is extended unless a physical barrier separates the roadway
    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 roa Full explanation in Test 8

39. 39. When turning right on red in South Dakota, what must you do first?

    1. Come to a complete stop and yield to all traffic including pedestrians and bicyclists
    2. Roll through if no sign prohibits the turn
    3. Turn from any lane that has a clear opening
    4. Wait for a green arrow in every situation
    Show answer

    Come to a complete stop and yield to all traffic including pedestrians and bicyclists. Right on red is allowed only after a complete stop when it is safe and no sign prohibits the turn. Full explanation in Test 8

40. 40. In South Dakota, which driving action belongs in the aggressive-driving category?

    1. Checking mirrors before changing lanes
    2. Following too closely or making unsafe lane changes
    3. Stopping behind a marked stop line
    4. Yielding to pedestrians in a crosswalk
    Show answer

    Following too closely or making unsafe lane changes. The manual identifies behaviors such as speeding, close following, unsafe lane changes, poor signaling, and disobeying controls as aggressiv Full explanation in Test 8