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
10. Test 10

Printable SD practice test with answer key

40 sample 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. 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 1

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

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

3. 3. What is the penalty class for simply failing to move over or slow down for a stopped vehicle using amber, yellow, or blue warning lights in South Dakota (no crash)?

   1. A Class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by a fine and/or county jail
   2. A petty offense
   3. A Class 6 felony
   4. No penalty unless an officer is hurt
   Show answer

   A Class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by a fine and/or county jail. Violating South Dakota's stopped-vehicle law is a Class 2 misdemeanor punishable by a fine and/or time in county jail. Full explanation in Test 3

4. 4. What following distance should you normally keep behind the vehicle ahead?

   
   1. One car length for every 20 mph of speed
   2. A minimum of 4 seconds
   3. At least 2 seconds in town and 3 seconds on highways
   4. Close enough to read the rear license plate
   Show answer

   A minimum of 4 seconds. South Dakota teaches a minimum 4 second following distance for ordinary driving. Full explanation in Test 4

5. 5. When a disabled vehicle is stopped on a 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 lane and wait behind it
   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 moving the vehicle out of traffic when that can be done. Full explanation in Test 5

6. 6. You are turning right on red in South Dakota. What must you do before proceeding?

   
   1. Yield only to cars, then complete the turn
   2. Roll through if the nearest lane is open
   3. Stop, then yield to traffic including pedestrians, bicyclists, and cars
   4. Turn without stopping when no sign prohibits it
   Show answer

   Stop, then yield to traffic including pedestrians, bicyclists, and cars. A right turn on red is allowed only after a complete stop and only when it is safe. Full explanation in Test 6

7. 7. 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 7

8. 8. What is prohibited by this red-slashed right-turn sign?

   
   1. Stopping before entering the intersection
   2. A left turn from the nearest lane
   3. A right turn where the sign is posted
   4. Proceeding straight after checking traffic
   Show answer

   A right turn where the sign is posted. The South Dakota manual lists No Right Turn among common regulatory signs. Full explanation in Test 8

9. 9. 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 9

10. 10. Which debt can cost a South Dakota driver the license?

    1. Any unpaid parking meter
    2. A credit card balance over $500
    3. Owing $1,000 or more to a South Dakota government agency
    4. A $100 library fine
    Show answer

    Owing $1,000 or more to a South Dakota government agency. The manual lists owing debt to a South Dakota government agency totaling $1,000 or more as a reason to lose the license, along with failing Full explanation in Test 10

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

    1. Whenever the trip is inside the driver's home county
    2. When taking the most direct route to or from school, church, work, or farm related work
    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 1

12. 12. When children are present at a school zone or school crossing, what should you do?

    1. Obey the lower school speed limit and be ready to stop
    2. Drive the regular speed unless a crossing guard waves
    3. Sound the horn so children wait on the curb
    4. Change lanes and keep moving at the posted highway speed
    Show answer

    Obey the lower school speed limit and be ready to stop. South Dakota tells drivers to use a slower speed in a school zone when lights are flashing or children are present. Full explanation in Test 2

13. 13. 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

14. 14. A South Dakota driver with a second DWI is caught driving without a license during the revocation. What jail sentence does the manual require?

    1. None, only a fine
    2. At least three days in county jail, which may not be suspended
    3. At least ten days
    4. Exactly 30 days
    Show answer

    At least three days in county jail, which may not be suspended. After a second DWI, the license is lost for a minimum of one year. Full explanation in Test 4

15. 15. What is the fee for a new or renewed regular South Dakota driver license or instruction permit?

    1. $20.00
    2. $10.00
    3. $50.00
    4. $38.00
    Show answer

    $38.00. The fee schedule lists a regular driver license or instruction permit, whether an upgrade, new issue, renewal or transfer from out of state, Full explanation in Test 5

16. 16. Which listed option may satisfy South Dakota financial responsibility without buying a standard owner liability policy?

    1. A vehicle title kept in the glove box
    2. A notarized promise to pay future crash costs
    3. A $50,000 certificate of deposit or securities with the State Treasurer
    4. A receipt for the last fuel purchase
    Show answer

    A $50,000 certificate of deposit or securities with the State Treasurer. South Dakota lists several ways to maintain financial responsibility, and one non-policy method is a $50,000 certificate of deposit or secur Full explanation in Test 6

17. 17. What are shared center lanes reserved for?

    1. Passing slow traffic in either direction
    2. Driving straight during rush hour only
    3. Stopping for loading and unloading passengers
    4. Making left turns or permitted U-turns from either direction
    Show answer

    Making left turns or permitted U-turns from either direction. Shared center lanes are for left turns, and for U-turns only where U-turns are allowed, by traffic traveling in either direction. Full explanation in Test 7

18. 18. 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

19. 19. How long is a South Dakota driver's first point system suspension?

    1. A 30 day suspension
    2. A 6 month suspension
    3. A 60 day suspension
    4. A 1 year suspension
    Show answer

    A 60 day suspension. South Dakota's periods of suspension under the point system are 60 days for a first suspension, 6 months for a second, and 1 year for any la Full explanation in Test 9

20. 20. In South Dakota, what must you do when approaching a stopped authorized emergency vehicle using red lights?

    1. Honk and pass quickly
    2. Slow to 20 mph under the limit and continue
    3. Change lanes only if traffic is light
    4. Come to a complete stop before reaching it, then proceed with caution when safe
    Show answer

    Come to a complete stop before reaching it, then proceed with caution when safe. South Dakota law requires motorists from any direction approaching an authorized emergency vehicle using red visual signals to come to a com Full explanation in Test 10

21. 21. What do orange work zone signs warn drivers about?

    1. Construction, maintenance, or emergency operations ahead
    2. Railroad crossings with multiple tracks
    3. Tourist destinations and recreation areas
    4. Hospital and rest area services nearby
    Show answer

    Construction, maintenance, or emergency operations ahead. Orange work zone signs alert you that construction, maintenance, or emergency operations are ahead. Full explanation in Test 1

22. 22. In which direction does traffic move through a South Dakota roundabout?

    1. One-way clockwise
    2. One-way counterclockwise
    3. Two-way around the center island
    4. Any direction marked by the nearest driver
    Show answer

    One-way counterclockwise. South Dakota describes roundabout traffic as moving one way in a counterclockwise direction. Full explanation in Test 2

23. 23. At an intersection, how should a South Dakota driver treat right-of-way rules?

    1. Assume the listed driver may go first every time
    2. Use the rules as a guide, but judge the actual situation
    3. Enter first whenever no stop sign faces your lane
    4. Rely on other drivers to give extra space
    Show answer

    Use the rules as a guide, but judge the actual situation. Right-of-way rules tell drivers who should yield, but South Dakota warns against treating them as automatic permission to move. Full explanation in Test 3

24. 24. How many points trigger a possible license suspension under South Dakota's point system?

    1. 15 points in any 12 consecutive months, or 22 points in any 24 consecutive months
    2. 8 points in any 12 months
    3. 12 points in any 24 months
    4. 30 points in any 36 months
    Show answer

    15 points in any 12 consecutive months, or 22 points in any 24 consecutive months. South Dakota subjects an operator to suspension after accumulating 15 points in any 12 consecutive months or 22 points in any 24 consecutive Full explanation in Test 4

25. 25. What should you do when rain, snow, ice, or fog makes the posted maximum speed unsafe?

    1. Use the minimum speed sign as your target
    2. Drive exactly the posted maximum to avoid surprising others
    3. Reduce speed below the posted maximum
    4. Speed up until visibility improves
    Show answer

    Reduce speed below the posted maximum. A posted maximum assumes ideal driving conditions. Full explanation in Test 5

26. 26. When turning left in South Dakota, which traffic must you yield to?

    
    1. Drivers in the opposing traffic lane
    2. Drivers behind you in your lane
    3. Parked vehicles on the far curb
    4. Only vehicles with flashing headlights
    Show answer

    Drivers in the opposing traffic lane. A left turn crosses the path of vehicles coming from the opposite direction, so South Dakota directs the turning driver to yield to opposing Full explanation in Test 6

27. 27. A South Dakota driver under 21 is convicted of a second Zero Tolerance offense (BAC 0.02% or more). What license loss applies?

    1. A 180 day loss
    2. A 30 day loss
    3. A one year loss
    4. Loss until age 21
    Show answer

    A 180 day loss. Under Zero Tolerance, a first offense is a Class 2 misdemeanor with a fine and a 30-day loss of license. Full explanation in Test 7

28. 28. 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

29. 29. When using ABS in an emergency stop, how should you press the brake pedal?

    1. Press as hard as you can and keep pressure applied
    2. Pump the brake pedal rapidly until the vibration stops
    3. Brake lightly and steer only after the vehicle stops
    4. Use the parking brake before touching the pedal
    Show answer

    Press as hard as you can and keep pressure applied. With ABS, press the brake pedal as hard as you can and keep steady pressure on it. Full explanation in Test 9

30. 30. Is a violation of South Dakota's front seat seatbelt law a moving traffic offense?

    1. Yes, it adds points like any moving violation
    2. No, the law states a violation is not a moving traffic offense
    3. Only for drivers under 18
    4. Only on interstates
    Show answer

    No, the law states a violation is not a moving traffic offense. South Dakota Codified Law 32-38-1 requires every operator and front seat passenger to wear a seatbelt while the vehicle is moving, and the d Full explanation in Test 10

31. 31. 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. On the registration card
    4. In the owner's manual or on the driver side door jamb
    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 1

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

    
    1. Only when a green arrow appears
    2. Without stopping if the right lane is clear
    3. After stopping, when safe, unless a sign prohibits it
    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 2

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

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

34. 34. Under normal conditions, what minimum following interval does South Dakota recommend?

    1. Two seconds behind the next vehicle
    2. Three car lengths at any speed
    3. One second for every ten miles per hour
    4. Four seconds behind the vehicle in front
    Show answer

    Four seconds behind the vehicle in front. South Dakota recommends a minimum four-second following distance between your car and the vehicle ahead. Full explanation in Test 4

35. 35. Why should you keep space between your car and the vehicle ahead?

    1. It lets you ignore changing traffic signals
    2. It gives you more time to react to road users
    3. It guarantees the driver behind will slow down
    4. It makes passing legal in marked no-passing zones
    Show answer

    It gives you more time to react to road users. South Dakota frames following distance as a space cushion that gives you time to adjust and react. Full explanation in Test 5

36. 36. To cut South Dakota's required Instruction Permit holding time from 275 to 180 days, what driver education result is needed?

    1. Attendance at any one-day safety class
    2. Completing a course with a score of 80% or better on both written and driving portions
    3. Passing the DMV knowledge test twice
    4. 50 logged hours with a parent
    Show answer

    Completing a course with a score of 80% or better on both written and driving portions. Minors must hold the Instruction Permit continuously for 275 days, or 180 days with successful completion of an approved Department of Educa Full explanation in Test 6

37. 37. Who may supervise a South Dakota Instruction Permit holder under 18?

    1. Only a licensed adult 25 or older
    2. Only a certified driving instructor
    3. Any licensed driver of any age
    4. A parent, legal guardian, or other adult with a valid license and at least one year of driving experience
    Show answer

    A parent, legal guardian, or other adult with a valid license and at least one year of driving experience. The supervising adult must be a parent or legal guardian, or another adult with a valid driver's license and at least one year of driving ex Full explanation in Test 7

38. 38. 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 8

39. 39. 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 9

40. 40. When passing horseback riders or animal-drawn vehicles, what should you avoid?

    1. Avoid leaving extra space
    2. Avoid slowing before you pass
    3. Avoid using the horn or revving the engine
    4. Avoid looking for driveway turns
    Show answer

    Avoid using the horn or revving the engine. Horses can be frightened by sudden noise, so South Dakota tells drivers not to honk or rev the engine near animal-drawn vehicles or riders. Full explanation in Test 10