CDL COMBINATION PRACTICE TEST SOUTH DAKOTA

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Drivers who want to drive combination vehicles must pass the combination vehicles test. The South Dakota CDL combination test consists of 20 questions, and you'll need at least 16 correct answers to pass (80%). The test covers the combination vehicles section of the South Dakota CDL Manual. Take this practice test now to prepare for the actual SD CDL combination test!
1. When coupling, you should:
make sure the sliding fifth-wheel is locked.
make sure the trailer kingpin is bent.
be aware that wrong coupling and uncoupling can be very dangerous.
make sure the trailer wheels are not chocked.
2. When going down grades, you should:
rely solely on engine braking to reduce your speed.
put the transmission in Neutral.
downshift to a lower gear.
shift up.
3. Glad hands are:
securement devices.
coupling devices.
warning devices.
electronic devices.
4. Axle weight is:
the value specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of one axle.
the weight transmitted to the ground by one axle or one set of axles.
the maximum safe weight your tires can carry at a specified pressure.
the weight of all the axles added together.
5. If you must drive slowly, how should you alert following drivers?
Flash your brake lights
Help them out by signaling when it is safe to pass
Turn on your taillights
Use your emergency flashers if it is legal
6. Emergency lines on combination vehicles are often coded with the color ____ to keep from getting them mixed up with the ____ service line.
yellow; black
blue; red
red; yellow
red; blue
7. When parking, you should choose a spot:
that allows you to pull forward when you leave.
that allows you do a walk around inspection.
that requires backing up.
All of the above.
8. Cargo should be properly covered:
to protect people from spilled cargo.
to block your view or someone else’s.
to protect the weather from the cargo.
All of the above.
9. A high center of gravity means:
a rollover is less likely.
you are more likely to tip over.
you'll have better traction.
the spring brakes will come fully on.
10. When inspecting the coupling, make sure the fifth-wheel jaws have closed around the:
the electrical cord.
the brake camshaft.
head of the kingpin.
shank of the kingpin.
 
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Frequently Asked Questions

You can obtain an instruction permit when you are at least 14 years old. If you are under 18, you can apply for a restricted permit after holding the permit for 275 days (or 180 days if you have completed a driver education course). To obtain a full operator’s license, you must be at least 16 years old and have held a restricted permit for at least 6 months.

To take your permit test in South Dakota, you can simply visit any South Dakota driver license exam station. However, scheduling an appointment online or calling 605-773-6883 can help minimize wait times. If you've completed an approved driver education course within the past year and can provide a certificate as proof, you may waive the DMV test.

Make sure you have these documents:
  • Proof of date of birth, identity, and lawful status in the US (Birth certificate, U.S. passport…). If your legal name differs, provide proof with a marriage certificate or a court order.
  • Proof of Social Security number.
  • Two proofs of residential address (such as utility or phone bill, mortgage document, or bank statement). If you are minor, a parent/guardian could provide these for you.
  • Completed License Application Form. For minors, a parent/guardian must sign the parent/guardian consent section in front of a driver examiner or in front of a notary public.


The DMV written test in South Dakota is offered in both English and Spanish. It is advisable to have a basic understanding of English since you will find road signs always in English when driving.

The DMV written test covers various topics, such as road signs, parallel parking, turning, passing a vehicle, yielding the right of way, etc. Studying the official South Dakota Driver’s Handbook is the first step to pass the exam because it contains all of this information. Once you've read it, you can take our free practice tests to test your preparation.

For new drivers in South Dakota, specific restrictions apply depending on the type of permit held.

With an instruction permit:
  • You must have an adult with a driver's license for at least one year, seated beside you.
  • The use of any wireless communication device while driving is prohibited.

With a restricted minor’s permit:
  • You may drive between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. with the authorization of a parent or legal guardian.
  • Between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., you can drive only with a parent or legal guardian seated beside you or you can drive alone only for school/church events or work activities.
  • For the first 6 months, you cannot transport any passengers except siblings. After this period, you may only have one passenger who is not a family member.
  • The use of any wireless communication device while driving is prohibited.

The South Dakota instruction permit is valid for five years or until the expiration date of the documents authorizing your presence in the United States. Use this time to fulfill the necessary requirements before taking the road test.
In case you don't pass your DMV written test, you'll need to wait until the next working day before trying again. You have up to three attempts within a six-month period. However, if you fail three times within six months, you must pay a new fee to retake the exam.

SD CDL Combination Test

Number of questions: 20
Correct answers to pass:16
Passing score:80%
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