CDL VEHICLE INSPECTION TEST SOUTH DAKOTA

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To obtain a CDL, you will be required to pass a vehicle inspection test. The vehicle inspection test, formerly known as pre-trip, is a skills test to see if you identify which features and equipment on the test vehicle should be inspected before driving. During the test, you will be asked to do an inspection of your vehicle. You will be expected to show your knowledge of the inspection process and you will be tested to see if you know whether your vehicle is safe to drive. During the CDL inspection test, DMV does not allow the use of testing aids, other than the vehicle inspection guide in the South Dakota CDL Manual. To prepare for the test, study the following sections of the CDL manual: Driving Safely and the Vehicle Inspection Test. If you do not pass the CDL inspection test, the other skills tests will be postponed.
1. What should you do to test your hydraulic brakes for leaks?
Pump the brake pedal three times, then apply pressure to the pedal and hold for five seconds.
Pump the brake pedal five times, then apply pressure for three seconds.
Pump the brake pedal three times, then apply pressure for 9 seconds.
Hold the brake pedal down for five seconds, then pump it three times.
2. Key suspension system parts include:
Tie rod
Lock rings
Bearing plates
All of the above.
3. When you inspect the front of your vehicle as part of the walk around inspection, you check all of the following EXCEPT:
the condition of your front axle.
the condition of the windshield.
the condition of the steering system.
the air pressure gauge.
4. When taking the road test, after driving under an overpass, you may be asked:
what the weight limit was.
what the license plate number of the vehicle ahead of you was.
what the posted clearance or height was.
how wide the overpass was.
5. During the vehicle inspection test, when asked to check the power steering fluid you should:
ensure that the power steering fluid level is above the refill mark.
check for adequate power steering fluid level.
indicate where power steering fluid dipstick is located.
All of the above.
6. Suspension system defects include:
steering wheel play of more than 10 degrees.
rust around wheel nuts.
cracked or broken spring hangers.
All of the above.
7. Name some key suspension system parts.
Pitman arm, hydraulic fluid reservoir and tie rod
Drag link, spindle and gear box
Main spring, axle and font axle hanger
Mufflers, tailpipes and vertical stacks
8. You pump the brake pedal three times, then hold it down for five seconds, making sure that the pedal does not move. You are checking:
the parking brake.
the service brake.
the hydraulic brakes.
the air brakes.
9. During the vehicle inspection test, after checking the area around the vehicle for hazards, and before opening the engine compartment door, you should:
check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir.
depress the clutch.
check that the parking brakes are set and/or the wheels are chocked.
remove the battery.
10. When performing the stop/start maneuver during the skills test, you should:
not use your turn signals.
activate your left turn signal.
apply the brakes as hard as you can without locking the wheels.
decelerate smoothly.
 
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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 Inspection Test

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