SOUTH DAKOTA CDL PRACTICE TEST - GENERAL KNOWLEDGE
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The CDL general knowledge test is required to be taken by all CDL applicants. The South Dakota CDL test consists of 50 questions. To pass, you must correctly answer at least 40 questions (80%). The general knowledge test covers the contents of the South Dakota CDL Manual.
All CDL applicants (Class A, B and C) must study the following sections: Driving Safely, Transporting Cargo Safely, Air Brakes (if you plan to operate vehicles equipped with air brakes), Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Control Skills Test, Road Test. In addition, the Class A CDL test will include questions based on the Combination Vehicles section. Take this CDL practice test now to prepare for the actual SD general knowledge test!
To get your CDL, you must pass both the knowledge and skills tests. CDL knowledge tests include: General Knowledge, Passenger Transport, Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles, Hazardous Materials, Tanker Vehicles, Doubles/Triples, School Bus, Firefighter. Depending on what class of license (A, B or C) and endorsements you need, you must take one or more knowledge tests. A special endorsement is also required to drive certain types of vehicles. The following endorsements may be used with a Class A, B or C CDL: HazMat (H), Tank Vehicles (N), Tank Vehicles Transporting Hazardous Materials (X) and Passenger Transport (P). The School Bus endorsement (S) is only available for Class A or B CDL, and the Doubles/Triples endorsement (T) is only available for Class A driver's licenses.
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1.
Broken suspension parts can be very dangerous. When inspecting your vehicle for suspension system defects, look for:
Spring hangers that allow movement of axle from proper position.
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Damaged air suspension systems.
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Broken leaves in a multi-leaf spring.
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All of the above.
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2.
When traction is poor, as in rain or snow, you should speed up very gradually. If you don't:
brake pressure will push the rod out.
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you will exceed the speed limit.
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the brakes will not work.
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you could lose control.
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3.
When driving on slippery surfaces, you should:
make turns as quickly as possible.
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not pass slower vehicles unless necessary.
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change lanes often.
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All of the above.
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4.
In order to protect yourself and others, you must be aware that children may do something hazardous because:
they don't have a driving license.
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they tend to like trucks.
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they tend to act quickly without checking traffic.
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they are often found in school zones.
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5.
Which of these should you check before driving in winter?
Coolant level and antifreeze amount
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Windshield wiper blades
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Defrosters
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All of the above.
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6.
To maintain alertness while driving, you should:
avoid heavy foods.
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have another person ride with you.
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avoid medications that cause drowsiness.
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All of the above.
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7.
Distracted driving can cause collisions. Which of the following can distract your attention while you are driving?
Driving below the speed limit.
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Talking to passengers.
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Listening to music.
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All of the above.
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8.
Key suspension system parts include:
Bearing plates
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Tie rod
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Lock rings
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All of the above.
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9.
You should schedule trips for:
any time that fits your schedule.
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the hours you are normally awake.
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the middle of the day.
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the middle of the night.
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10.
When using a fire extinguisher on a fire, you should:
stay as far away from the fire as possible.
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aim the extinguisher at the top of the fire.
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get as close to the fire as possible.
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All of the above.
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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 Practice Test
Number of questions: | 50 |
Correct answers to pass: | 40 |
Passing score: | 80% |
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