South Dakota

South Dakota DMV Permit Practice Test 2024

The South Dakota DMV permit test consists of 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 questions correctly to get a passing score (80%). The questions in our sample tests are nearly identical to those on the official SD exam.

Not your state?
What to expect on the official SD permit test
Number of questions:
25
Correct answers needed to pass:
20
Passing score:
80%
Minimum age to apply:
14years
Length of test:
10min
Minimum period between attempts:
1day
practice test
Questions

What can you be charged with for leaving the scene of a crash resulting in serious bodily injury or death?

Drivers convicted of leaving a crash scene resulting in death or personal injury will be charged with a Class 6 Felony. A Class 6 Felony in South Dakota is punishable by imprisonment for up to 2 years and expensive fines up to $2,000.

What do flashing yellow or amber lights on a school bus mean?

Flashing amber lights are used by school buses in South Dakota and many other states to indicate that they are slowing down and preparing to stop. A motorists meeting or overtaking a school bus with flashing amber lights on a two-lane highway or private road must reduce his/her speed to to no more than 20 mph and proceed with caution. The amber lights are generally activated 100-300 feet before the bus will stop depending on the speed limit.

When is passing on the right permitted?

In South Dakota, drivers may pass on the right of a vehicle preparing for or making a left turn. However, this must not be done by driving on the shoulder.

Are you required to yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks?

In South Dakota, motorists must stop and yield to pedestrians in both marked and unmarked crosswalks. When approaching a crosswalk, use caution and watch both sides of the street for pedestrians. Pedestrians have both right and duties, and should not attempt to cross the road at any place other than a marked or unmarked crosswalk.

Which passengers have to wear a seat belt?

In South Dakota, the driver and all front-seat passengers age 18 and older must wear a seat belt. Violation of the seat belt law is a secondary offense. In addition, the child passenger safety law also requires that all children wear an appropriate child restraint. What is appropriate depends on the size, height and weight of the child.

What should you do before driving in snowy conditions?

Removing snow and ice will not only make it easier for you to see the road ahead. It will also make it easier for other road users to see you. While it can be beneficial to let your engine warm up before driving, it's unnecessary to let it warm up for 40 minutes. Checking your tire tread depth is important, but it is something you should do when driving in all weather conditions and not just snowy conditions.

Why must you be prepared to stop when driving behind a school bus and approaching a railroad crossing?

School buses, vehicles carrying passengers for hire, and vehicles transporting hazardous material must stop at all railroad crossings in South Dakota. If you are driving behind any of these vehicles, you should be prepared to stop as well.

Which of the following is a 2-point violation?

South Dakota has a point system to keep unsafe drivers off the roads. Failure to yield right-of-way is a 4-point violation. Improper passing is a 4-point violation. A stop sign or light violation is a 3-point violation. Accumulating 15 points within any 12-month period or 22 points within any 24-month period causes an automatic suspension of the driver's license.

When are studded tires permitted?

Studded tires have studs embedded in the tread that provide added traction. They are permitted in South Dakota between October 1 to April 30, and the rest of the year if retracted.

Does your trailer need to be equipped with independent braking?

The added weight of the trailer to your vehicle can drastically increase the distance needed to come to a full stop. For this reason, most states have laws regarding independent braking on trailers over a certain gross vehicle weight (GVW). In South Dakota, the gross weight limit is 3,000 lbs.

What does the child restraint law mean for children of different ages?

The child restraint law requires that children be seated in appropriate restraint systems for their size, weight and height. Child restraint laws are standard enforcement. In South Dakota: Children under 18 years of age must wear a seat belt or appropriate restraint. Children under 5 years of age or less than 40 lbs must be restrained in a child restraint system. Never place a rear-facing child safety seat in a seat that has an active airbag.

When should you begin slowing down when exiting the freeway?

When exiting a freeway or interstate, you may cause a rear-end collision if you begin slowing down too early as other drivers may not expect it. Wait until after entering the deceleration lane before slowing down.

What does this sign mean?

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The sign indicates in which direction you are allowed to turn or proceed.

You're traveling along a street with parked vehicles on the right-hand side. Why should you keep your speed down?

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When traveling near parked vehicles you should be aware of vehicles pulling out and/or drivers opening their doors. Also look between the cars for pedestrians, especially children, who may run out.

Should you turn your front wheels toward or away from the curb when parking downhill?

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Turn the wheels in the direction of the curb/side of the road when parking your vehicle facing downhill  - this way, the curb helps stop your vehicle if the parking brake fails. 

Remember to apply the parking brake and to leave your vehicle in the correct gear (reverse if a manual vehicle, and ‘P’ if an automatic vehicle). Leaving your vehicle in the correct gear will help prevent your vehicle from rolling in case of brake failure. 

You’re driving on a well-lit road at night. How will using low-beam headlights help?

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On well-lit roads, low-beam headlights will often not help you see further. However, other drivers may be able to see you more easily.

When may you turn left from a one-way street into another one-way street?

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Look for signs indicating the direction of the one-way street you are entering, and make sure you don’t turn in the wrong direction! If you turn left into a one-way street where traffic flows to the right, you will be driving in the wrong direction.

What should you do during an acceleration skid?

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Keep calm and don’t accelerate or brake hard. Regaining control over your vehicle is pivotal to avoid an accident during an acceleration skid. 

In case of an acceleration skid - keep a firm grip on the steering wheel, take your foot off the gas pedal, and steer your vehicle in the direction you want to go.

The road surface can become soft in very hot weather. This affects:

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Be extra careful when braking or cornering as your tires aren’t able to grip a soft surface as well as they can a firm dry one.

What does this sign mean?

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This service sign tells you that there is a gas station nearby.

Is Passing the South Dakota Permit Test Hard?

The written exam isn’t difficult if you come prepared. That means having studied and studied effectively. Unfortunately, about half of people don’t pass the permit test on the first attempt; and we think it’s because they tried to learn mostly from the driver’s handbook.

By using Zutobi, you save time, effort, and headaches by doing it right the first time. With Zutobi’s course, you’ll have an engaging, informative, and fun way to not just get a passing score on the written test but knock it completely out of the park!

Ace Your South Dakota Written Test With Zutobi

Zutobi’s innovative and engaging course allows you to:

  • Toss the South Dakota driver’s manual and study with an innovative system with proven results.
  • Learn from illustrations to help you understand parking, traffic laws, safe driving techniques, road signs, and even how to parallel park.
  • Apply your knowledge on dozens of South Dakota DMV practice tests to help prepare for the actual test.
  • Experience what the actual test will be like through our exam-like practice tests. Each question comes with a detailed explanation.
  • Study hard and play hard with our point system and competitions.
  • Join the 95% of Zutobi customers to pass their learner’s permit test on their first try.
  • Save time, money, and brain cells by studying for your permit test right the first time.
  • Use our app or website to study anytime, anywhere, and on any device.

Take Our Free 2024 South Dakota DMV Practice Test Now

Our practice tests prepare you for the real thing through exam-like tests. Each question comes with a detailed explanation so you can learn from your mistakes.

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