South Dakota DPS Knowledge Test & Permit Practice – 2026
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#1. You are driving on a busy street, and your accelerator sticks. What is the best thing to do?
If the vehicle is accelerating out of control:
- Turn off the engine (do not lock).
- Shift to neutral and search for an escape path.
- Steer smoothly, brake gently, and pull off the roadway.
- Have the pedal repaired at a service center before driving again
Never turn your vehicle’s ignition to the lock position while it is still in motion. This will cause the steering to lock if you try to turn the steering wheel, and you will lose control of your vehicle.
#2. When you park on a hill headed uphill, and there is a curb, you should turn your front wheels:
Parking on a hill:
- Check for traffic in the mirrors and blind spots. Signal right and pull over as far to the right as possible and stop. Slow as you are moving out of traffic.
- Turn the wheels sharply to the left if there is a curb and facing uphill.
- Turn the wheels sharply to the right if there is no curb or if facing downhill.
- Set the emergency brake and place the vehicle in park. If the vehicle has a manual transmission, shift it into reverse if parking downhill or into the lowest gear if parking uphill.
#3. A shared center left turn lane must be used for:
Shared center lanes are reserved for making left turns (or U-turns when they are permitted) by vehicles traveling in either direction. On the pavement, left-turn arrows for traffic in one direction alternate with left-turn arrows for traffic coming from the other direction. These lanes are marked on each side by solid yellow and dashed yellow lines. Be sure you enter the lane only if it is safe to do so.
#4. This sign tells you:
No Left Turn.
Remember, anytime you see a sign bearing a red circle with a slash mark across a black arrow (or another symbol), it means do not do whatever is shown by the arrow (or other symbol).
#5. When an emergency vehicle using flashing red lights approaches you from behind, you must
South Dakota law requires all motorists from any direction approaching an authorized emergency vehicle making use of red visual signals, to come to a complete stop before reaching the stopped emergency vehicle and may, unless otherwise directed, proceed with caution only after making sure it is safe to do so.
#6. This sign alerts drivers in advance of:
Deer crossing.
Deer often cross the road in this area. Slow down if you see deer or other wildlife.
#7. Traffic facing a steady red signal may turn right:
A steady RED traffic light means come to a complete stop. This device is to alert you of the red light and that you must stop. You must wait until the traffic light turns green and there is no crossing traffic before you may proceed. If you are turning right, you may turn after coming to a complete stop if it is safe to do so and if there is no sign prohibiting turning on a red light.
#8. To back your vehicle safely, you should:
Follow these steps to back a vehicle up safely:
- Check behind the vehicle before you get in it. Children and small objects cannot be seen from the driver’s seat.
- Place your foot on the brake and shift to reverse.
- Grasp the steering wheel at the 12 o’clock position with your left hand.
- Place your right arm on the back of the passenger seat to the right and look directly through the rear window.
- Occasionally check your mirrors when backing up but keep in mind that these mirrors do not show the area immediately behind your vehicle. If your vehicle is equipped with a rearview camera, occasionally check it while backing up.
- Accelerate gently and smoothly, keeping your speed slow. Your vehicle is much harder to steer while you are backing up.
#9. When you see a truck preparing for a right turn ahead, you should:
Truck drivers must make wide turns in order for the rear of the truck can clear corners and curbs. It is very important to pay close attention when a large vehicle uses turn signals. Do not pass a truck until it has completed turning as sometimes it uses space from other lanes to clear corners.
#10. When driving near a pedestrian who is carrying a white cane and using a guide dog, you must:
Blind pedestrians have special protection under the law. You must always yield the right-of-way to persons who are visually impaired. When a pedestrian is crossing a street guided by a dog or carrying a white cane, you must come to a complete stop.
#11. A first suspension under the rules of South Dakota point system will last for:
Periods of Suspension:
- First Suspension 60 days
- Second Suspension 6 months
- Subsequent Suspension 1 year
#12. A driver must wear a safety belt:
Safety belts should be worn even if the vehicle is equipped with airbags. Air bags are supplemental restraints and are designed to work best in combination with safety belts. In a collision, airbags and safety belts reduce the chance that your head and upper body will strike some part of the vehicle’s interior.
#13. This road sign means:
Y Intersection. The road branches to the right and left ahead. You must bear either right or left.
#14. Which background color is used for motorist service signs?
Motorist services signs are white on blue. They direct you to services, such as gas, food, motels, and hospitals. Blue is also used to identify parking spaces for disabled drivers.
#15. What is the best advice for a driver who has been drinking alcohol?
The best advice is not to drive a vehicle of any kind if you have consumed alcohol or other drugs. Never get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or using other impairing drugs.
#16. Why should you use special caution when driving in rural areas at dawn, dusk, and in the first few hours after darkness falls?
Deer are most active in the dusk and dawn hours, so be especially alert while driving during these times. Scan the sides of the road to watch for the reflection of the vehicle headlights in the eyes of deer.
#17. To avoid getting tired on a long trip, it is often a good idea to:
Eat lightly. Do not eat a large meal before you leave. Some people get sleepy after they eat a big meal.
#18. What do the light gray areas in this picture show?
Blind spots are areas around the vehicle where your view is obstructed. You cannot see pedestrians or other vehicles in the rearview or side mirrors when they are in these locations. It is important to know the location of any blind spots. Before making lane changes or turns, quickly turn your head to look for any hidden pedestrians or vehicles. Avoid driving in other driver’s blind spots. Be particularly conscious of blind spots when driving near commercial vehicles.
#19. Why should you always look carefully for motorcycles before changing lanes?
Motorcycles are small and therefore more difficult to see. Be aware that motorcycles can be part of the traffic mix. Always check your mirrors and blind spots for them. Before turning left, be alert for motorcycles by looking carefully to the front and sides of your vehicle.
#20. What does this sign mean?
Stop sign ahead. One of the most important caution signs is the stop ahead sign. It is placed far ahead of a stop sign when the driver’s view of the stop sign is blocked by a curve or other objects.
#21. What is most important when you adjust to a safe speed?
Posted speed limits do not tell you at what speed to drive. They only tell you what the maximum legal speed is under ideal conditions. If the road is wet or icy, if you cannot see well, or if traffic is heavy, then you must slow down. Even if you driveunder the posted speed limit, you can get a ticket for traveling too fast under these conditions.
#22. When are you allowed to pass a school bus?
You may pass a school bus in motion (red lights and extended stop arm is not used when in motion).
#23. When driving on winter roads, you should:
In the first storm of the season, most drivers have forgotten their safe winter driving skills. They will drive too fast and try to stop too quickly.
Go slowly. Increase following distances. Avoid sudden, sharp turns. Use light braking. Drive defensively. Relearn your skills.
Remember, posted limits are intended for summer months on dry pavement.
#24. When making a left turn on a two-way street with multiple lanes, you should complete the turn in:
Finish your turn in the proper lane. Turn into the lane nearest and to the right of the center line. Some intersections are marked to permit turns from more than one lane, and you may make your turns as indicated by signs or pavement markings.
#25. When driving at night in construction areas with no oncoming traffic, you should turn on:
Use your high beams whenever there are no oncoming vehicles. High beams let you see twice as far as low beams. It is important to use high beams on unfamiliar roads, in construction areas or where there may be people along the side of the road.
Dim your lights when necessary. Do not use high beams in fog or when it is snowing or raining hard.
| This South Dakota DMV Practice Test | |
|---|---|
| Number of questions on each test: | 25 |
| Question pool: | 500+ |
| Type of test: | Random multiple-choice |
| South Dakota DMV Written Knowledge Test | |
|---|---|
| Number of questions on exam: | 25 questions |
| Passing score: | 80 percent |
| Correct answers to pass: | 20 |
| Allotted time to complete test: | No limit |
| Wait time before retest: | 1 day |
South Dakota Practice Tests
This South Dakota knowledge test has 25 random questions, just like the actual SD knowledge examination. You must correctly answer 20 questions to pass the test, meaning you must reach a passing score of 80 percent.
After each question, there is instant feedback to let you know whether your answer is correct. When you miss a question, there is also a brief explanation based on the information in your Driver’s License Manual.
You will find answers to all exam questions in the South Dakota Driver’s License Manual, so make sure you read it.
You can get a hard copy from any DPS location or download a PDF version online .
Each practice test has random questions (just like the real knowledge test). It pulls questions from an extensive database with several hundred questions, making every test slightly different. You will see new questions every time you start over.
You can repeat the practice test until you feel ready for the real South Dakota DPS test.
Please note that this is a practice test, not an actual examination that qualifies for a test certificate. South Dakota does not offer knowledge testing from the comfort of your home.
You should also know that Driversprep.com is not affiliated with South Dakota DPS or any Government Entity.
After reading the Driver’s License Manual, you should take practice tests to verify how much you’ve learned. Most likely, you will miss some questions when you start practicing. Read the short comment and look up information in the manual. If you need more clarification on the answers and why they are correct, find someone to discuss rules and safe driving techniques with. It will help you learn much faster.
An essential key to success is to read all questions and choices carefully. Try not to add your information or read anything into a question that isn’t there.
Another common mistake is to try to memorize questions and answers. It is a risky study tactic and no guarantee of passing the real exam.
You must truly know and understand the information in the Driver’s License Manual to pass the real permit examination.
What You Must Know About the Real South Dakota Knowledge Test
Your first step towards a South Dakota driver’s license contains two tests:
A vision screening
A written knowledge test (on a computer)
If you need glasses/lenses for your vision screening, remember to bring them. If you fail the vision screening, you will not be allowed to take any other tests.
The passing score on the South Dakota permit test is 80%. You need 20 correct answers to pass. If you fail the written test, you must wait at least one day before you can try again. There is no new fee the second time your try, but after three attempts, you must pay a new fee.
A parent or legal guardian must accompany minors when they visit a Driver Licensing office.
Languages
The written test is available in English only.
Driver Education Course
If you have passed an approved South Dakota driver education course with at least an 80% score, you don’t have to take an additional knowledge test at a driver exam office.
Remember to bring the driver’s education certificate to the driver exam station and pass the vision screening.
Is the South Dakota Permit Test Difficult?
South Dakota does not publish failure rates, but experts estimate that about one out of three fail their first attempt on the test.
Who Must Take the South Dakota Test?
All new drivers
If you are a first-time applicant, you must always pass all tests.
If you are under 18 years, you must follow the three-step program under the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) law, which includes the first Instruction Permit, the Restricted Minor’s Permit, and the full unrestricted South Dakota Driver’s License.
Drivers with an expired license
If you let your South Dakota Driver’s License expire more than 30 days, the examiner will ask you to retake the knowledge test.
Drivers with a revoked license
If the department has revoked your driving privilege, you must pass all applicable tests, including a new application fee and a reinstatement fee.
Suppose the department has suspended your driving privilege. In that case, you don’t have to take any new tests for the department to reinstate your privilege – unless the license expires for more than 30 days during the suspension period.
Drivers with a license from another country
A foreign driver’s license holder who moves to South Dakota must pass the same tests as first-time applicants. Exemptions exist for holders of a valid license from Canada or Germany.
When you hold a valid driver’s license in another state or territory and move to South Dakota, no testing (except vision screening) is necessary to get a South Dakota driver’s license.
What is on the Official South Dakota Written Test?
The DPS designs written tests to test your:
“…ability to read and understand highway signs regulating, warning, and directing traffic, the knowledge of the traffic laws of this state.”
You should expect a few questions about the road signs described in the South Dakota Driver’s License Manual. Remember to learn how colors and shapes convey information.
You will also see questions about traffic signals and pavement markings. Know when you can cross yellow center lines and when you cannot.
There is also a clear focus on how to safely share our highways with pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and commercial vehicles such as tractor-trailers and large trucks.
Specific South Dakota traffic laws include the consequences of impaired driving and the purpose of the South Dakota point system.
Many questions in the question pool also deal with everyday driving situations, such as right-of-way rules at intersections and what to do in case of accidents and vehicle failure.
Remember, you will find everything you need to know for your test in the Driver’s License Manual.
South Dakota Permit and License FAQ
What documents do I need to apply for a South Dakota permit or driver license?
If you are a US citizen, you should bring an original or certified birth certificate, social security card, and two documents proving your South Dakota address. If you are a minor, proof of address can be provided by the parent who comes to the driver's license exam station with you.
If you are a non-citizen, you need an unexpired permanent resident card or unexpired U.S. Visa with an unexpired I-94, social security card, and two documents proving your South Dakota address.
Do I need my parents approval when I apply for an instruction permit?
If you are under 18 years, you must have approval of a parent/legal guardian, and the parent/legal guardian must accompany you when apply for the permit.
A parent or guardian who signed for you to get your permit can at any time request to have your permit or license canceled.
Can I practice driving with any adult driver?
When you hold an instruction permit and practice driving, you must be supervised by a licensed driver who is at least 18 years old and have at least one year driving experience. The supervising driver must always sit in a front seat beside you.
Can I practice driving at night when I have an instruction permit?
The Instruction Permit allows you to practice from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. if you you are supervised by a driver who is not a licensed parent or guardian.
From 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., you must have a parent or legal guardian seated beside you.
When can I change my Instruction Permit to a Restricted Minor’s Permit?
The holding period for the Instruction permit is 180 days if you have satisfactorily completed a state-approved driver education program. This means that you must 14 years and 180 days old before you can apply for the Restricted Minor's Permit.
If you haven't completed a driver education course, this holding period is extended to 275 days and the minimum age for applying becomes 14 years and 275 days.
During these periods you must have a minimum of 50 hours of parent/guardian supervised driving (10 hours at nightand 10 hours in inclement weather) to upgrade to a Restricted Permit.
You cannot have had any traffic convictions within the last six months when you apply.
Can I drive alone with a South Dakota Minor's Permit?
Yes, the minor's permit allows you, with your parent's or guardian's permission, to drive unsupervised during daytime (between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
If you want to drive at night, a parent or legal guardian must occupy a seat beside you.
When you are 16 years old, you can apply for a full operator's license with full driving privileges and no restrictions.
What if I get a traffic ticket when I have an Instruction Permit?
Your Instruction Permit or Restricted Minor’s Permit will be suspended for 30 days if you are under 16 years old and are convicted of a traffic violation or of violating the restrictions of your permit.
If you are convicted a second time, the suspension period is 90 days or until you turn 16, whichever is longer.
When can I get a full and unrestricted driver's license?
You must be at least 16 years of age and have met the requirements of an Instruction Permit (see above) to get your full SD Driver's License.
You must have held a Restricted Permit for a minimum of six months.
If you have achieved at least an 80% grade in a state-approved driver education course within the last year, no road skills test is necessary.
Final Note
We have designed all tests to challenge your knowledge of the rules of the road and safe driving practices. When you use our practice tests as a study guide, you can prepare for and pass the South Dakota DPS knowledge test without problems.
