South Dakota DPS Knowledge Test & Permit Practice – 2026
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#1. When on roadways, bicycles are considered:
Bicycles are considered vehicles when on roadways. Bicyclists are required and expected to follow the same rules of the road as motorized vehicles. As a motorist, know that a bicyclist has the same rights, privileges, and responsibilities as you. Respect for each other will aid in the smooth flow of traffic.
#2. When you see a sign with this shape and color, you must:
The stop sign is the only eight sided (octagonal) sign you will see. When you come to a stop sign, you must make a complete stop.
#3. What does this sign mean?
Side Road Ahead.
The sign tells you it is a branch intersection with traffic entering from one side. Be prepared to slow down, and observe any special speed limit instructions, in the event a car enters or crosses the highway from the side road.
#4. Before turning left, it is essential to:
Before turning, check traffic behind and in front of you. Make sure that no one is trying to pass you. Yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic.
#5. What should you do if you are involved in a traffic crash, and someone is injured with severe bleeding?
If there is bleeding, apply pressure directly on the wound with your hand or with a cloth. Even severe bleeding can almost always be stopped or slowed by putting pressure on the wound.
#6. When is the pavement marked with the letter R on each side of a large X?
Pavement markings consisting of an RXR followed by a stop line closer to the tracks tell you there is a railroad crossing.
#7. Which light indicates that you may make an unprotected turn (oncoming traffic has a green light)?
If you are turning left, a flashing YELLOW arrow traffic light means you may cautiously enter the intersection to make the turn indicated by the arrow when it is safe to do so after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Oncoming traffic will have a green light.
#8. When brakes fail and you cannot get them to work:
In the event your brakes stop working while driving, use the parking brake. Pull on the parking brake handle in the center console or push the parking brake foot pedal slowly so you will not lock the rear wheels and cause a skid. Be ready to release the parking brake if the vehicle does start to skid.
look for a safe place to slow to a stop. Do not continue to drive the vehicle without working brakes.
#9. What does this sign mean?
Low Clearance. The overpass ahead has a low clearance. Do not proceed if your vehicle is too tall to pass under it.
#10. 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.
#11. When leaving a multi-lane highway with a deceleration lane, you should:
Plan to move to the lane closest to your existing point early to avoid a quick lane change. Keep up with the speed of traffic if you are on the main road. If the road on which you are traveling has exit ramps, do not slow down until you move onto the exit ramp. When you turn from a high speed, two-lane roadway, try not to slow down too early if you have traffic following you. Tap the brakes quickly but safely and reduce speed.
#12. You should not attempt to pass another vehicle:
Do not attempt to pass when an oncoming vehicle is approaching, when your view is blocked by a curve or a hill, while at intersections, or before a highway-railroad crossing or bridge.
#13. Anti-lock brakes prevent wheels from locking, which means your tires are less likely to:
Most new vehicles are equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). The ABS will allow you to stop your vehicle without skidding and keep steering control. Be sure to read the vehicle owner’s manual on how to use the ABS. The ABS system will allow you to stop without skidding. The general guidelines for using ABS are:
- Press on the brake pedal as hard as you can and keep applying constant pressure. Do not pump the brakes because this will deactivate ABS.
- ABS will work only if you keep the pressure on the brake pedal. You may feel the pedal vibrate and you may hear a clicking noise. This is normal.
#14. When is a good time to adjust your rear-view and side mirrors?
Adjust your seat and mirrors before you start to drive. This enables you to see clearly and have full control of the vehicle’s foot pedals and steering wheel.
#15. As you approach the top of a hill where your view is blocked, you should:
Remember, do not pass unless you have enough space to return to the driving lane. When your view is blocked by a curve or a hill, you should slow down, move to the right side of the road, and watch for oncoming vehicles.
Anytime the view is blocked by a curve or a hill, assume that there is an oncoming vehicle just out of sight. Therefore, treat a curve or a hill as you would an oncoming vehicle. This means you should not start to pass if you are within one-third of a mile of a hill or curve.
#16. If there is a stop sign and a stop line painted across the pavement at intersection, you must:
Many intersections are marked with stop lines to show where you must come to a complete stop. These stop lines help to set you farther back at an intersection to give larger vehicles more turning space. Always stop behind stop lines. If there are no stop lines, you must stop before the crosswalk or intersection until it is safe to proceed.
#17. This sign means you:
This sign indicates a left turn is permitted, but you must yield to oncoming traffic. It is commonly placed at intersections, near the left-turn traffic signal, to remind drivers left turns are not protected when the circular green signal comes on.
#18. To check your blind spot when changing lanes to the left, you should:
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. This flagger signal means:
To stop traffic, the free arm is held with the palm above shoulder level and facing the viewer.
Remember, motorists are responsible for knowing how to read and react to these directions.
#20. South Dakota's zero tolerance law:
All states have zero tolerance laws (no alcohol in the circulatory system) or similar laws for drivers under the age of 21.
#21. When should you always refrain from using your horn?
Never sound your horn when approaching or passing a horse.
#22. If you see a pedestrian in an unmarked crosswalk, you should:
Pedestrians are difficult to see, and it is difficult to determine their intentions. As a driver:
- Always be prepared to yield to pedestrians even if they are not in a crosswalk.
- You must yield when a pedestrian is in a crosswalk, even if it is unmarked, including mid-block crosswalks marked by warning signs and pavement markings.
- You must yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians in the intersection even if the traffic light is green.
#23. You see this sign on a vehicle ahead. What does it mean?
A fluorescent or reflective orange and red triangle displayed on the rear of a vehicle means the vehicle is traveling less than 25 mph. Use caution when approaching a slow-moving vehicle, and be sure it is safe before you pass.
#24. If a school bus with flashing red lights has stopped on the opposite side of a four-lane highway with a median, you must:
You must always stop for a school bus that has its red lights flashing or its stop arm extended at all times unless the roadway is separated by a physical barrier.
When you have stopped, you must not proceed until the bus moves or the driver signals to you that the way is clear, or the red lights are no longer flashing.
#25. Which is most important when driving on slippery roads?
Reduce speed at the first sign of rain, snow, sleet, or ice. When the roadway is slippery, your tires do not grip as well. It will take longer to stop, and it will be harder to turn without skidding. Always reduce your speed if the road is wet or covered with snow or ice.
| 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.
