South Dakota DPS Knowledge Test & Permit Practice – 2026
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#1. Which is true about meeting a large truck coming from the opposite direction on a two-lane roadway?
When you meet a truck coming from the opposite direction, keep as far as possible to the side to avoid a sideswipe crash and to reduce the wind turbulence between your vehicle and the truck. Remember that the wind turbulence pushes vehicles apart. It does not pull them together.
#2. A good piece of advice to avoid last-minute moves when driving is to:
You must know what is happening around your vehicle before you start a vehicle and while driving. You must look ahead, to the sides, and behind the vehicle. You should develop a searching pattern and use it every time you drive.
Searching helps you see situations that could cause a problem and gives you time to change your actions such as speed or roadway position. Avoid staring at any one thing. Keep your eyes moving and searching for possible problems.
#3. This sign means
Pedestrian crossing. A yellow diamond-shaped sign picturing an adult tells you that just ahead is a location where pedestrians often cross. It cautions you to drive slowly and, carefully and be prepared to stop.
#4. You should be especially alert for deer on the road at
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.
#5. If a school bus with flashing red lights has stopped on your side of an undivided highway with four lanes, 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.
#6. A shared center left turn lane can be used:
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.
#7. This red and white sign means:
Do Not Enter is a square sign with a white horizontal line inside a red ball. It warns you not to enter a road or freeway. If you do, you will be driving against traffic.
#8. If you are about to be hit from the rear, why should you be ready to apply your brakes?
If your vehicle is hit from the rear, your body will be thrown backwards. Press yourself against the back of your seat and put your head against the head restraint. Be ready to apply your brakes so that you will not be pushed into another vehicle.
#9. When you are following another vehicle at night, at what distance must you dim your lights?
Dim the high beams whenever you come within 500 feet (about a one block distance) of an oncoming vehicle. Use the low beams when you are closer than 500 feet behind another vehicle or when in heavy traffic.
#10. When must you use your headlights?
Turning on your headlights helps other roadway users see you. This is especially important:
- On rainy, snowy, or foggy days, use your low-beam lights and slow down
- When it begins to get dark or when driving away from a rising or setting sun
South Dakota law requires use of headlights from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise, and at any other time when windshield wipers are in use as a result of rain, sleet, or snow, or when inclement weather or environmental factors severely reduce the ability to clearly see others at a distance of 500 feet ahead.
#11. If you are in a roundabout when an emergency vehicle with flashing red lights approaches from behind, you should:
If you are within an intersection, including a roundabout, clear it before you pull over.
What the law says:
- The driver of every other vehicle traveling along a two-lane roadway shall yield the right-of-way and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible, to the right hand edge or curb of the roadway clear of any intersection and shall stop and remain in that position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer.
- A driver of a vehicle traveling along a multi-lane roadway shall yield the right-of-way and shall remain in, or move to a location that allows the emergency vehicle or police vehicle to pass safely, except as otherwise directed by a police officer.
#12. To back your vehicle safely:
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.
#13. The flashing yellow signal has the same meaning as:
A flashing YELLOW traffic light means slow down and proceed with caution.
#14. When two vehicles from different directions arrive at the same time at a four-way stop, which should have the right-of-way?
At a four-way intersection controlled by stop signs, you must yield the right-of-way to the driver on your right if both of you arrive at the intersection at the same time (Same Time Rule).
#15. If another driver follows you too closely while driving on a two-lane road, you should:
Every now and then you may find yourself being followed closely or tailgated by another driver. If another driver follows you too closely and there is a right lane, move over to the right. If there is no right lane, wait until the road ahead is clear then reduce speed slowly. This will encourage the tailgater to drive around you. Never slow down quickly to discourage a tailgater, all that does is increase your risk of being hit from behind.
#16. Which is the main cause of car skids?
Skids are caused when you are traveling too fast for the road conditions, when you stop suddenly, or when the tires can no longer grip the roadway. When you begin to skid, you have little control of your vehicle. If your vehicle begins to skid:
- Release pressure from the brake or accelerator.
- Look where you want to go and steer the vehicle in the direction you want to go.
#17. Which of the following is a likely effect of drinking alcohol?
Alcohol and other impairing drugs reduces things like your judgment, vision, color distinction, and reaction time. Judgment is a brain-centered activity that stores all of your experiences and knowledge so it can be used quickly when you face a new problem.
#18. When you are very tired (fatigued):
When you are tired, you cannot drive as safely as when you are rested. You do not see as well, and you are not as alert as when you are rested. It takes you more time to make decisions and you do not always make good decisions. You can be more irritable and can get upset more easily.
Stop and rest. Never drive if you are sleepy.
#19. What does this sign mean?
Steep hill ahead.
#20. Whenever you come to a hill or curve where you cannot see over or around, you must:
Always reduce speed before entering the curve to a safe speed (a speed that allows you to apply slight and constant acceleration through the curve). Reduce speed more when traction is poor, when following other vehicles, and when you cannot see the end of the curve. Hard braking after entry to a curve could cause the vehicle tires to lose traction.
#21. Anti-lock brakes will take effect when:
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.
#22. What does this sign mean?
T-intersection. The roadway you are traveling on ends ahead. You must turn either left or right at the T-intersection ahead.
#23. 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.
#24. On a two-lane street there is an oncoming car to the left and a child riding a bike to the right. Which is your safest action?
When you cannot separate risks and must deal with two or more at the same time, compromise by giving the most room to the worst danger. For example, suppose you are on a two-lane street and there are oncoming cars to the left and a child riding a bike to the right. Since the child is more likely to move suddenly than the oncoming cars, the child is the greater danger, and you need a larger space cushion to the right. Move closer to the center line and the oncoming cars to create a bigger space cushion to the right. Although if traffic permits, the safest action would be to pass the bicyclist after the oncoming car passes the bicyclist.
#25. After an accident, the most important thing you can do to reduce the chances of secondary crashes is:
If your vehicle can move, get it off the road so that it does not block traffic or cause another crash. Do not stand or walk in traffic lanes. You could be struck by another vehicle.
| 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.
