South Dakota DPS Knowledge Test & Permit Practice – 2026

Solid yellow lines prohibit passing but may be crossed to make a left turn to or from an alley, private road, driveway, or street.

This question asked when you are not allowed to cross solid yellow lines.

Do not assume a motorcycle is turning when you see its turn signal flashing. Motorcycle turn signals may not self-cancel and the motorcyclist may have forgotten to turn them off. Wait to be sure the rider is going to turn before you proceed.

If a traffic control signal is out of operation or is not functioning properly, the vehicle facing a:

1. Green signal may proceed with caution
2. Yellow signal may proceed with caution
3. Red or completely unlighted traffic signal shall stop in the same manner as if the vehicle were at a stop sign.

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.

Deer crossing.

Deer often cross the road in this area. Slow down if you see deer or other wildlife.

All states have zero tolerance laws (no alcohol in the circulatory system) or similar laws for drivers under the age of 21.

A yield sign is a downward pointing triangle. It is red and white with red letters. You will see no other signs of this shape on the highway.

The sign means you are approaching an intersection where you must yield to any lanes you intend to enter or cross approaching from the right or left.

Remember, it is your responsibility to slow down, look to the right or left and yield to oncoming traffic. The yield sign is also found at railroad crossings without signals where you must yield to approaching trains.

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.

Do not move forward across tracks until you can do so safely. In heavy traffic make sure there is room for your vehicle on the other side before starting to cross.

As a rule, pass only one vehicle at a time and pass on the left side. Do not linger in the passing lane. Get around the vehicles as quickly as possible and move safely back into your lane.

Do not make a U-turn:

• At any intersection where a police officer is controlling traffic unless the officer instructs you to make a U-turn.
• Mid-block on any street in a business district or mid-block on a through (main) highway that is in a residential district.
• At any place where signs prohibit such turns.
• Upon a curve or upon the approach to or near the crest of a grade on any undivided highway where the vehicle cannot be seen by the driver of any other vehicle with 500 feet approaching from any direction.
• At any place where a U-turn cannot be made safely or without interfering with other traffic.

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.

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.

This three-sided sign is shaped like a pennant. The sign indicates the start of a no passing zone.

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.

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.

You should not leave on a trip if you are already tired.

If one or more of your wheels runs off the pavement, do not panic. Grip the steering wheel firmly. Begin to slow down. Do this by taking your foot off the accelerator. Do not attempt to cut back sharply onto the pavement. Look to see that the road is clear, then move slowly back onto the highway.

Remember, do not try to swing back onto the pavement right away. Overcorrecting might throw your vehicle off balance.

Looking well down your planned path of travel will help you see the road, other road users, and traffic conditions which allows you time to adjust and plan your driving movements. This additional time will allow you to make better decisions and possibly avoid being forced to use emergency braking and steering. Ideally, you should try to look at what is occurring 20 to 30 seconds in front of your vehicle.

When getting into your car, make certain the seat is adjusted properly for your comfort and safety. Adjust your mirrors. Always fasten your safety belt and shoulder harness if you have one. Make sure they are both firm and comfortable to you. The head restraint on newer cars is an important safety addition. It should be in a correct position so that in the event someone runs into your vehicle from the rear your chances of a neck injury are cut down considerably.

Use the low beams in fog or when it is snowing or raining hard. Light from high beams will reflect back, causing glare and making it more difficult to see ahead.

Any operator who accumulates 15 points in any 12 consecutive months, or 22 points in any 24 consecutive months, is subject to a driver’s license suspension.

Lane use control signs tell you where you can go or where you can turn. This sign means you may turn left or go straight.

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.

The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident shall immediately report such accident to the police agency which has primary jurisdictional responsibility for the location in which the accident occurred:

1. When the accident results in injury or death to any person.

2. When the accident occurs on a public highway, and it results in property damage to an apparent extent of $500.00 or more.

3. When it appears that an accident involves a driver whose physical ability has been impaired as a result of alcohol or drug use, and it results in property damage to an apparent extent of $1,000.00 or more.