South Dakota DPS Knowledge Test & Permit Practice – 2026
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#1. If other drivers tailgate you:
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.
#2. What does this sign mean?
Slippery when wet. The road on which you are traveling can be slippery when wet and you should reduce speed.
#3. When you approach a stationary emergency vehicle with flashing warning lights on a multi-lane highway, you should:
South Dakota law requires all motorists from any direction approaching any stopped vehicle making use of amber, yellow or blue warning lights to do the following:
- When motorists are travelling on South Dakota interstates or highways with two or more lanes travelling in the same direction as the authorized emergency vehicle, merge into the lane farthest from the vehicle at least three hundred feet before the vehicle and proceed with caution, unless otherwise directed.
- On two lane highways, at least three hundred feet before the vehicle, motorists must slow to a speed that is at least twenty miles per hour less than the posted speed limit or five miles per hour when the speed limit is posted at twenty miles per hour or less and proceed with caution, unless otherwise directed.
Emergency vehicles include, but are not limited to, law enforcement vehicles, ambulances and fire department vehicles.
#4. An infant under two years should be secured in:
An infant under two should be secured in a rear-facing car seat in a rear seat of the vehicle until the child exceeds the height or weight limit allowed by the manufacturer of the car seat. An adult’s arms are not safe. Ordinarily, a parent’s arms are a very secure place for a child, but this is not so in a vehicle. Even if you are wearing a lap and shoulder belt yourself, the child would be torn from your grasp by the violent forces of a collision. Never put a belt around you and a child on your lap.
#5. 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.
#6. A sign with this shape means:
Triangle shape is used for yield signs. This sign means you should reduce speed and yield right of way. If needed, stop the same as you would for a stop sign.
Signs often use symbols or pictures rather than words. Each type of sign has a special color and shape to help you easily recognize the sign at a glance.
#7. When you see a motorcycle's turn signal flashing:
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.
#8. 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.
#9. To avoid getting tired on a long trip, it is often a good idea to:
When you are tired, you could fall asleep behind the wheel and crash, injuring or killing yourself or others. Stop every hour or so or when you need to. Walk around, get some fresh air, and have some coffee, soda, or juice. The few minutes spent on a rest break can save your life.
#10. Which road signs have a green, brown, or blue background?
Guide signs are square or rectangular and are green, brown, or blue. They give information on intersecting roads, help direct you to cities and towns, and show points of interest along the highway. Guide signs can also help you find hospitals, service stations, restaurants, and hotels.
#11. When driving in fog, you should turn on:
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.
#12. A large truck turns right onto a street with two lanes in each direction. The truck:
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.
#13. 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.
#14. You often need more space in front of your vehicle when following:
There are certain situations when you need more space in front of your vehicle. Increase your following distance when following vehicles required to stop at railroad crossings, such as transit buses, school buses, or vehicles carrying hazardous materials.
#15. What does this sign mean?
Divided Highway / Divided Highway Begins. Two-way traffic will be divided by a center strip ahead. Each roadway is one-way. Stay to the right.
#16. If you run off the pavement, you should:
Avoid panic steering which means when someone tries to return to the pavement as soon as the vehicle wheels leave the pavement. If your vehicle leaves the paved road surface due to an uneven surface drop-off, slow down gradually when safe to do so, and steer gently back onto the pavement. The key to safely driving off the road and safely returning involves gradually moving off and back on the road. The turning of the steering wheel should be slight. This reduces the chance of erratic vehicle behavior when your tires encounter an uneven or unpaved shoulder.
#17. Night driving is more dangerous than daytime driving because:
Driving at night is more difficult and hazardous than daytime driving. The distance you can see in front is limited by light provided by your headlights.
#18. You approach the scene of an accident. What should you do?
Do not stop at an accident unless you are involved or if emergency help has not yet arrived. Keep your attention on your driving and keep moving, watching for people who might be in or near the road.
#19. 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.
#20. A traffic signal with a flashing yellow arrow means:
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.
#21. Deer are most active:
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.
#22. 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.
#23. Going around a lowered gate at a railroad crossing is:
Sometimes flashing red signals and gates are present at railroad crossings. It is against the law to go around lowered railroad gates at a crossing.
Do not move forward until the gates are raised and the lights stop flashing as there may be a train approaching on an adjacent track.
#24. 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.
#25. This is the shape and background of:
This red, white, and blue sign is the standard marker erected on Interstate System highways throughout the nation. The sign not only gives the number of the highway but also the name of the state in which the marker is located. It is used on the highway itself and also on approaches to the highway at or near traffic interchanges.
| 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.
