Ace Your SD Permit Test: 15 Practice Questions You Need to Know
The first official hurdle on your path to a South Dakota driver's license is the knowledge test. This 25-question computerized exam is designed to ensure you have a firm grasp of the state's traffic laws and safety principles before you begin practicing on the road. To pass, you must answer at least 21 questions correctly, which is an 84% score.
All the questions are pulled directly from the South Dakota Driver License Manual. To help you prepare and feel confident walking into the driver exam station, we've put together 15 practice questions that cover the essential topics you're very likely to encounter.
Permit Test Practice Questions
1. A driver with a Restricted Minor's Permit is not allowed to drive between what hours without a parent or guardian? a) 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. b) 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. c) 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. d) Midnight and 6 a.m.
Answer: b) 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Explanation: South Dakota's GDL law imposes a curfew on restricted permit holders between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Driving during these hours is only permitted if a parent or legal guardian is in the front passenger seat.
2. For the first six months of having a Restricted Minor's Permit, how many non-family passengers are you allowed to have in the car? a) Zero b) One c) Two d) Unlimited, as long as they have seatbelts.
Answer: a) Zero. Explanation: This is a critical GDL safety rule to minimize distractions for new drivers. For the first six months, you may only transport immediate family members. After six months, the limit is one non-family passenger.
3. What does a solid yellow line on your side of the road mean? a) You are in a passing zone. b) The road ahead is slippery when wet. c) You are not allowed to pass. d) The road is ending.
Answer: c) You are not allowed to pass. Explanation: A solid yellow line on your side of the center line indicates a no-passing zone. You must not cross this line to pass another vehicle.
4. When parking your vehicle on a hill facing uphill with a curb, you should turn your front wheels: a) Straight ahead. b) Towards the curb. c) Away from the curb. d) It doesn't matter.
Answer: c) Away from the curb. Explanation: This is a crucial safety maneuver. By turning your wheels away from the curb (to the left), if your car's brakes were to fail, the front tire would roll back and catch the curb, stopping the vehicle. Remember the phrase "Up, Up, and Away."
5. This road sign (a diamond shape) is used to indicate what? a) A law or regulation. b) A warning of a potential hazard. c) Motorist services ahead. d) Route guidance.
Answer: b) A warning of a potential hazard. Explanation: Diamond-shaped signs are used for warning signs. They alert drivers to existing or potential hazards on or near the road, such as a sharp curve, a deer crossing, or an intersection ahead.
6. If you have not completed a state-approved driver education course, you must hold your instruction permit for how long before applying for a restricted permit? a) 90 days. b) 120 days. c) 180 days. d) One year.
Answer: c) 180 days. Explanation: The standard permit holding period is 180 continuous days. This is reduced to 90 days if you successfully complete a certified driver's ed program.
7. When you see a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing on a two-lane, two-way road, you must: a) Slow down to 15 mph and pass with caution. b) Stop only if you are traveling in the same direction as the bus. c) Stop regardless of your direction of travel. d) Stop only if children are visible.
Answer: c) Stop regardless of your direction of travel. Explanation: On a two-lane road, all traffic from both directions must stop for a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing. On a highway divided by a median, only traffic following the bus must stop.
8. In South Dakota, the "Implied Consent" law means that by driving a vehicle, you have agreed to: a) Always yield the right-of-way. b) Submit to a chemical test for alcohol or drugs if requested by law enforcement. c) Transport passengers only when you have a full license. d) Have your vehicle searched without a warrant.
Answer: b) Submit to a chemical test for alcohol or drugs if requested by law enforcement. Explanation: This law is critical to understand. Refusing to take a breath, blood, or urine test when suspected of DUI results in an automatic revocation of your driver's license, separate from any DUI conviction.
9. A conviction for reckless driving in South Dakota will add how many points to your driving record? a) 4 points. b) 6 points. c) 8 points. d) 10 points.
Answer: c) 8 points. Explanation: Reckless driving is one of the most serious traffic offenses and carries a heavy penalty of 8 points.
10. What is the minimum age to obtain an instruction permit in South Dakota? a) 14 b) 14 and a half c) 15 d) 16
Answer: a) 14. Explanation: A person must be at least 14 years old to apply for a learner's instruction permit in South Dakota.
11. This road sign (a circle with a black 'X' and 'RR') is an advance warning for a: a) Crossroads or intersection. b) Hospital zone. c) Road construction area. d) Railroad crossing.
Answer: d) Railroad crossing. Explanation: The round, yellow sign with a black "X" and "RR" is the advance warning sign that you are approaching a railroad crossing. Slow down, look, and listen for a train.
12. Unless otherwise posted, what is the maximum speed limit on an interstate highway in South Dakota? a) 65 mph. b) 70 mph. c) 75 mph. d) 80 mph.
Answer: d) 80 mph. Explanation: South Dakota has one of the highest interstate speed limits in the country at 80 mph, but this only applies where posted. Always obey the specific speed limit sign.
13. A flashing red traffic light at an intersection should be treated as: a) A yield sign. b) A warning to slow down. c) A stop sign. d) A broken traffic light; proceed with caution.
Answer: c) A stop sign. Explanation: A flashing red light has the same meaning as a stop sign. You must come to a complete stop, yield to cross-traffic and pedestrians, and proceed only when it is safe.
14. What is the minimum age you can be to obtain a full, unrestricted operator's license in South Dakota? a) 15 b) 16 c) 17 d) 18
Answer: b) 16. Explanation: A driver can obtain a full operator's license at age 16, provided they have successfully completed all stages and requirements of the Graduated Driver License program.
15. When are you required to use your headlights in South Dakota? a) Only from sunset to sunrise. b) When you cannot see clearly for 200 feet. c) When using your windshield wipers. d) Both B and C are correct.
Answer: d) Both B and C are correct. Explanation: The South Dakota Driver License Manual states you must use your headlights from sunset to sunrise, anytime your windshield wipers are in use, and at any other time when you cannot see people or vehicles clearly for a distance of 200 feet.
How to Study: The absolute best way to prepare is to thoroughly read the South Dakota Driver License Manual. Use these questions to test yourself on the key concepts. Good luck!
