South Dakota doesn't publish its knowledge-test length and pass score on an official page we could confirm, so we don't state numbers here. The questions in this quiz are written in the style of South Dakota's knowledge test, and South Dakota's official driver handbook (linked below) is the source to study from.
Pick an answer on each question to see whether you got it right, with an explanation.
This is a short sample — DriveDrill has 200+ South Dakota questions
and full-length mock exams in the app.
Q1. In South Dakota, when may you pass a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing without stopping first?
A You are meeting the bus on a road of four or more lanes, not counting a center turn laneB You slow to 20 mph and sound your hornC You are meeting the bus on a road of three lanes plus a center turn laneD The bus has already started to close its door
A center turn lane does not count toward the four. On anything narrower, traffic in both directions stops, and overtaking a bus from behind always requires a stop.
Q2. In South Dakota, the minimum age to apply for a learner permit is:
A 14B 14, 6 monthsC 15D 15, 6 months
Applicants under 18 also need parental consent, and the permit must be held for a set period before the road test.
Q3. In South Dakota, the law requires a car seat or booster seat until:
A The child turns 5, or weighs 40 pounds - South Dakota has no booster seat lawB The child turns 8C The child turns 12D The child turns 16
State law is a minimum. Safety experts recommend a booster until the adult belt fits properly: lap belt low across the hips and shoulder belt across the chest, not the neck.
Q4. The safest way to deal with a distracting situation inside the car is to:
A Ask a passenger to steerB Handle it quickly while drivingC Slow to 20 mph and continueD Pull over somewhere safe and deal with it
Nothing inside the car is worth your attention at speed. Find a safe place to stop.
Q5. A motorcycle is entitled to:
A The shoulder onlyB The left lane onlyC Half a lane so a car can share itD The full width of a traffic lane
Never share a lane with a motorcycle. Riders move within the lane to avoid road hazards and to stay visible.
Q6. Driving through a work zone at night, you should:
A Follow the vehicle ahead closely for guidanceB Use high beams to see the conesC Assume the lanes are the same as yesterdayD Slow down and watch for workers, equipment and changed lane patterns
Lane patterns change day to day in a work zone, and workers may be close to traffic. Read the signs rather than relying on memory.
Q7. Driving without the insurance your state requires can result in:
A A points penalty onlyB No consequence if you were not at faultC A warning onlyD Fines, suspension of your license and registration, and vehicle impoundment
Financial responsibility is a condition of driving. The penalties apply whether or not you have a crash.
Q8. The horn should be used to:
A Express annoyance with another driverB Warn others when it is needed to prevent a crashC Tell a pedestrian to hurryD Greet people you know
A horn is a safety device. Using it out of frustration escalates situations and, in some places, is a citation.
Q9. In South Dakota, under the point system, a driver's first license suspension lasts:
A 30 daysB 6 monthsC 1 yearD 60 days
South Dakota's point system sets escalating suspension periods, starting with 60 days for a first suspension.
Q10. Your car stalls on a busy highway. You should:
A Stay in the travel lane with your hazard lights onB Get it as far off the roadway as possible, turn on hazard lights and stay clear of trafficC Stand behind the vehicle to wave traffic aroundD Walk down the middle of the road for help
Off the road, hazards on, and out of the traffic side of the car. Standing beside a disabled vehicle on the traffic side is one of the most dangerous places on a highway.
DriveDrill is an independent study app. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or
connected to any state motor vehicle agency. These practice questions are written in
the style of South Dakota's knowledge test and are not official test questions.