Free South Dakota Permit Practice Test (2026)
Real questions from the official South Dakota driver handbook, each with a plain-English explanation. Free, unlimited retakes, no signup.
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What this test covers
This draw of 20 questions breaks down like this:
- Licensing & Permits — 6
- Alcohol, Drugs & the Law — 3
- Safe Driving — 3
- Sharing the Road — 3
- Signaling & Communication — 2
- Speed Limits & Speed Management — 2
- Vehicle Equipment — 1
Heaviest on Licensing & Permits (6 of 20) — that is the section to revise first if you miss several here.
20 are South Dakota-specific questions, drawn from the state handbook rather than general road rules.
Each test on this site draws a different set, so Test 1, 2 and 3 never repeat a question.
Questions on this test
1. An arm extended straight out the driver's window means:
- Stop
- Left turn
- Right turn
- Slow
Show answer
Answer: Left turn
Arm straight out = left turn.
2. A South Dakota minor must hold the Instruction Permit continuously for 275 days, or how many with an approved driver ed course?
- 30 days
- 90 days
- 180 days
- 1 year
Show answer
Answer: 180 days
You must hold the permit 275 days (180 days if you complete an approved driver education course).
3. In South Dakota, a loaded truck at 55 mph on a dry road needs a minimum stopping distance of about:
- 50 feet
- 290 feet
- 100 feet
- 200 feet
Show answer
Answer: 290 feet
A loaded truck at 55 mph needs at least 290 feet to stop.
4. If your turn signals fail in South Dakota, you should:
- Use hand signals
- Not signal
- Turn without warning
- Use the horn
Show answer
Answer: Use hand signals
Use hand signals if your turn signals fail.
5. South Dakota's Zero Tolerance law covers under-21 drivers with a BAC of:
- .00%
- .08%
- .02% to 0.08%
- .05% only
Show answer
Answer: .02% to 0.08%
Under 21, a BAC of 0.02% to 0.08% is a Zero Tolerance violation.
6. In South Dakota, don't overdrive your headlights, meaning:
- Turn lights off
- Use high beams always
- Don't go faster than you can stop within the lit distance
- Follow closely
Show answer
Answer: Don't go faster than you can stop within the lit distance
Don't drive faster than you can stop within the range of your headlights.
7. With a South Dakota Instruction Permit, from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. you must be accompanied by:
- A friend
- Anyone
- A parent or legal guardian seated beside you
- No one
Show answer
Answer: A parent or legal guardian seated beside you
From 10 p.m.–6 a.m. a parent/legal guardian must be seated beside you.
8. In South Dakota, a Blood Alcohol Concentration of what or more is evidence of driving under the influence?
Show answer
Answer: .08%
A BAC of 0.08% or more is evidence of DUI (0.02% if under 21).
9. A South Dakota applicant under 18 must have:
- A passport only
- Parent/guardian consent
- A job
- A college ID
Show answer
Answer: Parent/guardian consent
Under-18 applicants need parent/guardian consent.
10. South Dakota notes that even a 25 mph head-on crash has the force of:
- A gentle tap
- Diving off a three-story building
- A slow walk
- Nothing
Show answer
Answer: Diving off a three-story building
Even at 25 mph, a head-on crash is like diving off a three-story building.
11. During the first 6 months on a South Dakota Restricted Permit, no passengers are allowed except:
- Immediate family or household members
- Two friends
- Classmates
- Anyone
Show answer
Answer: Immediate family or household members
First 6 months: no passengers except immediate family or household members.
12. A South Dakota Instruction Permit is valid for:
- 1 year
- 5 years
- 3 years
- 10 years
Show answer
Answer: 5 years
The Instruction Permit is valid for five years (or until documents expire).
13. Keeping a safe following distance behind the vehicle ahead helps you:
- React safely to sudden stops
- Look important
- Save fuel only
- Drive faster
Show answer
Answer: React safely to sudden stops
Space ahead gives you time to react and avoid rear-ending others.
14. In South Dakota, the minimum age for an Instruction Permit is:
Show answer
Answer: 14
You may obtain an Instruction Permit at 14 (pass vision and knowledge tests).
15. When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren in South Dakota, you should:
- Speed up
- Pull to the right and stop
- Turn left
- Stop in your lane
Show answer
Answer: Pull to the right and stop
Pull to the right edge and stop until it passes.
16. In South Dakota's strong prairie crosswinds, you should:
- Speed up
- Brake hard
- Keep a firm grip and steer gently
- Let go of the wheel
Show answer
Answer: Keep a firm grip and steer gently
Grip the wheel firmly and correct gently for crosswinds.
17. If you become drowsy while driving in South Dakota, you should:
- Pull over safely and rest
- Open a window only
- Speed up
- Keep going
Show answer
Answer: Pull over safely and rest
Only rest cures drowsiness — pull over.
18. On South Dakota's open highways, you should watch for:
- Wildlife such as deer
- Only bikes
- Only trucks
- Nothing
Show answer
Answer: Wildlife such as deer
Watch for wildlife (deer) on South Dakota's open highways.
19. The only thing that lowers your blood alcohol concentration is:
Show answer
Answer: Time
Only time removes alcohol from your body.
20. On South Dakota snow or ice, you should:
- Brake hard
- Slow down and increase following distance
- Drive normally
- Speed up
Show answer
Answer: Slow down and increase following distance
Reduce speed and leave more room on snow and ice.
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