south dakota
CDL Practice Test

This is a practice test site for the CDL test in South Dakota. Use this site as a resource as you prepare to take your SD CDL test. You can take these practice tests and go through these questions as many times as you like, and the site is free to use. Questions on these practice tests cover areas such as driving weight requirements and passenger restrictions as covered in the South Dakota CDL Manual. You will be presented with 40 questions and you must answer 34 questions correctly to pass. There is a 50-minute time limit. You may not go back once you answer a question. Click the "Start Test" button below to begin.

1 / 40

Which of the following is a reason that shippers package material?

Because it is the shipper's responsibility to determine whether or not a material is hazardous.

Because it is the shipper's responsibility to correctly label the transport vehicle with precautionary placards.

Because it is the shipper's responsibilty to choose the correct packaging for a material classified as "hazardous".

All of these answers are correct.

2 / 40

In what position should the converter dolly air tank drain valve be in for double trailer combination?

in a closed position

in a halfway closed position

in an open position

in a 1/3 open position

3 / 40

The purpose for the emergency air line is:

to supply air to the trailer air tanks and, on combination vehicles, controls the emergency brakes

none of the answers listed

supply air to the tractor air tanks and on combination vehicles controls the emergency brakes

supply air to the trailer air tanks and on combination vehicles, controls the service brakes

4 / 40

Select the statement that is true in regards to quick steering movements and triple/double trailers:

as you perform quick steering movements you should apply pressure to the brake pedal

they flip over due to quick steering movements a lot easier than other vehicles

there are no issues that occur from quick steering

it is easier to countersteer compared to other vehicles

5 / 40

With most hazardous materials, you may park within 5 feet of the road briefly, if your work requires it. The materials that are the exception and do not allow parking this close to the road are:

Explosives A and B

Corrosives and oxidizers

Acids and poisons

Liquids

6 / 40

A disruptive passenger:

Is not your responsibility.

Should not be allowed on the bus.

May be thrown off the bus.

Should not be discharged where it would be unsafe for them.

7 / 40

Which of the following is a recommended procedure when unloading the students?

Position yourself outside of the bus in front of crossover mirror to supervise unloading.

Let the students begin moving to the front of the bus before it's fully stopped to maximize efficiency.

Put the transmission in neutral gear and put on the brakes.

Tell students to remain seated until they are told to exit.

8 / 40

What is the most important reason for doing a vehicle inspection?

to save you money by preventing costly repairs

safety for yourself and other road users

federal and state laws require you to inspect your vehicle

to insure that you will achieve the best gas mileage

9 / 40

What can side to side surge cause?

A roll over.

A spontaneous combustion.

An engine system failure.

An increase in speed.

10 / 40

A baffled tanker has:

Bulkheads with holes that allow liquid to flow through it.

Separate compartments inside the trailer.

Balls floating in it to increase the speed of the liquid movement.

No side to side surge.

11 / 40

The method used to make sure the spring brakes will come on automatically is to:

Apply pressure on and off the brake pedal to decrease the air tank pressure while driving at a high a speed. The parking brake knob should pop out when the air pressure meets to the manufacturer’s specification.

Apply pressure on and off the brake pedal to decrease the air tank pressure. The parking brake knob should pop out when the air pressure drops to 120 psi.

Apply pressure on and off the brake pedal to decrease the air tank pressure. The parking brake knob should pop out when the air pressure meets to the manufacturer’s specification.

Apply pressure on and off the brake pedal to increase the air tank pressure. The parking brake knob should pop out when the air pressure meets to the manufacturer’s specification.

12 / 40

You need to raise the landing gear just to the height of where it clears the pavement before driving.

true

only in ideal conditions

only in raining conditions

false

13 / 40

Select the statement that describes how you could damage the landing gear.

have the trailer kingpin centered over the fifth wheel

back under the trailer in a straight path

back under the trailer at an angle

have the tractor and trailer aligned

14 / 40

Check that the parking brake will hold by____when the parking brake is engaged and the trailer brakes released if not a combination vehicle.

while in neutral increase the rpm to 1500

shift up into a high gear and let off the clutch quickly

all answers listed

shifting down to a low gear and trying to pull forward gently

15 / 40

In the event of a tire failure you should...

stay off the brake and hold the steering wheel firmly

disengage the clutch so you are in neutral gear

pump the brakes until you come to a stop

accelerate quickly until you find a place to pull over

16 / 40

Select the true statement:

light vehicles require more braking power than heavier vehicles

wait to brake heavy vehicles for as long as you can

you should always ride the brakes

a bobtail tractor will take longer to stop than a combination vehicle that is loaded to the max

17 / 40

When should air tanks be drained?

at the end of each working day

they don't need to be drained

every 7 days

at every restroom break stop

18 / 40

Which of the following types of emergency equipment must you have on your bus?

Spare electric fuses, fire extinguisher, and accident reporting kit.

Reflectors, fire extinguisher, and accident reporting kit.

Fire extinguisher, spare electric fuses, and reflectors.

Hydraulic jack, fire extinguisher, and signal flares.

19 / 40

An air system that is fully charged will typically have ___ psi of pressure.

200

250

125

20 / 40

The interlock system for the brake and accelerator on a transit coach may be used:

To replace the parking brake.

As a safety feature when the exit door is open.

To replace the rear door emergency buzzer.

All of these answers are correct.

21 / 40

Five hazard classes that require placarding in any amount are ______.

corrosive 4, hazardous 14, flammable 2, explosives 7, and radioactive 12

none of these answers are correct

explosives 11, corrosive 8, flammable 3, explosives 14, and poison 61

poison gas 23, dangerous when wet 43, explosives 13, explosives 12, and explosives 11

22 / 40

If your bus has an emergency exit door, it must:

All of these answers are correct.

Not have any signs, stickers, or markings anywhere near it.

Be closed when operating the bus.

Have a red electric door light turned on at all times.

23 / 40

Select the statement that best explains the "crack-the-whip" effect.

it is when the trailer is half full with the cargo loaded in the front half of the trailer. When you make a sudden movement of your steering wheel the cargo will forcefully slide towards the back of the trailer which will force the trailer to roll over.

it is when the trailer is half full with the cargo loaded in the rear half of the trailer. When you make a sudden movement of your steering wheel the cargo will forcefully slide towards the back of the trailer which will force the trailer to roll over.

it is when you make a sudden movement of the steering wheel or a quick lane change and the tractor tends to rock and sway. The velocity of the rearmost trailer forces the tractor to roll over before the trailer.

it is when you make a sudden movement of the steering wheel or a quick lane change and the rear trailer tends to swing out. The force of the rear trailer becomes amplified, which will cause it to roll over (rearward amplification).

24 / 40

While driving on a clear night with low beam headlights, you should be able to stop within:

The distance you can see ahead of you.

2 lengths of your vehicle.

The distance you will travel in the next 20 seconds.

Half of a football field.

25 / 40

Why do air brakes take longer to stop than hydraulic brakes?

it takes more time for the air to flow through the lines

longer reaction time

the lines are hotter

none of the answers listed

26 / 40

Where should you place your warning devices if you must stop on a one-way or divided highway?

20 feet, 50 feet, and 100 feet toward approaching traffic

100 feet, 200 feet, and 300 feet toward approaching traffic

50 feet, 100 feet, and 150 feet toward approaching traffic

10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet toward approaching traffic

27 / 40

Select the situation in which you should use the hand valve to park a combination vehicle.

in no situation

when parking at loading docks

when parking on a grade

during the winter

28 / 40

A driver that hauls hazardous materials must attend training every:

1 year

None of these answers are correct

3 years

2 years

29 / 40

You should check your tires every ____ or every ____ when driving in very hot weather.

5 hours, 250 miles

2 hours, 100 miles

1 hour, 50 miles

3 hours, 200 miles

30 / 40

Which of the following is the proper definition of a cargo tank?

A bulk container not permanently attached to a vehicle.

None of these answers are correct.

A bulk container which can be securely affixed to a vehicle.

A bulk container permanently attached to a vehicle.

31 / 40

Which of the following is NOT an important reason to look far ahead when you are driving?

look for brake lights from slowing vehicles

determine if there are any upcoming traffic lights that might require you to stop

determine if there are any hills coming up

look for vehicles coming into your lane

32 / 40

Do empty trucks have the best braking?

yes, but only on wet surfaces

yes, but only if the truck is newer than 1998

yes

33 / 40

How do you check the connection after locking the kingpin into the fifth wheel?

pull the tractor ahead gently with the trailer brakes locked down

pull the tractor at a sharp right to release the trailer brakes

pull forward 25 feet, turn to the right, and then to the left

pull forward 25 feet, turn to the left, and then to the right

34 / 40

What is the minimum amount of distance you should maintain when driving at 50 mph in ideal conditions with a 100 ft twin trailer combination?

6 seconds

11 seconds

8 seconds

13 seconds

35 / 40

Carry-on baggage cannot be stored:

In the aisles and stairwells.

On the seats.

Under the seat.

Behind the seats.

36 / 40

What is always required before loading, driving, or unloading a tanker?

An inspection

Registration of driving plan

Shift into park

Clean the vehicle

37 / 40

Which two special conditions indicate that you should downshift?

starting up a hill and finishing a curve

starting up a hill and entering a curve

starting down a hill and finishing a curve

starting down a hill and entering a curve

38 / 40

What is the best way to see the sides and rear of your vehicle?

your mirrors

all of these answers are correct

a helper

rear view cameras

39 / 40

Shifting into a lower gear and removing your foot off of the accelerator to slow your vehicle is known as?

engine braking

brake fade

double clutching

anti-lock braking

40 / 40

Which of the following statements about downshifting is NOT true?

downshift before entering a curve

downshift before climbing a hill

downshift before starting down a hill

downshift when you get to the bottom of a hill

Your score is

The average score is 0%

5/5 - (1 vote)

CDL Category Practice Tests

CDL Practice Test

How To Get A south dakota Commercial Drivers License

To be eligible for a CDL in South Dakota, applicants must meet the following age eligibility requirements.

Be at least 18 years old to operate a commercial vehicle intrastate (within South Dakota only).
Be at least 21 years old to operate a commercial vehicle interstate (outside of South Dakota).

South Dakota CDL applicants must be medically certified that they are healthy enough to operate a commercial vehicle and pass a vision test. Applicants are required to submit the following documents.

(REV 2015) Medical Self-Certification Statement
(Form MCSA-5876) Medical Examiner’s Certificate (This document must be completed by an FMCSA-approved physician.)

Interstate non-excepted (drivers who do not work for the state or federal governments) must meet federal DOT requirements. Intrastate non-excepted drivers must meet the state requirements. Drivers who have had their licenses revoked, suspended, denied or canceled are not eligible for a CDL in South Dakota. Applicants can be disqualified for having multiple licenses.

South Dakota CDL Endorsements

H – Hazmat Vehicles
N – Tank Vehicles
P – Passenger Vehicles
S – School Bus
T – Double or Triple Trailer
X – Combination Tank Vehicles and Hazmat Vehicles

Hit the Open Road

south dakota CDL License Test Tips

All South Dakota CDL applicants must pass the general knowledge test prior to taking the skills test. This test consists of 50 questions. To pass the South Dakota test, applicants must score 80 percent or higher. Applicants who require additional endorsements must pass additional tests and pay the required fees. The South Dakota skills test can be taken 14 days after applicants pass the knowledge test. It includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic control skills and on-road driving. Applicants must pass each section.

Military veterans and current military members can apply to have the skills exam waived if they meet the requirements. To qualify for a waiver, applicants must:

Be a South Dakota resident with a valid state driver’s license.
Be currently enlisted in the military.
Operate a commercial vehicle as part of their military duties for at least 2 years prior to submitting the CDL application. If applicants are in the military reserves or a veteran of the reserves, the vehicle operation requirement is 4 years.
Have been honorably discharged from the military within the past 12 months.
Submit (Form CDL-SK TST WVR) Application for Military Skills Test Waiver. The commanding officer must sign this document.

Additional Information

Information on the South Dakota Department of Public Safety

The South Dakota Division of Public Safety administers CDL license requirements in South Dakota. To get more information contact them via:

Website: https://dps.sd.gov/driver-licensing/commercial-drivers-license

Phone: 605.773.6883

Additional South Dakota CDL Helpful Links

Please use the links below to access South Dakota CDL testing resources and to learn more about practice driving tests for the state of South Dakota.

south dakota CDL Practice Test

CDL Category Practice Tests

CDL Practice Test

How To Get A south dakota Commercial Drivers License

Hit the Open Road

south dakota CDL License Test Tips

Additional Information

Information on the South Dakota Department of Public Safety

Additional South Dakota CDL Helpful Links

south dakota
CDL Practice Test