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

Select the reason as to why you should not use the trailer hand valve while driving.

the trailer brakes will not be evenly applied

it should not be used on dry roads due to road conditions

it could cause the trailer to skid

it releases too much air from the system

2 / 40

There should be ___space between the upper and lower fifth wheel after coupling.

1/30 inch

1/8 inch

none of the answers listed

1/12 inch

3 / 40

Select the definition for outage:

It is loss of power to the headlights.

It is how much power is lost to the hydraulics.

It is the liquid that must be drained off to meet legal carry limit.

It is the process of liquid expansion as it becomes warm.

4 / 40

Select the true statement about speed and stopping distance.

Tank surge will decrease your stopping distance.

When the road is wet it will double your stopping distance.

You need two times the stopping distance when driving at 40 mph compared to 20 mph.

None of these answers are correct.

5 / 40

Class A explosives must not be transported in a combination vehicle if the vehicle includes:

A placarded cargo tank.

A 200 inch wheelbase trailer.

None of these answers are correct.

Two or more trailers.

6 / 40

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

in a 1/3 open position

in a closed position

in a halfway closed position

in an open position

7 / 40

Do not tow or push a disabled bus with riders aboard the vehicle, unless:

Getting off the bus would be unsafe.

Your employer tells you to.

You are also a class a tow truck driver.

Bus is on a drawbridge.

8 / 40

Double and triple trailers should be driven with care to avoid a rollover or jacknife.

only in ideal conditions

only on downgrades

true

false

9 / 40

Select the statement that is not part of the air-brake system:

parking brake system

emergency brake system

service brake system

clutch brake system

10 / 40

What is the best way to prevent brakes form overheating while drive down a steep grade?

use countersteering practices

use the stab braking method

use the trailer brakes only

drive at a speed of 5 mph below your safe speed

11 / 40

You need to be extra careful when driving smooth bore tanks:

All answers listed.

When stopping or starting.

When unloading or loading.

When hauling food or milk products.

12 / 40

Select the vehicle that off-tracks the most.

a 5-axle tractor that is towing a 45-foot long trailer

a 5-axle tractor that is towing a 40-foot long trailer

a 5-axle tractor that is towing a 52-foot long trailer

a 5-axle tractor that is towing a 32-foot long trailer

13 / 40

Which of the following is NOT an appropriate reason to flash your braking lights?

to signal to tailgaters that they are too close to your vehicle

to warn vehicles approaching you from behind that you are driving slowly

to warn drivers behind you when you need to slow down

to alert drivers behind you that there are hazards ahead

14 / 40

While completing the 2nd component of the air brake check you are required to turn the electrical power on, begin fanning off the air pressure by rapidly relasing and apply the foot brake and _____.

none of the answers listed

a low air warning device should sound before the air pressure drops below 60 psi

the tractor protection valve and parking brake valve should pop out before air pressure falls below 60 psi for combination vehicles

a low air warning device should sound before the air pressure drops below 40 psi

15 / 40

To avoid rollover when going through a curve, the best thing to do is:

Pump the brakes through the curve.

Ride the brakes through the curve.

Drive at a speed higher than the posted speed limit.

Drive at a speed below the posted speed limit.

16 / 40

Your bus is disabled. With riders aboard, the bus may be towed or pushed to a safe place only:

If getting off the bus would be more risky for the riders.

By another bus with its four-way flashers on.

If the distance is less than 500 yards.

By a 27,000 lbs gvwr or larger tow truck.

17 / 40

To maintain alertness during the trip, drivers should:

get 8-9 hours of sleep

avoid medications that cause drowsiness

all of these answers are correct

schedule trips during the daytime hours

18 / 40

You should keep a minimum of ____between another vehicle and the double trailer with 100 ft truck driving at 30 mph.

13 seconds

15 seconds

8 seconds

10 seconds

19 / 40

If there is not a sight glass to check the oil level you are required to look for leaks around the _____.

transmission

brake pads

wheel rims

axle seals/hub oil

20 / 40

A placarded vehicle must have at least ___ placards?

three

two

six

four

21 / 40

The blind spot behind the bus could extend to how many feet?

300 feet

100 feet

200 feet

400 feet

22 / 40

A driver that hauls hazardous materials must attend training every:

2 years

1 year

None of these answers are correct

3 years

23 / 40

When stopping for railroad tracks, you must stop no closer than how many feet before the nearest track?

24 / 40

The container for the mechanism that transforms the steering column action into wheel action is:

Steering hoses/box

Air brake system

Locking pin

Steering linkage

25 / 40

What is the stopping distance for a tractor trailer that is traveling at 55 mph on dry pavement?

about 300 feet which is about a football field length

about 200 feet which is 2/3 of a football field

about 600 feet with is about two football field lengths

about 150 feet which is 1/2 of a football field

26 / 40

The trailer height is correct for connecting a converter dolly to a second or third trailer when:

all answers listed

the center of the kingpin is past the locking jaw

the kingpin is over the fifth wheel

the trailer will rise slightly when the converter dolly is backed underneath it

27 / 40

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

An inspection

Registration of driving plan

Clean the vehicle

Shift into park

28 / 40

You should____when an emergency requires you to quickly stop due to a crash.

maintain pressure on the brake pedal

use stab or controlled braking

use the hand valve

use only the engine brakes

29 / 40

Select the answer that is controlled by the foot brake.

the shut off valves

the service air line

the emergency brake

the engine brake

30 / 40

What is a passive railway crossing?

The type of crossing on which the driver does not have to stop.

The type of crossing with no cross buck sign.

The type of crossing where you can pass the tracks without stopping.

The type of crossing, which does not have any type of traffic control device.

31 / 40

Be careful to check the_____when unloading the smaller tanks of bulk heads.

percentage of alcohol

weight distribution

the fuel to air ratio

percentage of water

32 / 40

When should you check your mirrors for a lane change?

Right after starting the lane change.

Before and after signaling the change.

After completing the lane change.

All of these answers are correct.

33 / 40

Vehicle handling can become unsafe if the weight is not properly balanced. Hard steering can be caused by:

too little weight on the driving axles

too much weight on the steering axles

under loaded front axles

high center of gravity

34 / 40

Select the purpose of fanning air brakes:

it increases the air pressure

lower air pressure

it cools them down

it decreases the braking power

35 / 40

What is the best way to stop all skids?

accelerate and countersteer

restore traction back to the tires

use controlled or stab braking

quickly turn the steering wheel side to side

36 / 40

What is the value of the overhead rear-view mirror inside of the bus?

To monitor the driver's appearance.

To provide visibility directly in the back of the bus.

To check blind spots.

To monitor passenger activity.

37 / 40

Select the true statement about convex ("spot") mirrors.

you do not need to look at them as often as flat mirrors

they are against the law in the majority of states

they make things closer and larger than they really are

they make things look farther away and smaller than they actually are

38 / 40

Select the true statement in regards to the liquid inside of a bulk tank causing a tank truck to roll sideways.

It can occur even when driving at the posted speed limit.

It can occur when driving through a curve.

All answers listed.

It can occur even with baffles inside that slow the flow.

39 / 40

Which of these statements about signaling is correct?

Leave your signal on long after you've changed lanes.

Signaling is a warning, not a request.

Signal to others that it is safe to pass your bus.

Signal your intentions early and continuously.

40 / 40

Make sure____when the front trailer supports are up and the trailer is sitting on the tractor.

neither of the answers listed

there is enough space for clearance between the nose of the trailer and the tops of the tractor tires

both of the answers listed

there is enough space for clearance between the landing gear and the tractor frame

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