Class A Driving Test | South Dakota 2025 #1

Train for FREE online with our South Dakota class A license test. The official exam test consists of several obligatory parts, with all of them checking your knowledge of different blocks of road rules. If you need to obtain a SD CDL class A permit in 2025, practice as much as possible. Free sample tests published on our website will help you check and improve your knowledge and boost your grades. Please bear in mind that CDL class A requirements may vary from state to state.

Number of Question 50

Passing Score 40

Number of Tests 20

1 . When accelerating on a surface with poor traction, such as a wet road, a driver should:

Speed up quickly.

Speed up slowly.

Not be concerned about the pavement.

You should accelerate very gradually when driving under conditions that create poor traction.

2 . The most common type of foundation brake used is the:

S-cam drum brake.

C-cam drum brake.

G-cam disc brake.

P-cam disc brake.

The most common type of foundation brake is an s-cam drum brake.

3 . When driving with a load, the driver should:

Stop and check on the cargo within the first 50 miles of the trip.

Ask other drivers about the condition of their load.

Use the side mirrors only to check on the cargo.

Not check on the cargo if it was secured properly before starting the trip.

Cargo and its securing devices must be inspected before starting a trip. After beginning a trip, the driver should check the load and securing devices within the first 50 miles on the road, every three hours or 150 miles traveled, and after every break.

4 . How can a person check for a leak in hydraulic brakes?

Pump the brake pedal three times and hold the pedal for five seconds. If the pedal moves, there may be a problem.

Push the brake pedal down as far as possible and let go. If the brake pedal returns to its normal position, there may be a problem.

Push the brake pedal down as far as possible and let go. If the brake makes a squeak, there may be a problem.

Remove the rear wheel and listen for a noise when the brake pedal is depressed.

Check hydraulic brakes by pumping the brake pedal three times before applying firm pressure to the pedal for five seconds. The pedal should not move. If it does, there may be a leak or some other problem in the braking system.

5 . When inspecting engine compartment belts during the vehicle inspection test:

The belts should be checked for snugness, each with up to three inches of play.

The water pump belt does not need to be identified.

The air compressor belt should be removed.

The applicant must identify which items are not belt-driven, if any.

When checking the engine compartment during the vehicle inspection test, you must check the power steering, water pump, alternator, and air compressor belts. In addition to cracks and frays, you should check the belts for snugness, allowing up to three-quarters of an inch of play at the center of each belt. If any of these items are not belt-driven, you must identify them and ensure that their components are operating properly, are not damaged or leaking, and are mounted securely.

6 . A low air pressure warning signal should activate:

When tank pressure falls below 120 psi.

When tank pressure falls below 60 psi.

When tank pressure falls below 10 psi.

When tank pressure falls below 5 psi.

In an air brake system, a low air pressure warning signal must come on if air pressure in the tanks falls below 60 psi. This warning signal may come in the form of a light, a buzzer, or a wig wag.

7 . When inspecting your vehicle, which of the following should not cause concern?

Exhaust system parts rubbing against fuel system parts

Exhaust system parts that are leaking

Missing mounting brackets

Exhaust system parts made of aluminum

Problems to check for when inspecting a vehicle's exhaust system include loose, broken, or missing exhaust pipes, mufflers, tailpipes, or vertical stacks; loose, broken, or missing mounting brackets, clamps, bolts, or nuts; exhaust system parts rubbing against fuel system parts, tires, or other moving parts of the vehicle; and exhaust system parts that are leaking.

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2025 South Dakota | Frequently Asked Questions

To secure a CDL Bus endorsement in South Dakota, you need to pass a knowledge test on bus safety regulations. Also, you must pass a skills test in a bus similar to the one you'll be driving. You will need to have a valid South Dakota CDL and meet all physical and age requirements. Training programs are available to help prepare for these tests.

To obtain a CDL Bus License in South Dakota, you need to have a valid South Dakota driver's license, be at least 21 years old, and pass both a written knowledge test and a skills test. You must also complete a physical examination by a DOT-approved medical examiner. Training programs are available to help you prepare for the tests.

Yes, specific training is necessary for a CDL Bus endorsement in South Dakota. Applicants must complete a CDL training course focused on bus driving. This includes learning about vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. After the training, you'll need to pass written and skills tests to obtain the endorsement.

CDL Bus Licenses fall into three main classifications: Class A, Class B, and Class C. A Class A CDL is for vehicles over 26,001 lbs. with trailers over 10,000 lbs. A Class B CDL is for vehicles over 26,001 lbs. with trailers less than 10,000 lbs. A Class C CDL is for vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver).

No, you cannot use your personal vehicle for the CDL Bus driving test in South Dakota. The vehicle used for the test must match the class and type of vehicle you plan to drive with your CDL. This means it must be a commercial bus of the appropriate size and passenger capacity.

During the CDL Bus driving test, you'll be evaluated on specific skills including pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. You may be required to demonstrate maneuvers like turning, merging, backing up, and parking. Also, you'll be tested on handling railroad crossings and emergency situations. Safe loading/unloading procedures for passengers are also assessed.

Yes, there are additional medical prerequisites for a CDL Bus endorsement in South Dakota. Applicants must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination every 24 months. This exam checks vision, hearing, blood pressure, and evaluates overall physical ability to ensure the driver can safely operate a commercial vehicle. Some conditions may disqualify a person from obtaining a CDL.

No, it is not permissible to transport passengers without a valid CDL Bus endorsement in South Dakota. Driving a commercial vehicle that carries 16 or more passengers, including the driver, requires a CDL with a Passenger (P) endorsement. Operating such vehicle without the proper license and endorsement can result in significant fines and penalties.

In South Dakota, the CDL Bus endorsement can be added to your existing license. You don't need to apply for a new license. However, you must pass the Passenger Transport Test and a skills test in a passenger vehicle. After passing these tests and paying the necessary fees, the endorsement will be added to your CDL.

Yes, there are restrictions for drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement in South Dakota. Drivers must maintain a clean driving record, pass regular physical examinations, and comply with drug and alcohol testing. They are also subject to hours-of-service regulations, which limit the number of consecutive hours they can drive without rest breaks. Violations can result in loss of CDL privileges.