Class A Driving Test | South Dakota 2026 #2

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 2026, 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 . What can happen if parking brakes are used in very wet weather with temperatures below freezing?

The brakes will squeak.

The brakes may freeze so the vehicle cannot move.

The brakes may suddenly release by themselves.

The brakes may become too smooth to be used.

Parking brakes should not be used in very wet weather when temperatures are below freezing. The brakes could become frozen in place, making it impossible to move the vehicle.

2 . 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.

3 . Which of the following is not a sign of fatigue?

Ability to focus

Daydreaming

Yawning repeatedly

Drifting from your lane

Driving while fatigued is dangerous. Warning signs of fatigue include difficulty focusing; repeated yawning or rubbing of the eyes; daydreaming or wandering thoughts; and drifting out of your lane.

4 . 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.

5 . With your low beam headlights turned on, you should be able to see about ____ ahead of your vehicle.

15 feet

75 feet

100 feet

250 feet

Low beam headlights allow you to see about 250 feet ahead of your vehicle. When driving at night, adjust your speed so that you will be able to stop in the distance illuminated by your headlights.

6 . When driving in winter, which of the following should receive extra attention in a pre-trip inspection?

Coolant and antifreeze levels

The air conditioning unit

The oil pressure

When doing a pre-trip inspection during the winter, you should pay extra attention to the coolant level and amount of antifreeze; the defrosting and heating equipment; the wiper blades and windshield washer; the tires and tire chains; the lights and reflectors; the windows and mirrors; the hand holds, steps, and deck plates; the radiator shuttles and winterfront; and exhaust system.

7 . When using a fire extinguisher on a fire, you should:

Get as close to the fire as possible.

Stand as far away from the fire as possible.

Aim the extinguisher at the top of the fire.

When using a fire extinguisher, you should stand as far away from the fire as possible. Aim the extinguisher at the base of the fire, not at the flames. If you are not sure which kind of extinguisher should be used on a fire, particularly a hazardous materials fire, you should wait for the firefighters to arrive and allow them to extinguish it.

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2026 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.