Air Brakes #1
Air Brakes Endorsement Test | South Dakota 2026 #1 Page 2 of 4
Train for FREE online with our South Dakota CDL air brake 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 Class A/Class B driver license 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 the requirements for CDL may vary from state to state.
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7 . Before starting down a hill, be sure to:
Switch into a low gear.
Before starting down a hill, be sure to switch into a low gear. Gravity will increase your vehicle's speed as you travel downhill.
8 . To ensure normal stopping power, drivers of vehicles equipped with a front brake limiting valve should:
Some older vehicles have front brake limiting valves with "normal" and "slippery" settings. Setting a brake limiting valve to "slippery" reduces the vehicle's stopping power, so a driver should make sure the valve is in its "normal" position. Front wheel braking has proven to be effective in all driving conditions.
9 . If the brake pads rub against the brake drums and create too much heat:
The air compressor will kick on to cool the brakes.
Brakes heat up with use. If they are overused and become too hot, expansion and chemical changes will make them less effective and eventually cause them to stop working altogether. This is known as "brake fade."
10 . How is the parking brake released?
By tapping the accelerator twice
In vehicles with air brakes, the parking brake is controlled by a knob. The knob is pulled out to apply the brakes, and pushed in to release them.
11 . During an applied leakage test, the maximum leakage rate for a triple combination vehicle is:
4 psi in a minute.
It is important to know the maximum air loss rate that is safe for your specific vehicle. A triple combination should have a leakage rate no higher than 6 psi in a minute during an applied leakage test.
12 . What can happen if the air pressure gets too low in an air brake system?
Pressing and releasing the brake pedal unnecessarily can let air out of the braking system faster than the compressor can replace it. Air brakes may cease to work effectively if the pressure becomes too low.
See the exact questions that will be on the 2026 South Dakota DMV exam.
99.2% of people who use the cheat sheet pass the FIRST TIME
Lillian MCcranie explains how our CDL study guide was helpful in passing the exam and recommends it to everyone.
Cameron tells us how he purchased the CDL exam, and found it to be a useful tool which helped him pass the exam and find a job.
2026 South Dakota | Frequently Asked Questions
In South Dakota, a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class B is required to operate single vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds. This includes buses, farm labor vehicles, and any vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers.
A Class B CDL in South Dakota permits you to operate single vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, or tow a vehicle not exceeding 10,000 pounds. This includes large buses, segmented buses, dump trucks with small trailers, straight trucks and delivery trucks.
To acquire a Class B CDL license in South Dakota, you must be at least 18 years old (21 if you plan to drive across state lines), have a valid South Dakota driver's license, pass a vision test, and successfully complete both the written and skills tests for the Class B CDL. You must also provide proof of your identity, social security number and South Dakota residency.
In South Dakota, you must be at least 18 years old to qualify for a Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL). However, if you plan to drive commercial vehicles across state lines or transport hazardous materials, you must be at least 21 years old. This age requirement is consistent with federal law.
Yes, specific endorsements may be necessary depending on the type of vehicle you plan to drive or cargo you plan to carry with a Class B CDL. For example, you may need a Passenger endorsement for buses, a School Bus endorsement for school buses, or a Hazardous Materials endorsement for transporting hazardous materials. Each endorsement requires additional testing.
The Class B CDL skills assessment in South Dakota includes three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and on-road driving. The pre-trip inspection tests your ability to assess vehicle safety. Basic control skills focus on maneuvers like backing up. Lastly, the on-road test assesses your ability to safely operate the vehicle in various traffic situations and road conditions.
Yes, there are limitations for Class B CDL license holders. They are licensed to operate vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, or a vehicle towing another vehicle not exceeding 10,000 pounds. They cannot operate Class A vehicles unless they have the appropriate endorsement. Also, interstate driving is restricted to drivers aged 21 and above.
In South Dakota, the written Class B CDL test is primarily administered in English. However, some locations may offer it in Spanish. It's important to check with the local DMV office in advance. Keep in mind that English proficiency is required to obtain a CDL, as federal regulations mandate understanding of English to drive commercial vehicles.
Yes, you can request accommodations for the Class B CDL written exam in South Dakota if you have a disability. You'll need to provide documentation of your disability and specify the type of accommodation you're requesting. South Dakota is committed to providing equal access to testing opportunities for all individuals. It's advised to make your request well in advance of your scheduled test date.
Yes, if you fail the Class B CDL written test in South Dakota, you are allowed to retake it. However, you must wait one day before retaking the test. If you fail three times, you will have to wait 60 days before attempting again. It's advisable to study thoroughly and use practice tests to prepare for your next attempt.
