FREE South Dakota CDL Practice Test 2024 - DMV Practice Test
According to the Rapid City Journal, South Dakota is known for many things, but some people may not realize that it is also a "international export powerhouse." The $1.6 billion in exports that our state generates each year frequently begin their journey out of state in a commercial vehicle driven by someone just like you. Getting your CDL means becoming a part of that economy, and this exam will help you get there by allowing you to practice answering 50 multiple-choice questions based on the South Dakota Commercial Driver License Manual, covering everything from brakes to cargo laws. Each question comes with a hint and an explanation, which you should read attentively because it will help you better comprehend the subject.
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1 . What can happen if parking brakes are used in very wet weather with temperatures below freezing?
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 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?
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 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.
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?
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:
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.
2024 South Dakota | Frequently Asked Questions
A CDL Class A license in South Dakota is defined as a commercial driver's license that permits the holder to operate any combination of vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed exceeds 10,000 pounds. It's typically used for semi-trucks and tractor-trailers.
In South Dakota, a Class A CDL license allows you to operate a range of commercial vehicles. These include tractor-trailers, truck and trailer combinations, flatbeds, livestock carriers, and tank vehicles. It also allows the operation of all vehicles under Classes B and C, provided you have the appropriate endorsements.
To obtain a Class A CDL license in South Dakota, applicants must be at least 18 years old (21 for interstate driving), possess a valid South Dakota driver's license, pass a vision test, and successfully complete a knowledge test and skills test. They must also submit a Medical Examiner's Certificate and pass a background check if hauling hazardous materials.
In South Dakota, to qualify for a Class A CDL license, you must be at least 21 years old for interstate driving. However, if you plan to drive only within South Dakota (intrastate driving), you can apply for a Class A CDL license at 18 years old.
While a Class A CDL license in South Dakota allows you to operate a variety of vehicles, specific endorsements may be required for certain types. For example, a tanker endorsement is needed to haul liquid loads, a hazmat endorsement is required for transporting hazardous materials, and a doubles/triples endorsement is necessary for towing double or triple trailers.
The Class A CDL skills test in South Dakota encompasses three parts: a pre-trip inspection to ensure the vehicle is safe to drive, a basic controls test to assess your ability to control the vehicle, and a road test to evaluate your on-road driving skills under various traffic conditions and maneuvers. It's important to pass all three parts.
Yes, there are limitations. Class A CDL license holders in South Dakota are restricted by the federal hours of service regulations, which limit driving time to prevent fatigue. Additionally, they must comply with weight limits and may need specific endorsements for certain types of vehicles or cargo. Also, CDL holders are held to stricter DUI standards compared to regular drivers.
Yes, it is possible. In South Dakota, the written Class A CDL test is available in multiple languages, including Spanish. However, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires all commercial drivers to read and speak English sufficiently to converse with the general public, understand traffic signs and signals, respond to official inquiries, and make entries on reports and records.
Yes, you can request accommodations for the Class A CDL written test if you have a disability. South Dakota's Department of Public Safety complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), providing reasonable accommodations such as accessible testing locations, additional time, or alternative test formats. However, you must provide appropriate documentation of your disability when making your request.
Yes, if you don't pass the Class A CDL written test in South Dakota, you can retake it. However, you must wait at least one day before retesting. There may be additional retest fees, and if you fail the test multiple times, additional restrictions or requirements may be imposed. Always review the manual and consider a prep course before retesting.