Knowledge Test Class A #2
Class A Driving Test | South Dakota 2025 #2 Page 7 of 7
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.
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43 . When an engine is started:
The hood must be open.
After a vehicle is started, the warning lights and buzzers should go out after a few seconds. If the warning signals do not turn off, there may be something wrong with the vehicle.
44 . When changing lanes, you should:
Quickly swerve your vehicle into the other lane.
Always check your mirrors and use the proper signal when changing lanes. Be sure there is enough space for your entire vehicle in the next lane before you begin moving.
45 . A cargo cover that flaps while you are driving:
Can attract birds.
If cargo is covered, the cover should not flap in the wind in transit. The cover could tear loose, uncovering the cargo while potentially blocking your view or the view of others.
46 . When driving with a load, the driver should:
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.
47 . When driving at highway speeds, you should watch the road about ____ ahead of your vehicle.
Stay aware of upcoming obstacles and hazards by consistently watching the road at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead of your vehicle. When traveling at highway speeds, this is equivalent to about a quarter of a mile.
48 . What is a retarder?
Retarders help to slow vehicles, reducing drivers' need to use brakes.
49 . Header boards:
A header board protects a driver from moving cargo in the event of a crash or emergency stop.
50 . What kind of force do emergency brakes use?
Air brakes are really three different braking systems: the service brake, the parking brake, and the emergency brake. Emergency and parking brakes are applied with mechanical force.
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2025 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.
