South Dakota General Knowledge CDL Prep Test (SD) 4

5 out of 5 (42 votes)
80% Passing score
20 Questions
4 Mistakes allowed
Welcome to the South Dakota CDL General Knowledge Prep Test - your essential tool for acing the CDL written test. This fourth DMV practice test in our series is designed not just as a challenge, but as a stepping stone towards your success in obtaining a commercial driver's license. Our SD DMV CDL practice test comprises 20 meticulously crafted questions, mirroring the style and content of the actual DMV written test. This alignment ensures that you gain a real feel of the test environment, enhancing your preparation and boosting your confidence. What's more, these sample DMV test questions have been developed and rigorously reviewed by professional driving instructors, individuals with years of experience in the field. They have dedicated their expertise to help thousands like you in smoothly navigating the path to obtaining their CDLs. It's vital to note that the same set of sample South Dakota permit test questions will be presented each time you attempt this CDL prep test, a feature designed to reinforce your learning and understanding of key concepts. To pass, you must correctly answer at least 16 out of the 20 questions. But remember, the goal here is not just to pass but to excel. To complement your practice tests, we suggest integrating other study materials like the drivers handbook, state-certified drivers ed courses (as a commercial license aspirer, you may know these as ELDT), flashcards, and road sign charts. These resources offer a comprehensive overview and deepen your understanding of the material. For those who are determined to leave no stone unturned, we highly recommend taking professional driving lessons as well, but these will come one you have your commercial permit. Remember, obtaining your CDL is more than just passing a test; it's about ensuring you have the knowledge and skills for safe and responsible driving. Our South Dakota CDL prep tests and additional resources are here to guide you through each step of this important journey. So, let's get started on this road to success!
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Sample South Dakota CDL Test Questions - General Knowledge

Question 1

Under South Dakota law, when may a driver who is not in a funeral procession drive between its moving vehicles?

  1. A Whenever the driver has a green traffic signal
  2. B Whenever there appears to be enough space
  3. C Whenever the procession is traveling below the speed limit
  4. D Only when authorized by law enforcement or operating a signaling emergency vehicle

Correct answer: D – Only when authorized by law enforcement or operating a signaling emergency vehicle

South Dakota law generally prohibits a vehicle outside a funeral procession from driving between the procession’s moving vehicles. The exceptions are authorization from a law enforcement officer or an emergency vehicle giving an audible or visible signal. This restriction is separate from the limited circumstances in which safely passing a procession on a multilane highway is permitted.

Source: SDCL § 32-26-55(1), (4) – Funeral procession--Other vehicles--Violation as misdemeanor

Question 2

Which item is not inspected as part of the steering system?

  1. A Missing nuts, bolts, cotter keys, or other steering parts
  2. B Leaking shock absorbers
  3. C Power-steering hoses, pump, and fluid level
  4. D Power-steering fluid leaks

Correct answer: B – Leaking shock absorbers

Leaking shock absorbers are inspected as suspension defects, not steering-system defects. The South Dakota CDL manual places missing steering hardware, damaged steering components, power-steering hoses and pumps, fluid levels, and leaks under steering-system checks. Inspecting each component under the proper system helps organize a complete vehicle inspection.

Source: South Dakota Commercial Driver License Manual — § 2.1, “Steering System Defects” and “Suspension System Defects”

Question 3

Which vehicles are especially likely to become hung up on a raised railroad-highway crossing?

  1. A High-clearance straight trucks and short trailers
  2. B Tandem-axle tractors without trailers
  3. C Low-clearance units and single-axle tractors pulling long trailers
  4. D Any vehicle equipped with a manual transmission

Correct answer: C – Low-clearance units and single-axle tractors pulling long trailers

Low-slung units may become stuck where the roadway rises over the tracks. Examples include lowboys, car carriers, moving vans, and possum-belly livestock trailers. The South Dakota CDL manual also identifies a single-axle tractor pulling a long trailer whose landing gear is set for a tandem-axle tractor as a risk.

Source: South Dakota Commercial Driver License Manual — § 2.15.6, “Special Situations”.

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of hazardous-materials placards?

  1. A To warn others about hazardous cargo
  2. B To identify the vehicle's braking system
  3. C To mark an oversize or wide load
  4. D To display the motor carrier's safety rating

Correct answer: A – To warn others about hazardous cargo

Placards warn others that hazardous materials are being transported. They are displayed on the outside of a vehicle and identify the cargo's hazard class. They are different from signs or flags used to identify an oversize load.

Source: South Dakota Commercial Driver License Manual — § 2.23.3, “Lists of Regulated Products”.

Question 5

It is safe to remove a radiator cap before the pressurized cooling system has cooled.

  1. A TRUE
  2. B FALSE

Correct answer: B – FALSE

Never remove a radiator cap or another part of a pressurized cooling system until the system has cooled. Steam and boiling coolant can escape under pressure and cause severe burns. Shut off the engine, allow it to cool, protect your hands, and release any remaining pressure slowly before removing the cap.

Source: South Dakota Commercial Driver License Manual — § 2.14.2, “Driving in Very Hot Weather”.

Question 6

Before backing with a helper, which hand signal is most important for both people to establish?

  1. A Pull forward
  2. B Back to the left
  3. C Continue backing
  4. D Stop

Correct answer: D – Stop

Before backing, the driver and helper should agree on hand signals that both understand. The manual specifically directs them to establish a signal for “stop.” The helper should remain near the rear of the vehicle in a position where the driver can see the helper.

Source: South Dakota Commercial Driver License Manual — § 2.2.2, “Backing Safely”.

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