South Dakota CDL General Knowledge Test (SD) 5

5 out of 5 (40 votes)
80% Passing score
50 Questions
10 Mistakes allowed
Greetings from the heart of South Dakota! We're excited to present the fifth SD CDL General Knowledge Practice Test, a tool designed to boost your confidence and knowledge for your DMV written test in 2026! This particular DMV practice test is crafted with 50 permit test questions and answers, mirroring the style and format of the actual CDL written permit test. To pass, you need to correctly answer at least 40 of these questions, but remember, there's no limit to how many times you can attempt this practice test. What sets our South Dakota CDL general knowledge practice test apart is its commitment to your learning. After completing the permit practice test, you'll receive a detailed summary of your performance. This feature is invaluable as it not only shows the CDL questions you missed but also provides the correct answers. This way, you can understand where you need to focus your studies and improve your knowledge. For those of you who find learning through visuals more effective, we've got you covered. Our SD general knowledge CDL practice test includes various visual aids, such as images of road signs and traffic scenarios. These aids are designed to enhance your understanding of real-world driving situations, making your learning experience more engaging and effective. The format of our South Dakota DMV practice test follows the multiple-choice and true/false style, precisely like what you'll encounter at the DMV in 2026. This setup is excellent for honing your skills in identifying the right permit test answers and, just as importantly, ruling out the incorrect ones. It's all about practicing the process of elimination to zero in on the correct response. So, whether you're taking this SD DMV CDL practice test for the first time or returning to sharpen your skills, our fifth CDL General Knowledge Practice Test is here to assist you in preparing for your DMV test in 2026. We're here to support you in acing that test and getting one step closer to your CDL in South Dakota.
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Sample South Dakota CDL Test Questions - General Knowledge

Question 1

Which description best identifies black ice?

  1. A A thin, clear ice layer through which the pavement remains visible
  2. B A thick layer of partly melted snow
  3. C Ice found only along the roadway shoulder
  4. D Dark pavement that has absorbed extra heat

Correct answer: A – A thin, clear ice layer through which the pavement remains visible

Black ice is a thin, clear layer through which the roadway remains visible, making the surface look wet. In South Dakota's CDL manual, drivers are warned to watch for it whenever the temperature is below freezing and the road appears wet. It can be difficult to recognize before traction is lost.

Source: South Dakota Commercial Driver License Manual — § 2.6.2, “Matching Speed to the Road Surface”.

Question 2

A yellow diamond warning sign containing a black Y-shaped symbol indicates:

This sign warns drivers to _____________.
  1. A A T-intersection ahead
  2. B A Y-intersection ahead
  3. C A highway work zone ahead
  4. D A dip in the roadway ahead

Correct answer: B – A Y-intersection ahead

The Y-Intersection warning sign shows that the roadway ahead divides or meets another road in a Y-shaped configuration. Intersection warning signs are placed in advance to alert drivers to an intersection and the possibility of turning or entering traffic. Drivers should observe the roadway configuration and surrounding traffic.

Source: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, 11th ed. with Revision 1 — § 2C.41, “Intersection Warning Signs (W2-1 through W2-8)”.

Question 3

An unblocked cargo article is 8 feet long. What is the minimum number of tie-downs required?

  1. A 1
  2. B 2
  3. C 3
  4. D 4

Correct answer: B – 2

Federal cargo-securement rules require at least two tie-downs for an unblocked article that is longer than 5 feet but no longer than 10 feet, regardless of its weight. An 8-foot article falls within that range. Other rules may require additional securement depending on the cargo and securement system.

Source: 49 CFR § 393.110(b)(2)(ii) – Additional requirements for determining the minimum number of tiedowns.

Question 4

Which activity is not one of the three segments of a South Dakota CDL skills test?

  1. A Materials-handling equipment operation
  2. B Vehicle inspection
  3. C Basic vehicle control
  4. D On-road driving

Correct answer: A – Materials-handling equipment operation

The CDL skills test consists of vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. Applicants must demonstrate that they can inspect and safely operate the type of commercial vehicle for which they seek licensing. Operating forklifts or other materials-handling equipment is not a CDL skills-test segment.

Source: South Dakota Commercial Driver License Manual — § 1.1.2, “Skills Tests”.

Question 5

In South Dakota, what must a driver do first before making a permitted right turn at a steady red light?

  1. A Slow to walking speed and begin turning
  2. B Stop only when cross traffic is visible
  3. C Yield to pedestrians without stopping
  4. D Come to a complete stop

Correct answer: D – Come to a complete stop

A driver must stop before entering the near crosswalk or, if there is no crosswalk, before entering the intersection. After stopping, a right turn may be made unless a posted sign or local ordinance prohibits it. The driver must yield to pedestrians and other traffic proceeding as directed by the signal.

Source: SDCL § 32-28-4 – Meaning of steady red light or stop signal--Vehicular traffic--Right turn on red.

Question 6

When should a driver select a lower gear for a curve?

  1. A Before entering the curve
  2. B After beginning a descent beyond the curve
  3. C While traveling through the middle of the curve
  4. D Immediately after leaving the curve

Correct answer: A – Before entering the curve

The South Dakota CDL manual instructs drivers to slow to a safe speed and downshift before entering a curve. Selecting the proper gear beforehand allows the driver to use some power through the turn, helping the vehicle remain stable. Shifting after entering the curve can interfere with smooth vehicle control.

Source: South Dakota Commercial Driver License Manual — § 2.3.1, “Manual Transmissions”.

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