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Test your knowledge forthe South Dakota permit test

The South Dakota permit test has 25 multiple-choice questions and you need 80% to pass: 20 correct answers, so you can miss up to 5.

10 questions from your state's handbook. Instant results, and every answer explained.

  • Free, no sign-up
  • Your chance of passing

The South Dakota permit test at a glance

Updated October 2026

Questions on the real test
25
Score needed to pass
80%20 of 25 correct
South Dakota practice questions on GetMyPermit
500

What's on the South Dakota permit test

Every question comes from the South Dakota driver handbook. These are its topics, with how many of our South Dakota practice questions cover each one.

  • The driver's license102
  • Rules of the road83
  • Safe driving tips67
  • General driving54
  • Before you drive51
  • Be in shape to drive40
  • Sharing the road36
  • Special driving situations23
  • Emergency situations and avoiding crashes21
  • Basic driving13
  • Test Your Knowledge10

South Dakota permit test sample questions and answers

  1. 1. What should you do when approaching and entering a roundabout?

    • A. Enter without slowing
    • B. Yield to traffic already in the roundabout and to pedestrians/bicyclists
    • C. Stop and wait for police direction
    • D. Always choose the left lane

    Answer: Yield to traffic already in the roundabout and to pedestrians/bicyclists

    Roundabout section: steps include slow down, yield to pedestrians and bicyclists, and yield to traffic on your left already in the roundabout before entering.

  2. 2. If an oncoming vehicle approaches with high beams on and does not dim them, what should you do?

    • A. Stare directly into the lights
    • B. Flash your high beams and speed up
    • C. Look toward the right side of the road
    • D. Turn off your headlights

    Answer: Look toward the right side of the road

    It advises that if a vehicle comes toward you with high beams on, look toward the right side of the road to avoid being distracted or blinded.

  3. 3. When a duplicate license is issued, what happens to the original expiration date?

    • A. It is extended by 5 years
    • B. It is shortened by 1 year
    • C. It remains the same as the original license
    • D. It is removed

    Answer: It remains the same as the original license

    “Duplicate License” explains that when a duplicate is obtained, your license will retain the original license expiration date.

  4. 4. Which steering technique is recommended for making sharp turns?

    • A. One-hand steering
    • B. Palming the wheel from the inside
    • C. Hand-over-hand steering
    • D. Letting the wheel spin freely back

    Answer: Hand-over-hand steering

    The manual advises using the hand-over-hand technique for sharp corners, then straightening the wheel by hand.

  5. 5. What are shared center lanes reserved for?

    • A. Both directions may pass
    • B. Neither direction may pass
    • C. Making left turns or U-turns when permitted
    • D. Only right turns allowed

    Answer: Making left turns or U-turns when permitted

    The handbook states that shared center lanes are reserved for making left turns or U-turns when they are permitted.

  6. 6. What color are regulatory signs generally?

    • A. Green
    • B. Yellow
    • C. White
    • D. Orange

    Answer: White

    One question asks “Regulatory signs are:” and the correct answer is white in that section.

  7. 7. What should you do when being closely followed (tailgated) and there is no right lane?

    • A. Brake suddenly to warn them
    • B. Speed up to get away
    • C. Wait until the road ahead is clear and passing is legal, then slowly reduce speed to encourage the tailgater to pass
    • D. Turn on hazard lights and stop

    Answer: Wait until the road ahead is clear and passing is legal, then slowly reduce speed to encourage the tailgater to pass

    It says if there is no right lane, wait until the road ahead is clear and passing is legal, then slowly reduce speed. This will encourage the tailgater to pass.

  8. 8. Under implied consent, what can happen if you refuse a lawfully requested BAC test?

    • A. Nothing, refusal is allowed with no penalty
    • B. You receive only a fine
    • C. You lose your driver license for one year
    • D. You must attend a class but keep your license

    Answer: You lose your driver license for one year

    The implied consent section states you can lose your driver’s license for one year if you refuse a BAC test.

South Dakota permit test FAQ

How many questions are on the South Dakota permit test?

The South Dakota permit test (the DMV knowledge test) has 25 multiple-choice questions.

What score do you need to pass the South Dakota permit test?

You need 80% to pass: at least 20 of the 25 questions right, so you can miss up to 5.

What is on the South Dakota permit test?

Questions come from the South Dakota driver handbook. The main topics are the driver's license, rules of the road, safe driving tips, general driving and before you drive.

How should I study for the South Dakota permit test?

Read the South Dakota driver handbook, then practice with questions written from it until you score well above the pass mark every time. GetMyPermit has 500 South Dakota practice questions, explains every answer and shows which topics you still miss.

Is this South Dakota permit practice test free?

Yes. The 10-question South Dakota practice test on this page is free, with instant results and every answer explained. The GetMyPermit app has the full question bank and a study plan.

Want the full South Dakota question bank and a study plan? Get GetMyPermit on the App Store.