10 exam-style questions with answers and explanations, straight from our 1,030-question bank. Tap an answer to check yourself. When you're ready, take the scored version in the free practice test.
These 10 free SD-CDL questions are organized by exam domain, so you can see how each part of the South Dakota CDL Permit Test blueprint is tested. Reveal the answer and explanation under each question.
A straight truck has a GVWR of 28,000 pounds and tows a trailer with a GVWR of 9,800 pounds. The combination carries neither passengers nor placarded hazardous material. Which CDL class applies?
Correct answer: B - Class B, because the power unit is 26,001 pounds or more and the trailer is 10,000 pounds or less
A tractor is on a two-lane South Dakota highway posted at 55 mph. By the time it is 300 feet from a stopped maintenance vehicle displaying amber warning lights, the driver has reduced speed to 32 mph and can pass cautiously in the lane. How should this maneuver be evaluated?
Correct answer: D - The driver is complying because the speed is more than 20 mph below the posted limit
At highway speed, a front tire blows and the steering wheel begins to pull. The traffic lane ahead remains open. Which sequence best preserves control?
Correct answer: A - Hold the wheel firmly, stay off the brakes until the vehicle slows, then signal and move off safely
A 70-foot tractor-semitrailer is traveling at 55 mph on a dry, level highway with a 9-second following interval. Relative to the basic CDL minimum before any added weather margin, how should that interval be evaluated?
Correct answer: C - It exceeds the basic minimum by 1 second; the calculated minimum is 8 seconds
During the startup check, the yellow ABS lamp remains on. A low-speed service-brake check shows firm, straight braking with no unusual delay. What does this finding mean operationally?
Correct answer: A - Conventional braking is available, but ABS protection may be lost; report and repair the fault
A 17,000-pound machine is restrained by sound tiedowns and anchor points with an aggregate working load limit of 9,000 pounds. No other securement defect is present. What is the correct assessment of the WLL?
Correct answer: C - The aggregate WLL meets the minimum requirement for this machine
After several dense pallets are moved to the rear of a box truck, the steering feels light and the front tires have less grip, although gross weight remains legal. What correction addresses the underlying problem?
Correct answer: D - Redistribute part of the load forward while staying within all axle and tire ratings
A passenger bus approaches a drawbridge controlled by a traffic signal showing green. The bridge appears fully closed and no attendant directs otherwise. How should the driver proceed?
Correct answer: B - Slow down, verify the bridge is closed and safe, and proceed without the mandatory 50-foot stop
A transit bus has a correctly placed 2-inch standee line behind the rear of the driver's seat. A standing passenger remains behind the line, but a roller bag blocks part of the aisle. What must be corrected before departure?
Correct answer: C - Secure the bag so the aisle and emergency exits remain unobstructed
During a combination-vehicle air-brake check, pressure drops 3.4 psi in one minute with the brakes released. With the service brake fully applied, pressure then drops 3.6 psi in one minute after stabilization. Which test result requires correction?
Correct answer: A - The static test fails; the applied test passes
The SD-CDL exam also covers these domains. Drill them in the full free practice test:
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