300+ Free South Dakota CDL General Knowledge Practice Questions
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You experience a front tire blowout while driving at highway speed. What is the correct procedure?
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Key Facts: South Dakota CDL General Knowledge Exam
80%
Minimum passing score for CDL knowledge tests
FMCSA / 49 CFR 383.135
At least 30
Minimum basic knowledge-test items
FMCSA States CDL Knowledge & Skills Test
20
General knowledge areas for CMV operators
49 CFR 383.111(a)
$33
South Dakota Commercial Driver License fee
South Dakota Truck Info CDL Qualifications
1 year
South Dakota CLP period for behind-the-wheel training
South Dakota Truck Info CDL Qualifications
South Dakota CDL applicants use South Dakota DPS Driver Licensing resources and the state CDL manual for CDL knowledge preparation. FMCSA requires the basic CDL knowledge test to cover the 20 general knowledge areas in 49 CFR 383.111(a), include at least 30 multiple-choice items, and require at least 80% correct to pass. South Dakota official motor carrier guidance lists a $33 CDL fee plus $15 per endorsement, and the CLP is issued for one year for behind-the-wheel training with a qualified accompanying CDL driver.
Sample South Dakota CDL General Knowledge Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your South Dakota CDL General Knowledge exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 300+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1In South Dakota, which agency issues commercial driver licenses?
2What is a South Dakota commercial learner permit primarily used for?
3What is the only reliable cure for driver fatigue?
4Before starting across railroad tracks, what must a CMV driver be sure of?
5What is the first step in the seven-step pre-trip inspection method?
6During a pre-trip inspection, what should you check in the engine compartment?
7Which emergency equipment is required to be on a commercial motor vehicle?
8During a pre-trip inspection, the driver notices a coolant leak near the water pump. What should the driver do?
9What is the minimum tread depth required for steer axle tires on a commercial motor vehicle?
10What is the minimum tread depth required for tires on drive and trailer axle positions?
About the South Dakota CDL General Knowledge Exam
The South Dakota CDL General Knowledge test is the basic written knowledge exam for South Dakota commercial learner permit and commercial driver license applicants. South Dakota Driver Licensing operates under Department of Public Safety CDL authority and FMCSA minimum standards in 49 CFR Part 383. FMCSA requires each basic CDL knowledge test to cover the 20 general areas in 49 CFR 383.111(a), contain at least 30 items, and require at least 80% correct to pass. The test emphasizes safe operation of commercial motor vehicles, including vehicle inspection, basic control, speed and space management, seeing and communication, adverse conditions, emergencies and skids, railroad crossings, mountain driving, cargo securement, driver wellness, alcohol and drug rules, and CDL licensing basics.
Assessment
Multiple-choice CDL knowledge test covering the basic general-knowledge areas required for commercial motor vehicle operators; air brakes, combination vehicles, and endorsements may require separate tests depending on the license sought.
Time Limit
Not published by South Dakota DPS or FMCSA for the General Knowledge test
Passing Score
At least 80% correct on each CDL knowledge test
Exam Fee
$33 Commercial Driver License fee plus $15 for each endorsement; third-party testers may charge up to $90 for each commercial skills-test attempt (South Dakota Department of Public Safety Driver Licensing)
South Dakota CDL General Knowledge Exam Content Outline
Vehicle Inspection
Pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip checks; safety-critical components; emergency equipment; tires, brakes, lights, mirrors, steering, suspension, exhaust, and unsafe defects.
Basic Vehicle Control
Starting, accelerating, shifting, backing, turning, off-tracking, braking, lane position, and controlling a large commercial motor vehicle.
Speed, Space, and Mountain Driving
Following distance, stopping distance, curves, low clearance, traffic space, downgrades, brake fade, escape ramps, and speed selection.
Seeing, Communication, and Railroad Crossings
Scanning 12 to 15 seconds ahead, mirror checks, signaling, blind spots, vulnerable road users, passive crossings, and clearing tracks.
Adverse Conditions, Hazards, and Emergencies
Night driving, fog, rain, snow, ice, hydroplaning, crosswinds, blowouts, fires, warning devices, emergency braking, ABS, skids, and crash response.
Cargo Securement and Weight
Blocking, bracing, tiedowns, working load limits, cargo inspection intervals, sealed loads, weight distribution, and high-center-of-gravity loads.
Driver Wellness, Alcohol/Drug Rules, and CDL Basics
Fatigue, medication safety, BAC limits, alcohol-use restrictions, drug/alcohol rules, FMCSA standards, South Dakota CLP rules, age requirements, and fees.
How to Pass the South Dakota CDL General Knowledge Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: At least 80% correct on each CDL knowledge test
- Assessment: Multiple-choice CDL knowledge test covering the basic general-knowledge areas required for commercial motor vehicle operators; air brakes, combination vehicles, and endorsements may require separate tests depending on the license sought.
- Time limit: Not published by South Dakota DPS or FMCSA for the General Knowledge test
- Exam fee: $33 Commercial Driver License fee plus $15 for each endorsement; third-party testers may charge up to $90 for each commercial skills-test attempt
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
South Dakota CDL General Knowledge Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
Who administers South Dakota CDL licensing?
South Dakota commercial driver licenses are issued through the South Dakota Department of Public Safety Driver Licensing program. South Dakota Truck Info also directs CDL applicants to the DPS CDL section for CDL licensing information.
How many questions are on the South Dakota CDL General Knowledge test?
FMCSA requires each basic CDL knowledge test to contain at least 30 items. South Dakota DPS does not publish a separate public General Knowledge item count on the sources reviewed, so applicants should treat 30 as the federal minimum and confirm current procedures with Driver Licensing.
What score do I need to pass?
FMCSA requires CDL applicants to correctly answer at least 80% of the questions on each CDL knowledge test, including general and endorsement knowledge tests.
How much does a South Dakota CDL cost?
South Dakota official motor carrier guidance lists a $33 Commercial Driver License fee plus $15 for each endorsement. It also notes that third-party testers may charge up to $90 for each commercial skills-test attempt.
What should I study for South Dakota CDL General Knowledge?
Use the South Dakota Commercial Driver License Manual and focus on general-knowledge areas: vehicle inspection, basic control, speed and space, seeing and communication, adverse conditions, emergencies, railroad crossings, mountain driving, cargo, fatigue, alcohol and drug rules, and CDL basics.
Do I need separate CDL tests beyond General Knowledge?
Possibly. South Dakota CDL guidance lists separate knowledge tests depending on the license class and endorsements, including air brakes, combination vehicles, passenger, hazardous materials, tanker, and doubles/triples.