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Free Practice Questions for South Dakota CDL Passenger

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Sample South Dakota CDL Passenger Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the South Dakota CDL Passenger exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 228+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under South Dakota Codified Law § 32-12A-1 and the South Dakota CDL Manual, which passenger vehicle requires the driver to hold a Commercial Driver License with a Passenger (P) endorsement?
A.Any vehicle used for private carpooling regardless of seating capacity
B.Only articulated transit buses operating within municipal transit districts
C.Any commercial motor vehicle designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver
D.Only intercity motorcoaches operating across South Dakota state borders
Explanation: SDCL § 32-12A-1 and Section 4 of the South Dakota CDL Manual establish that a Passenger (P) endorsement is required to operate any commercial motor vehicle designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver. This standard applies to both intrastate and interstate operations.
2According to Section 4 of the South Dakota CDL Manual, which knowledge test sections must an applicant pass to obtain the Passenger endorsement for an air-braked bus?
A.Section 4 only
B.Sections 2 (Driving Safely) and 4 (Transporting Passengers Safely), plus Section 5 (Air Brakes)
C.Section 10 (School Buses) and Section 3 (Transporting Cargo Safely)
D.Section 6 (Combination Vehicles) and Section 9 (Hazardous Materials)
Explanation: Section 4 states that to obtain the Passenger endorsement, an applicant must pass knowledge testing on Section 2 (Driving Safely) and Section 4 (Transporting Passengers Safely). If the passenger vehicle has air brakes, the driver must also pass Section 5 (Air Brakes).
3If an applicant takes the CDL passenger road skills test in a single-unit Class B bus with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, what restriction will appear on their commercial license?
A.Restriction M: No Class A passenger vehicles
B.Restriction N: No Class A or B passenger vehicles
C.Restriction L: No airbrake equipped CMV
D.Restriction V: Medical variance required
Explanation: Under federal standards (49 CFR 383.95) and South Dakota licensing rules, testing in a Class B passenger bus restricts the driver to operating Class B or C passenger vehicles only, resulting in restriction M (No Class A passenger vehicles).
4What is the restriction placed on a South Dakota Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) holder who possesses a Passenger (P) endorsement?
A.The driver may carry immediate family members only
B.The driver may transport fare-paying passengers on non-interstate highways
C.The driver may carry only the accompanying CDL holder, test examiners, other trainees, and authorized federal or state auditors or inspectors
D.The driver may transport up to 15 passengers during daylight hours
Explanation: SDCL § 32-12A-12.1 and 49 CFR 383.25 prohibit ordinary passengers in a passenger vehicle operated under a P CLP. The permitted occupants are the accompanying qualified CDL holder, test examiners, other trainees, and authorized federal or state auditors or inspectors.
5How long must a South Dakota commercial driver license applicant hold a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) before taking the CDL skills road test?
A.At least 7 days
B.At least 14 days
C.At least 30 days
D.At least 60 days
Explanation: Federal regulations (49 CFR 383.25) and South Dakota DPS licensing procedures require that a commercial learner's permit must be held for a minimum of 14 calendar days before the applicant is eligible to take the CDL skills examination.
6What training prerequisite must be completed before a South Dakota driver can take the skills test for a first-time Passenger (P) endorsement?
A.Federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from an FMCSA-registered training provider
B.A 40-hour defensive driving certificate from the South Dakota Highway Patrol
C.An advanced emergency medical technician certification
D.At least 500 hours of commercial driving logbook records
Explanation: Since February 7, 2022, federal law mandates that any driver seeking a first-time Passenger (P) endorsement must complete theory and behind-the-wheel training through an Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) provider registered on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry before taking the CDL skills test.
7What is the fee charged by South Dakota DPS for each commercial driver license endorsement knowledge test attempt under SDCL § 32-12A-15?
A.$5
B.$10
C.$20
D.$50
Explanation: Under South Dakota Codified Law § 32-12A-15, the Department of Public Safety charges a fee of twenty dollars ($20) for each commercial endorsement knowledge test taken.
8What is the minimum age to operate a passenger commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce versus intrastate commerce in South Dakota?
A.18 years old for interstate, 16 years old for intrastate
B.21 years old for interstate, 18 years old for intrastate
C.21 years old for both interstate and intrastate
D.25 years old for interstate, 21 years old for intrastate
Explanation: Under SDCL Chapter 32-12A and 49 CFR Part 391, commercial drivers must be at least 21 years old to transport passengers across state lines in interstate commerce. Drivers aged 18 to 20 may obtain an intrastate-only CDL to drive commercial vehicles within South Dakota.
9What does the current South Dakota CDL Manual say about interpreters and language during CDL testing?
A.An interpreter may assist with the knowledge test but not with the skills test
B.Interpreters are prohibited for knowledge tests, and every part of the skills test is conducted in English without an interpreter
C.The manual publishes five knowledge-test languages and permits dictionaries during testing
D.An interpreter may translate the vehicle-inspection portion of the skills test only
Explanation: The current South Dakota CDL Manual states that interpreters are prohibited for CDL knowledge tests. Its skills-testing section separately states that every part of the skills test is conducted in English and no interpreter is allowed. The manual does not publish a comprehensive list of languages available for the computerized knowledge test.
10What passing score is required on the South Dakota CDL Passenger endorsement written knowledge examination?
A.At least 70% correct
B.At least 75% correct
C.At least 80% correct
D.At least 90% correct
Explanation: Federal commercial driver licensing standards (49 CFR § 383.135) and South Dakota DPS require a score of at least 80% correct to pass all CDL knowledge examinations.

About the South Dakota CDL Passenger Exam

The South Dakota CDL Passenger endorsement test is a 20-question state knowledge examination administered by South Dakota DPS Driver Licensing for drivers seeking the P endorsement, which is required to operate a commercial bus designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver (SDCL 32-12A-1). The manual prohibits interpreters for knowledge testing, while every skills-test part is conducted in English. The knowledge test covers Sections 2 and 4 of the South Dakota CDL Manual: vehicle inspection, loading and baggage securement, prohibited and allowed hazardous materials, the 2-inch standee line, on-road passenger supervision, railroad crossings, drawbridges, after-trip inspections, prohibited fueling and towing practices, and safe driving. Independent OpenExamPrep practice uses four-option questions on those topics and is not an official test copy or simulation; it does not replace ELDT or required vehicle, control, and road skills practice.

Exam sponsor: South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS), Driver Licensing Program. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

A 20-question multiple-choice knowledge test administered at South Dakota DPS exam stations covering Sections 2 and 4 of the South Dakota CDL Manual, plus Section 5 if the passenger vehicle has air brakes. After completing ELDT and holding a CLP for at least 14 days, the applicant completes the vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, and road driving skills tests in a representative passenger vehicle.

Time Limit

Not published by South Dakota DPS

Passing Score

At least 80% correct on each CDL knowledge test (49 CFR 383.135 and South Dakota DPS)

Exam / Certification Fees

$43 CLP; $43 CDL; $20 per endorsement test; $150 plus tax per third-party skills-test attempt

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

South Dakota DPS rules, SDCL 32-12A, and CDL Manual Section 4 (official weight not published)

Passenger Endorsement and South Dakota Licensing

Who needs the P endorsement, sections covered on the test, Class M and N bus restrictions, CLP passenger restrictions, 14-day permit hold, ELDT mandates, knowledge-test interpreter prohibition, skills testing in English, fees, and age requirements.

CDL Manual Sections 2.1, 4.1, and 11 (official weight not published)

Bus Inspection

Reviewing and signing the previous driver's inspection report, front-tire tread requirements, steering lash, access panels, interior safety fixtures, emergency exits and door buzzers/lights, roof hatches, reflectors, seat belt, and coach versus transit bus inspection.

CDL Manual Section 4.2 (official weight not published)

Loading and Hazardous Materials

Baggage placement and securing, aisle clearance, hazardous materials rules and forbidden items, rider carry-on safety, the 2-inch standee line, stop announcements, and charter passenger boarding.

CDL Manual Section 4.3 and SDCL 32-29-5 (official weight not published)

On the Road with Riders

Passenger supervision, managing unruly passengers and proper discharge locations, common bus crash locations, curve speed management, railroad crossing stops under SDCL 32-29-5, and drawbridges.

CDL Manual Sections 4.4 to 4.6 (official weight not published)

After-Trip Inspection and Prohibited Practices

Written post-trip inspection reports, reporting interior passenger damage, transit signaling mechanisms, fueling prohibitions, driver distraction rules, towing disabled buses, and brake-door interlock operation.

CDL Manual Section 2 (official weight not published)

Safe Driving for Bus Operators

Following distance rules, forward scanning, emergency warning triangles, winter black ice, hydroplaning, night driving, emergency off-road recovery, tire failures, skids, fire safety, and downhill speed control.

Preparing for the South Dakota CDL Passenger Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: At least 80% correct on each CDL knowledge test (49 CFR 383.135 and South Dakota DPS)
  • Assessment: A 20-question multiple-choice knowledge test administered at South Dakota DPS exam stations covering Sections 2 and 4 of the South Dakota CDL Manual, plus Section 5 if the passenger vehicle has air brakes. After completing ELDT and holding a CLP for at least 14 days, the applicant completes the vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, and road driving skills tests in a representative passenger vehicle.
  • Time limit: Not published by South Dakota DPS
  • Exam / certification fees: $43 CLP; $43 CDL; $20 per endorsement test; $150 plus tax per third-party skills-test attempt Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

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  • Review every answer and explanation
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South Dakota CDL Passenger: Suggested Study Strategy

1Thoroughly review Sections 2 and 4 of the South Dakota CDL Manual, focusing on passenger vehicle pre-trip items, standee line rules, and baggage placement.
2Memorize hazardous materials restrictions for buses: never carry Division 2.3 poison gas, liquid Class 6 poisons, or explosives; never exceed 100 pounds of solid Class 6 poisons or 500 pounds total of permitted hazardous materials.
3Separate statute from manual procedure at rail crossings: SDCL 32-29-5 requires the stop within 50 feet, looking and listening, and no manual shifting; the CDL Manual gives the 15-to-50-foot test procedure.
4Understand the licensing logistics: $43 CLP, $43 CDL, $20 per endorsement test, 80% passing score, a 14-day CLP holding requirement, and ELDT completion before skills testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is required to hold a Passenger (P) endorsement in South Dakota?

Under SDCL 32-12A-1 and South Dakota CDL regulations, any driver operating a commercial motor vehicle designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver, must hold a valid CDL with the Passenger (P) endorsement. This requires passing the written knowledge examination and the skills test in a representative passenger vehicle.

What content is tested on the South Dakota Passenger endorsement knowledge test?

Section 4 of the South Dakota CDL Manual indicates that the Passenger knowledge test covers Section 2 (Driving Safely) and Section 4 (Transporting Passengers Safely). If the bus you intend to operate has air brakes, you must also pass the Section 5 air brakes knowledge test.

What is the passing score for the South Dakota CDL Passenger knowledge test?

The current South Dakota CDL Manual lists 20 multiple-choice questions. Federal rule 49 CFR 383.135 and South Dakota DPS require at least 80% correct to pass, so that is at least 16 correct answers. South Dakota DPS does not publish a time limit.

What languages are available for South Dakota CDL knowledge testing?

The South Dakota CDL Manual prohibits interpreters for CDL knowledge tests, and it states that all parts of the skills test are conducted in English without an interpreter. The reviewed official materials do not publish a comprehensive list of languages offered for the computerized knowledge test.

What are South Dakota's railroad crossing stop requirements for buses?

SDCL 32-29-5 requires a vehicle carrying passengers for hire to stop within 50 feet of the nearest rail, look and listen in both directions, and cross without manually shifting gears. The South Dakota CDL Manual supplies the 15-to-50-foot test procedure. A first railroad-highway-grade-crossing offense carries at least a 60-day commercial-driving disqualification under SDCL 32-12A-59.

How much does the Passenger endorsement cost in South Dakota?

South Dakota DPS charges $43 for a commercial learner's permit, $43 for a commercial driver license, and $20 for each endorsement test (SDCL 32-12A-15). A third-party commercial skills-test attempt costs $150 plus tax.

Are these practice questions identical to the official South Dakota exam?

No. These are independent educational study questions written based on the South Dakota Commercial Driver License Manual, federal FMCSA regulations, and South Dakota Codified Laws. They are designed to help you master the necessary knowledge and do not duplicate official exam items or replace required Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT).