Free South Dakota CDL Practice Test — Updated for 2025

Getting your Commercial Driver’s License in South Dakota starts with the written knowledge tests. This page gives you free, simple South Dakota CDL practice tests for every major section: General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles, Hazmat, Passenger, School Bus, Tankers, and Doubles/Triples. You’ll see one question at a time, get instant feedback, and read a short explanation for each answer to understand why it’s correct before you move on.

South Dakota CDL at a Glance (Plain-English Summary)

  • Age & eligibility:
    You must be 18+ to drive intrastate and 21+ to drive interstate, carry passengers, or haul hazmat.
  • Valid license:
    You must hold a valid South Dakota driver’s license with a clean record.
  • Medical card:
    A valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate is required for most CDL drivers.
  • Knowledge tests → CLP:
    Pass all written exams for your CDL class and any needed endorsements to get your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP).
  • ELDT:
    Federal Entry-Level Driver Training required for Class A/B and H/P/S endorsements before taking the skills test.
  • Skills test:
    After holding your CLP for at least 14 days, take the pre-trip, basic control, and on-road skills tests.
  • Hazmat:
    Requires a TSA background check in addition to the hazmat knowledge test.
  • Testing handled by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS) — Driver Licensing Program or third-party testers.

What’s on the South Dakota CDL Knowledge Tests

General Knowledge

— safe driving, inspections, speed/space management, emergencies, and cargo basics.

Air Brakes

— parts, dual systems, stopping distance, downhill braking, and inspection.

Combination Vehicles

— coupling/uncoupling, skid prevention, rollover risk, and inspections.

Hazmat (H)

— hazard classes, placards, segregation, parking, and emergency response.

Passenger (P) & School Bus (S)

— loading/unloading, emergency procedures, and passenger management.

Tankers (N)

— surge/slosh effects, rollover prevention, and speed control.

Doubles/Triples (T)

— converter dollies, coupling order, and trailer control.

Pre-Trip

— complete inspection of brakes, tires, suspension, and in-cab items.

Required for All CDL Drivers

These tests are mandatory for all Commercial Driver's License applicants

About General Knowledge Tests

Basic rules, regulations, and safe driving practices for commercial vehicles

General Knowledge Test 1

Basic CDL knowledge and traffic laws

📝 50 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

General Knowledge Test 2

Vehicle safety and inspection procedures

📝 50 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

General Knowledge Test 3

Driving techniques and hazard awareness

📝 50 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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General Knowledge Test 4

Transportation of cargo and passengers

📝 50 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

General Knowledge Test 5

Emergency procedures and vehicle maintenance

📝 50 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

General Knowledge Test 6

Final comprehensive review test

📝 50 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test
About Air Brakes Tests

Air brake systems, inspection, and operation procedures

Air Brakes Test 1

Basic air brake system components and operation

📝 25 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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Air Brakes Test 2

Air brake inspection and testing procedures

📝 25 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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Air Brakes Test 3

Emergency procedures and troubleshooting

📝 25 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Air Brakes Test 4

Advanced air brake systems and safety

📝 25 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test
About Pre-Trip Inspection Tests

Vehicle inspection procedures and safety checks

Pre-Trip Inspection Test 1

Engine compartment and cab inspection

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Pre-Trip Inspection Test 2

Exterior vehicle inspection

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Pre-Trip Inspection Test 3

Trailer and coupling system inspection

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Endorsement Tests

Additional certifications for specialized commercial driving

About Combination Vehicles Tests

Tractor-trailers, truck and trailer combinations

Combination Vehicles Test 1

Coupling and uncoupling procedures

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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Combination Vehicles Test 2

Inspection of combination vehicles

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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Combination Vehicles Test 3

Driving combination vehicles safely

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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Combination Vehicles Test 4

Backing and maneuvering techniques

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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Combination Vehicles Test 5

Advanced combination vehicle operation

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test
About Hazmat Tests

Hazardous materials transportation and safety

Hazmat Test 1

Hazmat classification and identification

📝 30 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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Hazmat Test 2

Loading and handling procedures

📝 30 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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Hazmat Test 3

Documentation and placarding

📝 30 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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Hazmat Test 4

Emergency response and safety procedures

📝 30 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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About Passenger Vehicles Tests

Buses and vehicles designed to transport passengers

Passenger Vehicle Test 1

Pre-trip inspection for passenger vehicles

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Passenger Vehicle Test 2

Loading and unloading passengers

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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Passenger Vehicle Test 3

Passenger safety and emergency procedures

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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Passenger Vehicle Test 4

Special situations and regulations

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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About School Bus Tests

School bus operation and student transportation safety

School Bus Test 1

Loading and unloading students

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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School Bus Test 2

Emergency exits and evacuation procedures

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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School Bus Test 3

Student management and safety

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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School Bus Test 4

Special hazards and situations

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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About Tanker Vehicles Tests

Liquid cargo transportation and tank vehicle operation

Tanker Vehicle Test 1

Tanker vehicle inspection and safety

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Tanker Vehicle Test 2

Driving techniques for liquid cargo

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Tanker Vehicle Test 3

Loading, unloading, and emergency procedures

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test
About Doubles/Triples Tests

Double and triple trailer combinations

Doubles/Triples Test 1

Coupling and inspection procedures

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Doubles/Triples Test 2

Driving techniques and safety

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Doubles/Triples Test 3

Emergency procedures and troubleshooting

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

FAQs — South Dakota CDL

Additional certifications for specialized commercial driving

Q1- Who needs a CDL in South Dakota?

Drivers of vehicles 26,001 lb+ , towing 10,001+ lbs, carrying 16+ passengers, or hauling hazmat.

Q2- Minimum age?

18 intrastate, 21 interstate/hazmat/passenger.

Q3- Medical card required?

Yes, DOT physical required for most CDL holders.

Q4- What is ELDT?

Entry-Level Driver Training , required before CDL skills or endorsement tests.

Q5- CLP holding period?

Minimum 14 days.

Q6- Testing authority?

SCDMV or third-party testers.

Q7- Passing score?

80% required to pass.

Q8- Hazmat background check?

TSA background check required.

Q9- What to bring on test day?

Driver’s license, CLP, DOT medical card, ELDT certificate, and test vehicle.