Free South Dakota DPS Practice Permit Test - Practice Test 2 2026
This Practice Test 2 is modeled on the Department of Public Safety (Driver Licensing Program) (DPS) written knowledge exam, whose length the agency does not publish; to pass you need 80% correct. These 25 questions rotate through traffic laws, road signs, and right-of-way - the core topics the DPS tests most heavily. Every question includes an explanation, so you learn the rule behind each answer - not just whether you got it right.
When turning left at a green light (not a green arrow), you must:
What's on the South Dakota Practice Test 2
The DPS does not publish how many questions are on the real South Dakota knowledge test, and to pass you need 80% correct. Practice Test 2 is a 25-question set drawn from 46 questions, scored against a practice target of 80%.
Topics in this test's question pool
- Road signs 17
- Traffic laws 12
- Safe driving 6
- Right of way 4
- Parking 3
- Speed limits 1
- Alcohol & drugs 1
- Vehicle equipment 1
- Emergencies 1
46 questions in the pool, 10 of them written specifically for South Dakota. Each attempt shows 25 in a new order.
Sample questions from this test, with answers
Want to test yourself first? Take the test above before reading these. Every answer below is checked against the source shown.
1. According to the South Dakota manual, a large truck's blind spot directly behind it can stretch back up to about:
- A. 50 feet
- B. 100 feet
- C. 500 feet
- D. 200 feet (correct)
Why: Large trucks and buses have a rear No-Zone that can reach about 200 feet. If you follow inside it, the driver cannot see you and you cannot see the road ahead.
Source: official South Dakota driver handbook, p.63 (PDF p.63), The No-Zone - Rear No-Zones
2. A train has passed a crossing, but the crossing bell is still ringing. When may you start across the tracks?
- A. Once the last car has passed
- B. When the gate starts to rise
- C. As soon as you see no train
- D. Only after the bell has stopped (correct)
Why: The South Dakota manual tells drivers not to cross while a crossing bell or horn is still sounding. Wait until it stops, then check again for a second train.
Source: official South Dakota driver handbook, p.34 (PDF p.34), Railroad Crossing Warning Signs
3. If your vehicle's accelerator sticks while driving, you should:
- A. Shift into park and pull the parking brake
- B. Shift to neutral, brake, and steer to safety (correct)
- C. Switch off the engine and remove the key
- D. Keep driving and call for help on your phone
Why: Shift to neutral (to disconnect engine power), then apply brakes steadily to slow the vehicle. Steer to a safe location. Only turn off the ignition if other methods fail - as this can lock the steering column in older cars.
4. What does this sign require you to do?
- A. Stop fully even when the road is clear of cars
- B. Slow down, yield, and stop only if needed (correct)
- C. Go first - cross traffic must yield
- D. Merge without changing your speed
Why: This is a YIELD sign. Slow down, be prepared to stop, and give the right of way to traffic and pedestrians. A full stop is required only if necessary.
Source: Federal MUTCD 11th ed. (Dec 2023) 2A.05, Table 2A-1 Use of Sign Shapes; 2B.05
5. A five-sided (pentagon) sign that points upward indicates:
- A. A no-passing zone
- B. A school zone or crossing (correct)
- C. A hospital zone ahead
- D. A railroad crossing ahead
Why: An upward-pointing pentagon sign marks a school zone or school crossing. It is typically yellow-green and warns that children may be present.
Source: Federal MUTCD 11th ed. (Dec 2023) 2A.05, Table 2A-1 Use of Sign Shapes
6. A yellow diamond sign showing a deer means:
- A. Hunting is allowed nearby
- B. Deer may cross the road (correct)
- C. A wildlife park entrance
- D. A nature trail crossing
Why: A deer symbol warns that animals frequently cross this stretch of road. Be especially alert at dawn and dusk, scan the roadsides, and slow down.
More South Dakota facts, the full requirements table and the printable PDF are on the South Dakota permit practice test page.
South Dakota DPS Test Info
- Questions on real test
- Not published by the DPS
- Passing score
- 80%
- Correct needed
- 80% correct
- Minimum age
- 14 years old
- Testing agency
- Department of Public Safety (Driver Licensing Program)
More South Dakota Tests
Study Tip
Don't just aim to pass this South Dakota Practice Test 2 once - keep taking it until you score 80% or higher two or three times in a row. Read the explanation after every question, even the ones you get right, to lock in the rule before your DPS exam.