Free South Dakota DPS Practice Permit Test - Practice Test 4 2026
This Practice Test 4 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.
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What's on the South Dakota Practice Test 4
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 4 is a 25-question set drawn from 49 questions, scored against a practice target of 80%.
Topics in this test's question pool
- Road signs 15
- Safe driving 11
- Traffic laws 8
- Right of way 5
- Emergencies 3
- Vehicle equipment 3
- Alcohol & drugs 2
- Speed limits 1
- Parking 1
49 questions in the pool, 8 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. You are on a South Dakota road posted at 55 mph, and a snowplow ahead has its amber lights on. By law, how far behind it must you stay?
- A. At least 50 feet
- B. At least 100 feet
- C. At least 500 feet
- D. At least 200 feet (correct)
Why: On roads posted at 35 mph or more, South Dakota law requires drivers to keep at least 200 feet behind a snowplow that has its red or amber lights on. Plows are wide, work near the center line and can throw up clouds of snow.
Source: official South Dakota driver handbook, p.67 (PDF p.67), Winter Driving Safety Tips
2. Under South Dakota law, tint film on the side windows next to the driver may not reduce light passing through below:
- A. 20%
- B. 50%
- C. 35% (correct)
- D. 70%
Why: SDCL 32-15-2.4 bars film on the windshield and front side windows that lets through less than 35% of light. Rear windows have a lower limit of 20%.
Source: official South Dakota driver handbook, p.24 (PDF p.24), Windshield & Windows
3. The fog becomes so thick that you can barely see beyond your hood. What is the safest choice?
- A. Pull off the road as far as you can and stop (correct)
- B. Stop in your lane and wait for it to clear
- C. Switch to high beams so you can see farther
- D. Follow the taillights ahead of you closely
Why: When visibility drops to near zero, get completely off the road and wait for the fog to lift. Stopping in a travel lane invites a rear-end crash.
4. A warning sign showing an arrow splitting into two directions around a vertical line indicates:
- A. A divided highway begins ahead (correct)
- B. A fork where you must choose a route
- C. A passing lane opens ahead
- D. Two-way traffic begins ahead
Why: This sign warns that a divided highway begins ahead - a median or barrier will separate the opposing lanes. Keep right of the divider.
5. When you parallel park next to a curb, where should your car end up?
- A. About three feet from the curb so passengers can get out
- B. Parallel to the curb and as close as practical (correct)
- C. Angled with the back wheel touching the curb
- D. With front wheels turned in toward the curb
Why: Park parallel to and close to the curb. States set different maximum distances - for example 18 inches in California and Texas, 12 inches in Florida, Michigan and Washington, and 6 inches in New Jersey - so learn your state's limit.
6. When should you use your vehicle's emergency hazard lights?
- A. When parking briefly in a no-parking zone
- B. When your car is disabled on or near the road (correct)
- C. To thank a driver who let you merge
- D. When you plan to change lanes or make a turn
Why: Hazard lights warn others that your vehicle is stopped, disabled or a hazard. Rules for using them while moving (for example in heavy rain) differ between states, so follow your state handbook.
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 4 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.