South Dakota CDL — General Knowledge practice
South Dakota CDL — General Knowledge: Safe Driving Practices practice test
Following distance, scanning, blind spots, using your lights, and the habits that prevent crashes and keep you in control.
Content reviewed against official driver handbooks · August 12, 2026
14 questions · pass with 11 correct. You get instant feedback and an explanation after every answer.
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12 sample Safe Driving Practices questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.
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1. Why does the manual want a vehicle inspection done in the same way every time?
Correct answer: You learn all the steps and become less likely to forget something
A consistent routine helps a driver learn every step. It also lowers the chance that something gets missed.
Source: South Dakota Commercial Driver License Manual — Section 2.1.5, Seven-step Inspection Method
2. Because seeing well is critical to safe driving, how does the manual suggest finding out whether your vision is poor?
Correct answer: Get regular eye exams from an eye specialist
The manual says a driver may never know about poor vision unless the eyes are tested. It recommends having them checked regularly by an eye specialist.
Source: South Dakota Commercial Driver License Manual — Section 2.11.2, Driver Factors
3. Before a winter trip the manual has you clear the hand holds, steps, and deck plates of snow and ice. Why?
Correct answer: To reduce the danger of slipping
Ice and snow on the places where a driver climbs and stands are a fall hazard. Removing all of it lowers the danger of slipping.
Source: South Dakota Commercial Driver License Manual — Section 2.13.1, Vehicle Checks
4. What does the manual say about wearing dark or tinted corrective lenses at night?
Correct answer: Avoid them; they cut the light you need
Tinted lenses should be avoided at night even by drivers who think they help with glare. They cut the light that is needed to see clearly in night driving conditions.
Source: South Dakota Commercial Driver License Manual — Section 2.11.2, Driver Factors
5. Why does the manual warn against focusing on your mirrors for too long?
Correct answer: You travel a long way without seeing what is ahead
Mirror checks should be quick, with the eyes alternating between the road ahead and the mirrors. A long look means traveling a considerable distance without knowing what is happening ahead.
Source: South Dakota Commercial Driver License Manual — Section 2.4.2, Seeing to the Sides and Rear
6. During the in-cab part of the seven-step inspection, what should you check about the safety belt?
Correct answer: That it is securely mounted, adjusts, latches, and is not ripped or frayed
The safety belt check covers four things: secure mounting, adjustment, proper latching, and a belt that is not ripped or frayed.
Source: South Dakota Commercial Driver License Manual — Section 2.1.5, Seven-step Inspection Method
7. Which gear does the manual say to use when backing, and why?
Correct answer: The lowest reverse gear, so you can correct errors and stop quickly
Backing should always be as slow as possible, in the lowest reverse gear. At that speed it is easier to correct a steering mistake and to stop fast when needed.
Source: South Dakota Commercial Driver License Manual — Section 2.2.4, Backing Safely
8. When does the manual say an after-trip inspection should be done?
Correct answer: At the end of each trip, day, or duty tour
The after-trip inspection comes when a trip, a day, or a duty tour is over, and it covers each vehicle operated. It may include a vehicle condition report that lists any problems found.
Source: South Dakota Commercial Driver License Manual — Section 2.1.2, Types of Vehicle Inspection
9. As you walk up to your vehicle to begin an inspection, what should you look for underneath it?
Correct answer: Fresh oil, coolant, grease, or fuel leaks
Approaching the vehicle, a driver notes its general condition, including damage or a lean to one side. Under the vehicle, the things to look for are fresh leaks of oil, coolant, grease, or fuel.
Source: South Dakota Commercial Driver License Manual — Section 2.1.5, Seven-step Inspection Method
10. What does the manual suggest keeping in your vehicle if you need glasses or contact lenses to drive?
Correct answer: An extra set of corrective lenses
A spare set of corrective lenses in the vehicle lets a driver keep going safely if the usual pair is broken or lost.
Source: South Dakota Commercial Driver License Manual — Section 2.11.2, Driver Factors
11. About how many deaths a year on U.S. roadways does the manual attribute to crashes involving distracted driving?
Correct answer: About 5,500
Citing NHTSA, the manual puts the yearly toll at approximately 5,500 people killed, with an estimated 448,000 more injured, in motor vehicle crashes that involve distracted driving.
Source: South Dakota Commercial Driver License Manual — Section 2.9.1, The Distracted Driving Crash Problem
12. How does bracing differ from blocking when cargo is secured?
Correct answer: Bracing runs from the cargo's upper part to the floor or walls; blocking fits against its front, back, or sides
Blocking is shaped to fit snugly against a piece of cargo at the front, back, or sides to keep it from sliding. Bracing also prevents movement, but it extends from the cargo's upper part down to the floor and/or walls.
Source: South Dakota Commercial Driver License Manual — Section 3.3.1, Blocking and Bracing
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Every South Dakota question is written from the official South Dakota driver handbook and checked against its current edition. DMV Test Free is a free, independent study resource — not affiliated with any DMV or government agency. About DMV Test Free