South Dakota Motorcycle practice
South Dakota Motorcycle: Traffic Laws & Signals practice test
Speed limits, turning and signaling rules, headlight and seat-belt requirements, and the everyday laws every driver must follow.
Content reviewed against official driver handbooks · August 12, 2026
20 questions · pass with 16 correct. You get instant feedback and an explanation after every answer.
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12 sample Traffic Laws & Signals 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. You move to South Dakota and hold a valid non-commercial license from another state. How long can you live here before you must have a South Dakota license?
Correct answer: 90 days
The manual says you must have a South Dakota license once you have lived in the state more than 90 days. Commercial license holders must apply within 30 days.
Source: South Dakota Motorcycle Operator Manual — General Information
2. Who must accompany a South Dakota Motorcycle Instruction Permit holder?
Correct answer: A licensed motorcycle rider, at least 18 with at least a year of experience, riding a separate motorcycle
The accompanying rider must hold a valid motorcycle license, be at least 18, have at least one year of experience and ride another motorcycle alongside the permit holder.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual — The Driver's License, Types of Driver's Licenses and Driver's Permits
3. Which activity does South Dakota law (SDCL 32-26-46) prohibit while you are driving or riding?
Correct answer: Texting, reading texts and social networking
Texting, reading texts and social networking while driving are banned by state law under SDCL 32-26-46.
Source: South Dakota Motorcycle Operator Manual — General Information, Texting and the Law
4. You are overtaking a bicyclist on a road posted above 35 mph. How much side clearance does South Dakota law require?
Correct answer: At least 6 feet
SDCL 32-26-26.1 requires at least three feet of separation when the limit is 35 mph or less and at least six feet when it is higher. Violating it is a Class 2 misdemeanor.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual — Sharing the Road, Bicyclists
5. What is the minimum age for a South Dakota Motorcycle Operator's License?
Correct answer: 16
You must be at least 16, pass the vision, knowledge and motorcycle driving tests, and have no traffic violation conviction in the six months before you apply.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual — The Driver's License, Types of Driver's Licenses and Driver's Permits
6. On a road posted 35 mph or higher, how far behind a snowplow showing red or amber lights does South Dakota law require you to stay?
Correct answer: At least 200 feet
Where the posted limit is at least 35 mph, state law says to keep 200 feet or more behind a snowplow whose red or amber lights are on.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual — Special Driving Situations, Winter Driving Safety Tips
7. A rider ignores South Dakota's move-over law and causes a crash with a stopped emergency vehicle that is showing red lights. What is the offense?
Correct answer: A Class 1 misdemeanor
Violating the move-over law is a Class 2 misdemeanor; causing a crash while violating it, with a stopped emergency vehicle using red lights or a vehicle using amber, yellow or blue lights, is a Class 1 misdemeanor under SDCL 32-31-6.2.
Source: South Dakota Motorcycle Operator Manual — Attention: South Dakota Codified Law 32-31-6.1
8. You are riding in the carpool (HOV) lane on a freeway when an officer signals you to stop. Where should you pull over?
Correct answer: Completely onto the right shoulder
Move all the way onto the right shoulder, even from the carpool lane. Stopping in the median or on the opposite side puts you and the officer in danger from oncoming traffic.
Source: South Dakota Motorcycle Operator Manual — What a Driver Should Do During an Enforcement Stop
9. What does South Dakota law require regarding your driver license whenever you ride?
Correct answer: You must have it in your immediate possession
State law requires every licensee to keep their driver license on them at all times while operating a motor vehicle.
Source: South Dakota Motorcycle Operator Manual — General Information
10. How many attempts to pass a test does one South Dakota license fee cover?
Correct answer: Three attempts within a 6-month period
The fee covers three tries within six months. After three attempts, or once six months pass, the fee must be paid again.
Source: South Dakota Motorcycle Operator Manual — Fees
11. May a South Dakota Motorcycle Instruction Permit holder carry a passenger?
Correct answer: No, never
Carrying a passenger is not allowed for anyone riding on a Motorcycle Instruction Permit.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual — The Driver's License, Types of Driver's Licenses and Driver's Permits
12. What is the minimum age to get a South Dakota Motorcycle Instruction Permit?
Correct answer: 14
A Motorcycle Instruction Permit requires you to be at least 14 and to pass the vision test and the car/truck and motorcycle knowledge tests.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual — The Driver's License, Types of Driver's Licenses and Driver's Permits
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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