DMV Practice Pro
Practice
Mock exam
Road signs
🇲🇽 Español
🇲🇽 ES
Home
›
South Dakota
›
Lanes & Passing
South Dakota Permit Test: Lanes & Passing Practice Questions
Lane use, merging, passing safely and freeway driving.
Start practicing
Every South Dakota topic, mock exams and your progress, right here or in the app.
Question 1
What minimum following distance does the South Dakota manual recommend?
4 seconds
2 seconds
3 seconds
1 second
Correct answer: 4 seconds
Always try to keep a minimum following distance of 4 seconds between your car and the vehicle in front.
Source: Cushion of Space (Space Management)
Question 2
When should you increase your following distance?
When the road is dry and straight
When traffic is light at noon
When you are running late
When following motorcycles or bicyclists
Correct answer: When following motorcycles or bicyclists
Increase following distance on slippery roads, behind motorcycles or bicyclists, behind large vehicles, when towing, or in darkness.
Source: Cushion of Space (Space Management)
Question 3
Someone is tailgating you and there is a right lane. What should you do?
Brake suddenly to warn them
Speed up to get away
Move over to the right
Stay put and tap the brakes
Correct answer: Move over to the right
If tailgated and there is a right lane, move right; never slow down quickly to discourage a tailgater.
Source: Cushion of Space (Space Management)
Question 4
At 55 mph, about how much clear distance do you need to pass safely on a two-lane road?
About 200 feet of open road
Over 1,600 feet (⅓ mile)
About 500 feet of open road
About one full mile or more
Correct answer: Over 1,600 feet (⅓ mile)
At 55 mph passing takes about 10 seconds; you and the oncoming vehicle each cover 800+ feet, so you need over 1,600 feet.
Source: Passing & Space to Pass
Question 5
How close to a hill or curve may you start to pass?
Within 100 feet if you hurry
Anywhere if you honk
Not within one-third of a mile
Only past the top
Correct answer: Not within one-third of a mile
Treat a hill or curve like an oncoming vehicle; do not start to pass if you are within one-third of a mile of it.
Source: Passing & Space to Pass
Question 6
How do you know you have left enough room to return after passing?
Both of its headlights show in your rearview mirror
You are one full car length ahead of its front bumper
The other driver honks or flashes lights to wave you in
Your passenger looks back and tells you it is clear
Correct answer: Both of its headlights show in your rearview mirror
When you can see both headlights of the vehicle you just passed in your rearview mirror, it is safe to return to the lane.
Source: Passing & Space to Pass
Question 7
Is it legal to pass on the shoulder in South Dakota?
Yes, if it is paved
No, never, paved or not
Yes, to pass a turning car
Yes, at low speed
Correct answer: No, never, paved or not
Never pass on the shoulder, whether it is paved or not.
Source: Passing & Space to Pass
Question 8
When another vehicle is passing you, you should:
Speed up so they cannot cut in
Move toward the center line
Brake hard to let them by
Stay in your lane at a constant speed
Correct answer: Stay in your lane at a constant speed
When being passed, stay in your lane and maintain a constant speed.
Source: Passing & Space to Pass
Question 9
How much space must you give when passing a bicyclist on a road posted above 35 mph?
At least 3 feet
At least 2 feet
At least 6 feet
Half of a lane width
Correct answer: At least 6 feet
Allow at least three feet if the limit is 35 mph or less, and at least six feet if the limit is greater than 35 mph.
Source: Passing & Space to Pass
Question 10
How much space must you give when passing a bicyclist where the limit is 35 mph or less?
At least 1 foot
At least 6 feet
At least 3 feet
At least 10 feet
Correct answer: At least 3 feet
On roads posted 35 mph or less, leave at least three feet between your vehicle (including mirrors) and the bicycle.
Source: Passing & Space to Pass
Question 11
To give a bicyclist the legal space, may you partly cross the center line?
No, never cross the center line
Only on interstates
Only with a passenger watching
Yes, if it can be done safely
Correct answer: Yes, if it can be done safely
A vehicle overtaking a bicycle may partially cross the centerline or lane line if it can be done safely.
Source: Passing & Space to Pass
Question 12
On the interstate, which lane should you normally use?
The left lane at all times
The right lane, unless passing
The center median
Whichever lane is emptiest
Correct answer: The right lane, unless passing
Avoid unnecessary lane changes; stay in the right lane unless overtaking and passing another vehicle.
Source: Interchanges & Interstate Driving
Question 13
You miss your interstate exit. What should you do?
Back up carefully on the shoulder
Go on to the next exit
Cross the median
Stop and wait for a gap
Correct answer: Go on to the next exit
If you miss your exit, go on to the next exit; backing up on the interstate is prohibited, and you must not cross the median.
Source: Interchanges & Interstate Driving
Question 14
How should you merge onto a high-speed road from an entrance ramp?
Stop at the end of the ramp and wait for a gap
Enter slowly and let highway traffic adjust
Match traffic speed in the acceleration lane
Merge early, before the acceleration lane starts
Correct answer: Match traffic speed in the acceleration lane
Use the acceleration lane to reach the speed of traffic; do not drive to the end and stop. Yield to traffic already on the road.
Source: Changing Lanes & Adjusting to Traffic
Question 15
When exiting a highway that has exit ramps, when should you slow down?
Well before the exit, in the travel lane
As soon as you see the exit sign
After moving onto the exit ramp
Only after reaching the stop sign
Correct answer: After moving onto the exit ramp
Keep up with traffic on the main road; do not slow down until you move onto the exit ramp.
Source: Changing Lanes & Adjusting to Traffic
All South Dakota practice
Other topics
Signals & Pavement Markings
Right-of-Way
Speed Limits
Turning
Parking
Alcohol & Drugs
Safe Driving
Emergencies
Sharing the Road
Licensing
Insurance & Collisions
Teen & Provisional Drivers
Ready for the real test?
Get the full question bank and practice tests that match your state’s exam in the app.
Coming soon
Download on the App Store
Coming soon
Get it on Google Play
Not affiliated with any state DMV or government agency.
Practice questions are written from official driver handbooks. Always check your state DMV for current rules.
Privacy
Terms
Road signs
© 2026 DMV Practice Pro
Home
Practice
Exam
Road signs
Profile