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Safe Driving
South Dakota Permit Test: Safe Driving Practice Questions
Following distance, headlights, seat belts and distractions.
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Every South Dakota topic, mock exams and your progress, right here or in the app.
Question 1
Who must wear seatbelts in South Dakota under the general seatbelt law?
Only the driver
Every passenger in every seat
The driver and front-seat passengers
Only passengers under 12
Correct answer: The driver and front-seat passengers
It is illegal to drive or be a front-seat passenger without a seatbelt; children under 18 must also be restrained.
Source: Using Seatbelts & Child Passenger Safety Laws
Question 2
Children under what age must be in a child restraint system in South Dakota (unless 40+ pounds)?
Under 8
Under 3
Under 5
Under 10
Correct answer: Under 5
Children under five must be secured in a child restraint; a child under five weighing at least 40 pounds may use a seatbelt.
Source: Using Seatbelts & Child Passenger Safety Laws
Question 3
Where should children age 12 and younger sit?
In the front seat with an airbag
On an adult’s lap
In the rear seat
Anywhere if belted
Correct answer: In the rear seat
Children 12 and younger should sit in the rear seat to avoid injury from an air bag.
Source: Using Seatbelts & Child Passenger Safety Laws
Question 4
Why should you never put one seatbelt around yourself and a child on your lap?
Crash forces would press the belt into the child
The belt will not latch with two people
It is only a problem for long trips
It makes the airbag deploy late
Correct answer: Crash forces would press the belt into the child
Your weight, increased by collision forces, would press the belt deeply into the child and could cause serious or fatal injury.
Source: Using Seatbelts & Child Passenger Safety Laws
Question 5
Infant car seats should be used for children up to about what weight and face which way?
Up to 20 pounds, facing rearward
Up to 40 pounds, facing forward in front
Up to 60 pounds, facing sideways
Any weight, facing forward
Correct answer: Up to 20 pounds, facing rearward
Infant seats are for children up to 20 pounds, always face rearward, and recline about 30 degrees.
Source: Using Seatbelts & Child Passenger Safety Laws
Question 6
Booster seats are for toddlers of at least what weight?
30 pounds
10 pounds
20 pounds
60 pounds
Correct answer: 30 pounds
Booster seats are for toddlers at least 30 pounds and need a harness or shoulder straps unless they have a shield.
Source: Using Seatbelts & Child Passenger Safety Laws
Question 7
Within how many miles of home do over half of all traffic deaths happen?
5 miles
100 miles
250 miles
25 miles
Correct answer: 25 miles
Over half of all traffic deaths happen within 25 miles of home, many on roads posted under 45 mph.
Source: Using Seatbelts & Child Passenger Safety Laws
Question 8
Do airbags protect you if your car is hit from the side or rolls over?
Yes, airbags protect in every crash
No; seatbelts are still needed
Only if you are not belted
Only for rear passengers
Correct answer: No; seatbelts are still needed
Air bags help against the wheel and dashboard but do not protect in side, rear, or rollover crashes; always wear seatbelts too.
Source: Using Seatbelts & Child Passenger Safety Laws
Question 9
How much space should be between your chest and the steering wheel?
10 inches
2 inches
5 inches
20 inches
Correct answer: 10 inches
There should be 10 inches between your chest and the steering wheel for airbag deployment.
Source: Adjusting Your Seat and Mirrors
Question 10
How should a head restraint be adjusted?
Touching the back of your head, not below the ears
Resting at the base of your neck for comfort
As low as possible so it does not block the view
Removed completely if it blocks the rear window
Correct answer: Touching the back of your head, not below the ears
Head restraints prevent whiplash; adjust them so they contact the back of your head and are not below your ears.
Source: Adjusting Your Seat and Mirrors
Question 11
Where should your hands be on the steering wheel?
At 10 and 2 o’clock
At 12 o’clock together
At 3 and 9 o’clock
At 6 o’clock
Correct answer: At 3 and 9 o’clock
Hands go at 3 and 9 o’clock; 10 and 2 is no longer recommended because it can be dangerous with air bags.
Source: Basic Driving – Steering, Hand Position & Backing
Question 12
Why should you never turn the ignition to "lock" while the vehicle is moving?
It drains the car battery almost instantly
The steering locks and you lose control
It turns off only the headlights and radio
It locks all of the doors automatically
Correct answer: The steering locks and you lose control
Turning the ignition to lock while moving will lock the steering and you will lose control.
Source: Basic Driving – Steering, Hand Position & Backing
Question 13
How can you check tire tread depth with a penny?
If the penny falls in completely, the tire is new
If all of Lincoln’s head shows, the tire is too worn
If you can read the date, the tread depth is fine
A penny cannot be used to measure tire tread
Correct answer: If all of Lincoln’s head shows, the tire is too worn
Place Lincoln head-first in the deepest groove; if you can see all his head, the tires are too worn.
Source: Before You Drive – Inspecting Your Vehicle & Windows
Question 14
What is the minimum light transmittance allowed for tint on front side windows in South Dakota?
20%
50%
35%
70%
Correct answer: 35%
Windows beside or forward of the driver may not be tinted below 35% light transmittance; rear windows not below 20%.
Source: Before You Drive – Inspecting Your Vehicle & Windows
Question 15
Why should you never run the motor in a closed garage?
It slowly wears out the battery
Exhaust gases can kill quickly
It can overheat the car’s brakes
It may damage the garage door
Correct answer: Exhaust gases can kill quickly
Gases from a leaky exhaust can cause death in a very short time; never run the motor in a closed garage.
Source: Before You Drive – Inspecting Your Vehicle & Windows
All South Dakota practice
Other topics
Signals & Pavement Markings
Right-of-Way
Speed Limits
Turning
Lanes & Passing
Parking
Alcohol & Drugs
Emergencies
Sharing the Road
Licensing
Insurance & Collisions
Teen & Provisional Drivers
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Practice questions are written from official driver handbooks. Always check your state DMV for current rules.
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