20 questions from the South Dakota driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. Under South Dakota's implied consent law, what happens if a driver refuses to take a chemical test when asked by a police officer?
Answer: They lose their driver’s license for one year. The handbook specifies that refusing a requested chemical test results in a one-year loss of driving privileges.
South Dakota driver handbook, page 17: “You can lose your driver’s license for one year if you refuse to take a BAC test.”
2. What is the correct procedure for providing aid to a bleeding injured person?
Answer: Apply pressure directly on the wound with your hand or cloth. The handbook instructs drivers to apply direct pressure to stop bleeding, while advising against giving injured persons anything to drink.
South Dakota driver handbook, page 56: “If there is bleeding, apply pressure directly on the wound with your hand or with a cloth.”
3. Why should you avoid immediately moving into an intersection when the light turns green?
Answer: To ensure the path of travel is clear and there is no crossing traffic. The handbook instructs drivers to pause briefly to verify that the intersection is clear of crossing traffic before proceeding, rather than moving instantly.
South Dakota driver handbook, page 36: “At a traffic signal when the light turns green, avoid immediately moving into the intersection. Take the time to make sure the path of travel is clear and that there is no crossing traffic.”
4. According to the handbook, what is the required action when encountering a person with a sign or flag controlling traffic in a work zone?
Answer: You must follow their instructions. The handbook states that drivers are required to obey the directions given by flaggers or persons controlling traffic in work zones.
South Dakota driver handbook, page 31: “In work zones, traffic may be controlled by a person with a sign or flag to tell you which direction to travel, to slow down, or to stop. You must follow their instructions.”
5. When exiting a perpendicular or angle parking space, when should the driver turn the steering wheel sharply?
Answer: After the front bumper clears the vehicle parked beside you. The procedure requires backing straight until the front bumper clears the adjacent vehicle before turning the wheel to angle the rear into the lane.
South Dakota driver handbook, page 41: “Continue to check traffic and move straight back until the front bumper clears the vehicle parked beside you • Turn the steering wheel sharply in the direction that the rear of the vehicle should move to”
6. What is the recommended action when another driver makes a mistake, such as passing without enough room?
Answer: Slow down and let them return to the driving lane safely. The handbook instructs drivers to facilitate a safe merge by slowing down rather than making the situation worse by maintaining speed or reacting aggressively.
South Dakota driver handbook, page 51: “Slow down and let them return to the driving lane safely.”
7. When meeting a truck coming from the opposite direction, why should you keep as far right as possible?
Answer: To avoid a side-swipe crash and reduce wind turbulence. Keeping right minimizes the risk of side-swipes and counteracts the wind pressure that pushes vehicles apart.
South Dakota driver handbook, page 60: “When you meet a truck coming from the opposite direction, keep as far as possible to the right side of the roadway to avoid a side-swipe crash and to reduce the wind turbulence between the two vehicles, which pushes the vehicles apart.”
8. What is the minimum road width required for other traffic to pass a vehicle parked on a rural highway?
Answer: 15 feet. The handbook states that at least 15 feet of clearance must remain for passing traffic when parking on rural highways.
South Dakota driver handbook, page 40: “If parked on a rural highway, there must be at least 15 feet of road width for other traffic to pass the vehicle.”
9. When approaching a multi-lane roundabout, how should a driver determine which lane to use?
Answer: Observe the signs and arrows to determine the correct lane before entering. Drivers must check signs and arrows prior to entry to select the appropriate lane for their intended direction.
South Dakota driver handbook, page 37: “As you get closer to the roundabout entrance, it is very important to observe the signs and arrows to determine which lane to use before entering a roundabout.”
10. How should a rear-facing child safety seat be positioned relative to the vehicle's air bag?
Answer: It should never be placed in front of an active passenger air bag. The handbook specifies that rear-facing seats must never be placed in front of an active passenger air bag.
South Dakota driver handbook, page 23: “Check to be sure that all children age 12 or younger are properly restrained in the back seat and that a rear-facing child safety seat is never placed in front of an active passenger air bag.”
11. What action should a driver take if an approaching driver fails to dim their headlights?
Answer: Look toward the right side of the road to avoid being blinded. The handbook instructs drivers to look toward the right side of the road to maintain their course without being blinded by glare.
South Dakota driver handbook, page 52: “If they still don’t dim the lights, look toward the right side of the road. This will keep you from being blinded by the other vehicle’s headlights and will allow you to see enough of the edge of the road to stay on course until the other vehicle has passed.”
12. According to the handbook, what is the minimum required separation distance when a motor vehicle overtakes a bicycle if the posted speed limit is greater than 35 mph?
Answer: Six feet. The handbook states that a minimum of six feet separation is required when the speed limit exceeds 35 mph.
South Dakota driver handbook, page 43: “shall allow a minimum of six feet separation if the posted limit is greater than thirty-five miles per hour.”
13. How are shared center lanes marked on the pavement?
Answer: By solid yellow and dashed yellow lines on each side. The handbook specifies that shared center lanes are identified by solid yellow and dashed yellow lines on each side.
South Dakota driver handbook, page 34: “These lanes are marked on each side by solid yellow and dashed yellow lines.”
14. How does a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) activate?
Answer: It remains dark until a pedestrian pushes the call button. The PHB is designed to stay inactive until manually triggered by a pedestrian using the call button.
South Dakota driver handbook, page 28: “The lenses remain "dark" until a pedestrian desiring to cross the street pushes the call button to activate the beacon.”
15. During which hours can a Restricted Minor’s Permit holder drive alone without a supervising adult?
Answer: From 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The handbook defines the unrestricted driving window for Restricted Minor’s Permit holders as between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
South Dakota driver handbook, page 8: “Entitles the holder, while having the permit in his/her immediate physical possession, to operate a motor vehicle during the hours of 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. if the motor vehicle is being operated with the permission of the minor’s parent/legal guardian.”
16. When a large truck or bus is making a right turn and swings wide to the left, what is the recommended action for a driver approaching from behind?
Answer: Wait until the truck or bus has completed its turn before proceeding. The handbook advises waiting for the large vehicle to finish its maneuver to avoid being squeezed between the vehicle and the curb.
South Dakota driver handbook, page 60: “To avoid a crash, do not turn until the truck or bus has completed its turn.”
17. In which situation is it appropriate to give the horn a SHARP BLAST according to the handbook?
Answer: When another vehicle is in danger of hitting you. The handbook specifies that a sharp blast is used when another vehicle is in danger of hitting you, distinguishing it from a light tap used for other scenarios.
South Dakota driver handbook, page 52: “Give the horn a SHARP BLAST: • When another vehicle is in danger of hitting you”
18. When is it safe to return to your driving lane after passing another vehicle?
Answer: When you can see both headlights of the passed vehicle in your rearview mirror. The rule states that seeing both headlights in the rearview mirror indicates sufficient space to return safely.
South Dakota driver handbook, page 50: “When you can see both headlights of the vehicle you have just passed in your rearview mirror, it is safe to return to the driving lane.”
19. According to the handbook, what is the correct procedure if you miss your exit on an interstate highway?
Answer: Go on to the next exit. The handbook instructs drivers to continue to the next exit rather than reversing or crossing the median.
South Dakota driver handbook, page 39: “If you miss your exit, go on to the next exit.”
20. What is the recommended sequence for checking visibility before entering an intersection after stopping?
Answer: Look left, then right, and then left again. The handbook advises a left-right-left scanning pattern to ensure the path is clear of crossing traffic and pedestrians.
South Dakota driver handbook, page 36: “It is recommended that you look left, then right, and then left again before entering the intersection.”