Knowledge Test Class B
This license is required for driving a single vehicle with a GVWR of more than 26,001 pounds, and a trailer not to exceed 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating, or a vehicle designed to transport 24 or more people (including the driver). To receive this license, applicants must pass a 50-question test. To pass, applicants must answer 40 questions correctly. Each question has three or four possible answer choices. Test questions come from the South Dakota Commercial Driver License Manual. Questions come from chapters covering: Introduction, Driving Safely, Transporting Cargo Safely, Air Brakes (if applicable), Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Vehicle Control Skills Test and On-Road Driving.. Endorsements that may be used with a Class B CDL are: Hazardous materials, Tank, Passenger, HazMat and Tank, Air Brakes and School bus.
Number of Question
Passing Score
1. If stopped on the side of the road, how should you alert other motorists?
Explanation
If you must stop on the side of the road, it is important to turn on your four-way emergency flashers to warn other road users.
2. When inspecting your tires, you do not want to find:
Explanation
There should be at least 4/32 of an inch of tread depth in every major groove on front tires and 2/32 of an inch on other tires. Valve stems should not be cut or cracked. Tire sizes should not be mismatched.
3. When approaching a railroad crossing:
Explanation
You should never rely only on warning signals to alert you to an approaching train. Never try to race a train to a crossing. If there are multiple tracks at a crossing, be sure to check all tracks in both directions before starting to cross.
4. When loading a trailer, weight should be:
Explanation
Cargo with a high center of gravity makes a vehicle more likely to tip over than cargo with a low center of gravity. For this reason, it is important that the weight of cargo be distributed as low as possible.
5. If you’re unfamiliar with the area in which you must back up, you should:
Explanation
Backing is always dangerous because you cannot see everything behind your vehicle. Especially if you are unfamiliar with the area, you should get out of your vehicle and familiarize yourself with your path of travel before beginning to back up.
6. An air brake-equipped vehicle traveling at a speed of 55 mph under ideal driving conditions will need approximately ____ to come to a complete stop.
Explanation
A vehicle's total stopping distance is made up of perception distance, reaction distance, brake lag distance, and braking distance. With all of these factors included, an air brake-equipped vehicle traveling at a speed of 55 mph under ideal driving conditions will need approximately 450 feet to come to a complete stop.
7. When transporting cargo, drivers must check the securement of the cargo every:
Explanation
The securement of cargo must be checked before beginning a trip, within the first 50 miles of a trip, and then again every three hours or 150 miles thereafter.
See the exact questions that will be on the 2024 South Dakota DMV exam.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A Class B CDL (Commercial Driver's License) in South Dakota allows the holder to operate a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, or a combination of vehicles with a total GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more including a towed vehicle that weighs less than 10,000 pounds.
To obtain a Class B CDL in South Dakota, you must:
1. Meet the age requirement: You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Class B CDL in South Dakota.
2. Have a valid South Dakota driver's license: You must possess a valid South Dakota driver's license and have held it for at least one year.
3. Pass the knowledge test: You must pass the general knowledge test and any other applicable endorsement tests required for the type of vehicle you plan to operate.
4. Obtain a learner's permit: You must obtain a learner's permit and hold it for at least 14 days before taking the skills test.
5. Pass the skills test: You must pass the skills test which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
6. Meet medical requirements: You must meet the medical requirements set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Once you have completed these steps, you can apply for your Class B CDL at your local South Dakota Driver Licensing Office.
To obtain a Class B CDL in South Dakota, you must:
1. Meet the age requirement: You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Class B CDL in South Dakota.
2. Have a valid South Dakota driver's license: You must possess a valid South Dakota driver's license and have held it for at least one year.
3. Pass the knowledge test: You must pass the general knowledge test and any other applicable endorsement tests required for the type of vehicle you plan to operate.
4. Obtain a learner's permit: You must obtain a learner's permit and hold it for at least 14 days before taking the skills test.
5. Pass the skills test: You must pass the skills test which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
6. Meet medical requirements: You must meet the medical requirements set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Once you have completed these steps, you can apply for your Class B CDL at your local South Dakota Driver Licensing Office.
With a Class B CDL license in South Dakota, you are authorized to operate a single vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, or a combination of vehicles with a total GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, including a towed vehicle that weighs less than 10,000 pounds.
Some examples of the types of vehicles that you can operate with a Class B CDL license in South Dakota include:
- Straight trucks (such as delivery trucks and dump trucks) with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more
- Buses (such as school buses and city buses) designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver
- Large tow trucks that have a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more and are equipped to transport other vehicles
It is important to note that if you need to operate a vehicle that requires additional endorsements such as hazardous materials or passenger endorsements, you will need to obtain those endorsements in addition to your Class B CDL license.
Some examples of the types of vehicles that you can operate with a Class B CDL license in South Dakota include:
- Straight trucks (such as delivery trucks and dump trucks) with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more
- Buses (such as school buses and city buses) designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver
- Large tow trucks that have a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more and are equipped to transport other vehicles
It is important to note that if you need to operate a vehicle that requires additional endorsements such as hazardous materials or passenger endorsements, you will need to obtain those endorsements in addition to your Class B CDL license.
To obtain a Class B CDL (Commercial Driver's License) license in South Dakota, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years of age to obtain a Class B CDL license in South Dakota.
2. Valid Driver's License: You must have a valid South Dakota driver's license.
3. Medical Requirements: You must meet the medical requirements set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This includes passing a physical exam and providing a Medical Examiner's Certificate.
4. Knowledge Tests: You must pass knowledge tests that evaluate your understanding of the rules and regulations of commercial driving, including general knowledge, air brakes, and any other applicable endorsement tests that you may need based on the type of vehicle you plan to operate.
5. Learner's Permit: You must obtain a commercial driver's learner's permit (CLP) and hold it for at least 14 days before taking the skills test.
6. Skills Tests: You must pass the skills tests which evaluate your ability to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle. The skills test will include three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
7. Background Check: You will need to pass a background check which includes providing your driving history for the past 10 years.
Once you have met these requirements, you can apply for your Class B CDL license at your local South Dakota Driver Licensing Office.
1. Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years of age to obtain a Class B CDL license in South Dakota.
2. Valid Driver's License: You must have a valid South Dakota driver's license.
3. Medical Requirements: You must meet the medical requirements set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This includes passing a physical exam and providing a Medical Examiner's Certificate.
4. Knowledge Tests: You must pass knowledge tests that evaluate your understanding of the rules and regulations of commercial driving, including general knowledge, air brakes, and any other applicable endorsement tests that you may need based on the type of vehicle you plan to operate.
5. Learner's Permit: You must obtain a commercial driver's learner's permit (CLP) and hold it for at least 14 days before taking the skills test.
6. Skills Tests: You must pass the skills tests which evaluate your ability to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle. The skills test will include three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
7. Background Check: You will need to pass a background check which includes providing your driving history for the past 10 years.
Once you have met these requirements, you can apply for your Class B CDL license at your local South Dakota Driver Licensing Office.
In South Dakota, the minimum age requirement for a Class B CDL (Commercial Driver's License) license is 18 years old. However, there are some restrictions for drivers who are under the age of 21.
If you are between the ages of 18 and 20, you may only operate a commercial motor vehicle within the state of South Dakota. You are also prohibited from transporting hazardous materials or operating a commercial vehicle that is designed to transport more than 15 passengers (including the driver).
If you are 21 years of age or older, you may operate a commercial vehicle across state lines and transport hazardous materials, provided that you have obtained the necessary endorsements on your CDL.
If you are between the ages of 18 and 20, you may only operate a commercial motor vehicle within the state of South Dakota. You are also prohibited from transporting hazardous materials or operating a commercial vehicle that is designed to transport more than 15 passengers (including the driver).
If you are 21 years of age or older, you may operate a commercial vehicle across state lines and transport hazardous materials, provided that you have obtained the necessary endorsements on your CDL.
Yes, depending on the type of vehicle you plan to operate and the cargo you plan to transport, you may need to obtain endorsements on your Class B CDL (Commercial Driver's License) license.
The following are some common endorsements for a Class B CDL license:
1. Air Brakes Endorsement: This endorsement is required if the vehicle you plan to drive is equipped with air brakes.
2. Passenger Endorsement: This endorsement is required if you plan to drive a vehicle designed to transport more than 15 passengers (including the driver).
3. School Bus Endorsement: This endorsement is required if you plan to drive a school bus.
4. Hazardous Materials Endorsement: This endorsement is required if you plan to transport hazardous materials.
5. Tanker Endorsement: This endorsement is required if you plan to transport liquids or gases in bulk containers with a capacity of 1,000 gallons or more.
To obtain an endorsement on your Class B CDL license, you must pass a knowledge test specific to the type of endorsement you are seeking and meet any other requirements set forth by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.
The following are some common endorsements for a Class B CDL license:
1. Air Brakes Endorsement: This endorsement is required if the vehicle you plan to drive is equipped with air brakes.
2. Passenger Endorsement: This endorsement is required if you plan to drive a vehicle designed to transport more than 15 passengers (including the driver).
3. School Bus Endorsement: This endorsement is required if you plan to drive a school bus.
4. Hazardous Materials Endorsement: This endorsement is required if you plan to transport hazardous materials.
5. Tanker Endorsement: This endorsement is required if you plan to transport liquids or gases in bulk containers with a capacity of 1,000 gallons or more.
To obtain an endorsement on your Class B CDL license, you must pass a knowledge test specific to the type of endorsement you are seeking and meet any other requirements set forth by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.
The Class B CDL (Commercial Driver's License) skills test is designed to assess your ability to operate a Class B commercial motor vehicle safely and effectively. The skills test is divided into three parts:
1. Pre-Trip Inspection: You will be asked to perform a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle to ensure that it is in proper working order and safe for operation. You will be required to identify and explain the various parts of the vehicle and demonstrate that you know how to check them for safety.
2. Basic Vehicle Control: You will be asked to demonstrate your ability to control the vehicle in various maneuvers, such as backing up in a straight line, turning, and parking.
3. On-Road Driving: You will be asked to drive the vehicle on public roads while the examiner observes your driving skills, including your ability to perform safe lane changes, turns, stops, and merges.
To pass the Class B CDL skills test, you must demonstrate that you can operate the commercial motor vehicle safely and correctly in all three parts of the test. It's important to note that the specific requirements for the skills test may vary depending on the type of vehicle you plan to operate, so be sure to check with the South Dakota Department of Public Safety for detailed information on what will be required for your specific situation.
1. Pre-Trip Inspection: You will be asked to perform a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle to ensure that it is in proper working order and safe for operation. You will be required to identify and explain the various parts of the vehicle and demonstrate that you know how to check them for safety.
2. Basic Vehicle Control: You will be asked to demonstrate your ability to control the vehicle in various maneuvers, such as backing up in a straight line, turning, and parking.
3. On-Road Driving: You will be asked to drive the vehicle on public roads while the examiner observes your driving skills, including your ability to perform safe lane changes, turns, stops, and merges.
To pass the Class B CDL skills test, you must demonstrate that you can operate the commercial motor vehicle safely and correctly in all three parts of the test. It's important to note that the specific requirements for the skills test may vary depending on the type of vehicle you plan to operate, so be sure to check with the South Dakota Department of Public Safety for detailed information on what will be required for your specific situation.
Yes, there are some restrictions and limitations for drivers with a Class B CDL (Commercial Driver's License) license. The following are some common restrictions and limitations that may be imposed on your Class B CDL license:
1. Automatic Transmission Restriction: If you take your skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, you will be restricted to driving vehicles with an automatic transmission only.
2. Air Brake Restriction: If you do not pass the air brakes knowledge test or the skills test in a vehicle equipped with air brakes, you will be restricted from operating vehicles equipped with air brakes.
3. Passenger Vehicle Restriction: If you do not pass the passenger vehicle knowledge test or the skills test in a passenger vehicle, you will be restricted from operating vehicles designed to transport more than 15 passengers.
4. Hazardous Materials Endorsement Restriction: If you do not pass the hazardous materials knowledge test or do not meet the requirements for obtaining a hazardous materials endorsement, you will be restricted from transporting hazardous materials.
5. Medical Certification Restriction: If you do not meet the medical certification requirements set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), your CDL may be downgraded to a non-commercial license or suspended.
It's important to understand that these restrictions and limitations may vary depending on your specific situation and the state in which you hold your CDL. Be sure to check with the South Dakota Department of Public Safety for detailed information on any restrictions or limitations that may apply to your Class B CDL license.
1. Automatic Transmission Restriction: If you take your skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, you will be restricted to driving vehicles with an automatic transmission only.
2. Air Brake Restriction: If you do not pass the air brakes knowledge test or the skills test in a vehicle equipped with air brakes, you will be restricted from operating vehicles equipped with air brakes.
3. Passenger Vehicle Restriction: If you do not pass the passenger vehicle knowledge test or the skills test in a passenger vehicle, you will be restricted from operating vehicles designed to transport more than 15 passengers.
4. Hazardous Materials Endorsement Restriction: If you do not pass the hazardous materials knowledge test or do not meet the requirements for obtaining a hazardous materials endorsement, you will be restricted from transporting hazardous materials.
5. Medical Certification Restriction: If you do not meet the medical certification requirements set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), your CDL may be downgraded to a non-commercial license or suspended.
It's important to understand that these restrictions and limitations may vary depending on your specific situation and the state in which you hold your CDL. Be sure to check with the South Dakota Department of Public Safety for detailed information on any restrictions or limitations that may apply to your Class B CDL license.
No, the Class B CDL (Commercial Driver's License) written test in South Dakota is only available in English. According to the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, all CDL tests, including the knowledge tests, are only available in English. This is because the ability to read and understand English is considered an essential skill for commercial drivers who operate on U.S. highways and roads.
However, if you have difficulty reading or understanding English, you may be able to request an interpreter or a translated version of the test. It's best to contact your local South Dakota Driver Licensing Office for more information on this option and to discuss any accommodations that may be available.
It's important to note that even if you are able to take the written test in a language other than English, you will still need to demonstrate your ability to understand and communicate in English when you take the skills test. The skills test includes instructions given by the examiner in English and requires effective communication skills in English while operating a commercial motor vehicle.
However, if you have difficulty reading or understanding English, you may be able to request an interpreter or a translated version of the test. It's best to contact your local South Dakota Driver Licensing Office for more information on this option and to discuss any accommodations that may be available.
It's important to note that even if you are able to take the written test in a language other than English, you will still need to demonstrate your ability to understand and communicate in English when you take the skills test. The skills test includes instructions given by the examiner in English and requires effective communication skills in English while operating a commercial motor vehicle.
Yes, you can request accommodations for the Class B CDL (Commercial Driver's License) written test in South Dakota if you have a disability that makes it difficult for you to take the test under standard conditions. The South Dakota Department of Public Safety is committed to providing equal access to all individuals who seek to obtain a CDL license, regardless of disability.
To request accommodations for the CDL written test, you will need to complete an Application for Accommodation of Persons with Disabilities form and submit it to the South Dakota Department of Public Safety. The form is available on their website or can be obtained by contacting your local South Dakota Driver Licensing Office.
When completing the application, you will need to provide documentation of your disability and describe the specific accommodations you are requesting. Examples of accommodations that may be available include extended time, use of a reader or scribe, or a separate testing room.
Once your application is reviewed and approved, the South Dakota Department of Public Safety will work with you to arrange for the necessary accommodations during your CDL written test.
To request accommodations for the CDL written test, you will need to complete an Application for Accommodation of Persons with Disabilities form and submit it to the South Dakota Department of Public Safety. The form is available on their website or can be obtained by contacting your local South Dakota Driver Licensing Office.
When completing the application, you will need to provide documentation of your disability and describe the specific accommodations you are requesting. Examples of accommodations that may be available include extended time, use of a reader or scribe, or a separate testing room.
Once your application is reviewed and approved, the South Dakota Department of Public Safety will work with you to arrange for the necessary accommodations during your CDL written test.
If you fail the Class B CDL (Commercial Driver's License) written test in South Dakota, you will have the opportunity to retake it. However, you will need to wait at least one day before retaking the test. The South Dakota Department of Public Safety allows up to three attempts to pass the written test within a 90-day period. If you do not pass the written test within three attempts, you will need to wait at least 90 days before retaking the test.
It's important to note that there is a fee for each attempt at the CDL written test. If you fail the test, you will need to pay the fee again when you retake it. The current fee for the Class B CDL written test in South Dakota is $8 per attempt.
Before retaking the written test, it's a good idea to review your study materials and identify areas where you need additional practice. You may also want to consider taking a CDL practice test or enrolling in a CDL training program to improve your knowledge and skills.
If you pass the written test, you will be eligible to move on to the skills test, which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving portions.
It's important to note that there is a fee for each attempt at the CDL written test. If you fail the test, you will need to pay the fee again when you retake it. The current fee for the Class B CDL written test in South Dakota is $8 per attempt.
Before retaking the written test, it's a good idea to review your study materials and identify areas where you need additional practice. You may also want to consider taking a CDL practice test or enrolling in a CDL training program to improve your knowledge and skills.
If you pass the written test, you will be eligible to move on to the skills test, which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving portions.
