One train passes and begins to clear your view. Why should you keep checking the crossing instead of following it immediately?
Correct answer: Another train may be approaching on a different track.
A first train can hide another train. Wait for the warning devices to permit movement and verify that every track is clear.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, current catalog-linked edition, REVISED 11/2024; printed/physical page 34: Railroad crossings — multiple tracks. Text reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
Rain, poor visibility and a curve make the posted speed unsafe. What should you do?
Correct answer: Reduce speed for the actual conditions, even below the posted limit.
Posted limits are intended for ideal conditions. The manual calls for lower speeds for curves, poor weather, limited visibility and other hazards.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, current catalog-linked edition, REVISED 11/2024; printed/physical page 35: Speed Limit Signs — conditions. Text reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
Why should you avoid lingering alongside a tractor-trailer while passing?
Correct answer: You may remain in the other driver’s blind spot and limit space to avoid a conflict.
A car lingering beside a truck can remain in its blind spot and restrict the truck driver’s ability to evade a hazard. Complete a permitted pass safely rather than remaining alongside.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, current catalog-linked edition, REVISED 11/2024; printed/physical page 63: Sharing the Road — Large Trucks and Buses. Text reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
Rain reduces traction and visibility. How should you adjust the space behind the vehicle ahead?
Correct answer: Increase the following gap and reduce speed as needed.
Poor conditions call for more time and space to respond. The question does not impose a single fixed interval for every condition.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, current catalog-linked edition, REVISED 11/2024; printed/physical page 51: Space Management — following distance. Text reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
A vehicle is following your car much too closely. What is the safer response?
Correct answer: Allow it to pass when you can do so safely instead of braking to punish the driver.
Move right when a lane is available, or gradually reduce speed. Never brake sharply to punish a tailgater.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, current catalog-linked edition, REVISED 11/2024; printed/physical page 52: Being Followed. Text reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
On a two-lane highway with one lane each way and a posted 65 mph limit, you safely pass a vehicle traveling below 65 mph. What narrow speed-limit allowance does South Dakota provide during that pass?
Correct answer: The limit is increased by 10 mph while the statutory passing conditions are met.
The ten-mph allowance applies only to overtaking a below-limit vehicle on the specified two-lane road posted at least 65. Other passing and safe-speed duties still apply; it is not a general cruising allowance.
Source: Current South Dakota Codified Laws §32-25-28(1)–(4). Reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
In a South Dakota urban area that has not been otherwise zoned or posted for speed, what is the statutory maximum?
Correct answer: 25 mph.
The default maximum for the specified unposted urban area is 25 mph. Posted controls and conditions requiring a lower safe speed still matter.
Source: Current South Dakota Codified Laws §32-25-12. Reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
Under ordinary conditions, what minimum following-time guideline does the South Dakota manual recommend?
Correct answer: At least four seconds.
The manual recommends a four-second minimum time gap. Increase the gap for poor traction, limited visibility, heavy vehicles and other conditions that need more response time.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, current catalog-linked edition, REVISED 11/2024; printed/physical page 51: Space Management — Following Distance. Text reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
You approach a curve with limited sight distance. When should you make the main speed reduction?
Correct answer: Before entering the curve.
Reduce speed before the turn so that steering and traction demands remain manageable. Do not wait for a skid to signal that the approach was too fast.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, current catalog-linked edition, REVISED 11/2024; printed/physical page 50: Adjusting Speed — Curves. Text reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
A driver passing you misjudges the available gap and needs to return ahead of you. What defensive response is appropriate?
Correct answer: Ease off and leave room for a safe return rather than make the mistake worse.
Defensive driving includes helping another driver recover safely from an error. Protect space and avoid creating a head-on conflict.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, current catalog-linked edition, REVISED 11/2024; printed/physical page 54: Drivers in trouble. Text reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
