Before getting into a car to back out of a driveway, what is especially important?
Correct answer: Check behind the car for children and objects hidden from the driver's seat.
Small children and objects may be invisible from the seat or mirrors. Inspect the area first and keep checking while backing slowly.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, current catalog-linked edition, REVISED 11/2024; printed/physical page 30: Backing Up. Text reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
While the vehicle is moving, why must you avoid turning the ignition to LOCK?
Correct answer: It can lock the steering and prevent control of direction.
The manual warns that the locking position can lock the steering. Do not use it while the vehicle is still moving.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, current catalog-linked edition, REVISED 11/2024; printed/physical page 29: Steering Wheel Locking Device. Text reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
A car with functioning antilock brakes needs an emergency stop. What pedal technique does the handbook recommend?
Correct answer: Press firmly and keep pressure on the brake pedal.
With ABS, maintain firm pedal pressure and steer as needed. Pumping interrupts the system's intended operation.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, current catalog-linked edition, REVISED 11/2024; printed/physical page 57: Stopping Quickly — antilock brakes. Text reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
Should you use cruise control on an icy or snow-covered road?
Correct answer: No; keep direct control of speed on the slippery surface.
The manual advises against cruise control on slippery winter roads. Smooth, direct control is important when traction can change suddenly.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, current catalog-linked edition, REVISED 11/2024; printed/physical page 67: Winter Driving. Text reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
You leave pavement and enter a loose-gravel road. What adjustment is appropriate?
Correct answer: Reduce speed and allow more stopping space.
Loose gravel reduces traction and can increase stopping distance. Narrow roads and dust can also reduce the available safe space and view.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, current catalog-linked edition, REVISED 11/2024; printed/physical page 67: Gravel Roads. Text reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
A work-zone flagger directs you to stop even though your lane looks open. What should you do?
Correct answer: Obey the flagger and wait for permission to proceed.
The handbook requires following work-zone traffic-control instructions. The flagger may know about hazards or opposing traffic you cannot see.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, current catalog-linked edition, REVISED 11/2024; printed/physical page 34: Work Zone Signs — flagger instructions. Text reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
You approach a horse-drawn vehicle on a rural road. Which approach is safest?
Correct answer: Slow down, give room and avoid an unnecessary horn blast.
Horses can react unpredictably to noise and close vehicles. Pass cautiously with space, without startling the animal.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, current catalog-linked edition, REVISED 11/2024; printed/physical page 65: Animal-Drawn Vehicles and Horseback Riders. Text reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
May an ordinary passenger car use a roundabout's raised truck apron as a shortcut through the turn?
Correct answer: No; the apron provides space for large trucks' rear wheels, not ordinary cars.
The handbook specifically excludes cars, SUVs and pickups from the truck apron. Stay in the appropriate circulating lane.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, current catalog-linked edition, REVISED 11/2024; printed/physical page 39: Roundabouts — Truck Apron. Text reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
An emergency vehicle approaches while you are already inside a roundabout. What should you do?
Correct answer: Continue to an exit, leave the roundabout, then pull over and yield.
Do not block the circulating roadway. The manual directs drivers already inside to exit first, then pull over for the emergency vehicle.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, current catalog-linked edition, REVISED 11/2024; printed/physical page 40: Roundabouts — Emergency Vehicles. Text reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
What dimming distances does the South Dakota manual recommend for an oncoming vehicle and a vehicle ahead?
Correct answer: Use low beams within 500 feet of either.
This is the manual's driving guidance: dim within 500 feet for oncoming traffic and use low beams when closer than 500 feet behind another vehicle. Avoid glare even sooner when needed.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, current catalog-linked edition, REVISED 11/2024; printed/physical page 55: Use headlights — high/low beams. 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 breakdown leaves your car near fast traffic. Which action follows the manual's guidance?
Correct answer: Get the vehicle off the road if possible, use emergency flashers and stay out of the traffic lane.
Make the vehicle visible and keep people away from moving traffic. Do not work on a tire if that puts you in a traffic lane.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, current catalog-linked edition, REVISED 11/2024; printed/physical page 55: Use emergency signals — vehicle trouble. Text reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
An injured person is inside a crashed car, but there is no fire or other immediate danger. What is the safer response?
Correct answer: Call for help and avoid moving the person unnecessarily.
The manual warns against moving injured people unless necessary because of immediate danger. Obtain appropriate help and avoid worsening an injury.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, current catalog-linked edition, REVISED 11/2024; printed/physical page 59: Crashes — Get help for injured. 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. ↗
A four-year-old child weighing 35 pounds rides in an ordinary passenger car. What restraint does South Dakota's child-seat rule require?
Correct answer: An approved child safety seat appropriate to the child.
The current DSS summary requires an approved child safety seat for a child under five and under 40 pounds, in any seating position.
Source: South Dakota DSS Child Safety Seat Distribution Program, Frequently Asked Questions — What is current South Dakota law concerning child safety seats?. Current page reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
Under current South Dakota DSS safety guidance, when should a young child move from rear-facing to forward-facing?
Correct answer: After reaching the rear-facing height or weight limit allowed by the seat manufacturer.
DSS recommends remaining rear-facing as long as the seat's height and weight limits allow. The handbook's old nine-month conversion wording is not used.
Source: South Dakota DSS Child Safety Seat Distribution Program, Frequently Asked Questions — When can my child move from a rear facing to a forward facing seat?; best practice recommendations. Current page reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
A 16-year-old rides in the back seat of an ordinary car. Does sitting in the rear remove South Dakota's restraint requirement for that passenger?
Correct answer: No; occupants under 18 must be properly restrained in all seating positions.
DSS states that all occupants age 17 and younger must be buckled up. The rear-seat position does not create an exemption for a minor.
Source: South Dakota DSS Child Safety Seat Distribution Program, Frequently Asked Questions — What is current South Dakota law concerning child safety seats?. Current page reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
Traffic beyond the railroad tracks is stopped with no space for your whole car. The crossing lights are not flashing. What should you do?
Correct answer: Wait before the tracks until there is room to cross completely.
A clear warning signal is not enough: there must also be space to clear the tracks. Do not enter a crossing where traffic would trap the vehicle.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, current catalog-linked edition, REVISED 11/2024; printed/physical page 46: Trouble spots — Railroad crossings. Text reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
You hold a valid South Dakota operator license and plan to drive. What does the immediate-possession rule require?
Correct answer: Have your driver license in your immediate possession while operating the vehicle.
A licensee must have the driver license in immediate possession while operating a motor vehicle and display it on a lawful demand. Merely having a valid record or memorizing the number does not satisfy that possession rule.
Source: Current South Dakota Codified Laws §32-12-39, immediate possession and display of driver license; corroborated by current Driver License Manual printed/physical page 9, NOTE. Reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
You reach the sign shown at a quiet intersection. What does it require even when no traffic is visible?
Correct answer: A complete stop before proceeding when safe.
STOP requires a full stop, not merely a reduction in speed. Use the stop line, or the appropriate crosswalk or intersection stopping position, then yield before proceeding.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009, Figure 2b_01; sign R1-1: Stop; official illustration and description checked September 15, 2026. ↗
