South Dakota DPS Motorcycle Practice Test 2
Test 2 of 6. Pick an answer for each question to see if it is right and why; your score appears at the end. You need 20 correct answers to pass, the same ratio as the real South Dakota test.
- Questions25
- Correct to pass20
- Passing score80%
- Minimum age14 years
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1. Why can a motorcycle ahead of you slow down without any warning light showing?
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Answer B: The rider may slow by downshifting or rolling off
Riders often lose speed by closing the throttle or changing down, which does not switch on the brake light, so watch the machine itself and keep back.
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2. You are entering a freeway using an on-ramp with an acceleration lane. What is the correct technique?
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Answer C: Use the acceleration lane to reach the speed of traffic, then merge into a gap while yielding to traffic already on the freeway
The acceleration lane exists so you can match the speed of freeway traffic before merging, and drivers already on the freeway have the right-of-way.
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3. A tow truck with flashing amber lights is loading a car on the shoulder ahead. How should you treat it?
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Answer B: Give it the same room as an emergency vehicle
Tow operators, utility crews and highway workers face the same danger from passing traffic, so move over or slow down for their flashing amber lights too.
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4. During what period does South Dakota law generally require a vehicle's lamps to be lighted?
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Answer D: From sunset to sunrise, or any other time visibility is under 200 feet
Lamps must be lit from sunset to sunrise, and also at any other time when a person on the highway cannot be clearly seen from 200 feet away.
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5. What is the maximum lawful speed set by South Dakota law for passing a school during recess or while children are arriving or leaving during opening or closing hours?
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Answer A: 15 miles per hour
The statute fixes the school zone speed at 15 miles per hour during recess and arrival or departure periods.
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6. A South Dakota driver whose license already expired renews it 20 days later. What happens to the knowledge test requirement?
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Answer C: The knowledge test is waived because the renewal falls within the 30-day grace period
Renewing within 30 days after expiration still waives the knowledge test; waiting longer makes the test mandatory again.
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7. May a visiting driver who is at least sixteen and holds a valid license from another state operate a vehicle in South Dakota without a South Dakota license?
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Answer A: Yes, as long as they carry their valid home state or country license and are licensed for that vehicle type
A nonresident at least sixteen years old with a valid home state or country license may drive in South Dakota any vehicle they are licensed for at home.
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8. South Dakota requires new motor vehicles sold in the state to have directional turn signals. Which vehicles are excepted from this equipment requirement?
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Answer D: Motorcycles, farm tractors, and certain towed agricultural chemical trailers
The turn signal requirement excepts motorcycles, farm tractors, and vehicles primarily used to distribute agricultural fertilizer or chemicals when towed.
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9. You are approaching a blind right hand curve. Which starting lane position gives the best view through it?
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Answer C: The left portion of the lane, toward the outside of the curve
Starting at the outside of a curve opens up the line of sight through it, and the rider then moves toward the inside as the exit comes into view.
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10. If a South Dakota driver is convicted of driving while their license is already suspended, what happens to the suspension period?
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Answer B: It is extended for an additional period equal to the original suspension
A conviction for driving while suspended causes the department to extend the suspension by another period of the same length.
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11. Which conviction does NOT add points to a South Dakota driving record?
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Answer A: Speeding
South Dakota assesses no points for speeding, parking, standing, equipment, size or weight violations, although the fine still applies.
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12. South Dakota requires most motor vehicles to carry a working windshield wiping device. Which vehicles are excepted from this requirement?
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Answer B: Farm tractors and motorcycles
The windshield wiper requirement exempts farm tractors and motorcycles from needing the device.
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13. On what recurring schedule does a standard South Dakota operator's license expire, according to state law?
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Answer A: On the licensee's birthday in the fifth year after issuance
South Dakota operator's licenses expire on the holder's birthday in the fifth year following issuance, not on a fixed calendar date unrelated to birthday.
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14. How can a South Dakota applicant have the motorcycle testing requirement waived?
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Answer D: By completing a motorcycle safety course approved under state law
The department may waive the motorcycle testing requirement when the applicant completes a motorcycle safety course approved under South Dakota law.
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15. You are about to pull out of a driveway when someone on the sidewalk is walking toward it. What should you do?
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Answer D: Wait, because traffic on the sidewalk has the right-of-way
A vehicle entering the roadway from a driveway yields to people on the sidewalk as well as to traffic on the street.
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16. What is the minimum fine set by South Dakota law for violating the requirement to slow down or move over for a stopped vehicle using warning lights?
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Answer A: $270
The statute sets a minimum fine of $270 for a violation of the slow-down-or-move-over requirement.
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17. The signal ahead turns yellow while you are approaching it. What does the yellow light mean?
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Answer C: The red is coming; stop if you can do so safely
A steady yellow warns that the red is next. Stop if you can do so safely; enter the intersection only when stopping would be dangerous.
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18. Besides alcohol, what else does South Dakota's implied consent statute allow a chemical test to check for?
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Answer B: Marijuana or other controlled drugs or substances that could impair driving
The implied consent law authorizes testing not only for alcohol but also for marijuana and other controlled substances that may impair driving ability.
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19. Why should baggage be kept as low as possible on a motorcycle?
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Answer C: A high load raises the center of gravity and makes the machine unstable
Weight carried high changes the balance of the motorcycle and makes it feel top heavy in turns and in crosswinds.
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20. A bus stopped at the corner hides the crosswalk you are about to turn across. What should you do?
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Answer C: Turn slowly, ready to stop for anyone stepping out in front of it
People often step into the road from in front of a stopped bus, so approach the hidden crosswalk slowly and be ready to stop.
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21. Beyond this sign, cones and temporary signs lead traffic along a path that does not agree with the lines painted on the pavement. Which one must the driver follow?
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Answer C: The temporary arrangement, because it replaces the permanent layout while the work lasts
Temporary traffic control set up for the work takes precedence over the permanent signs and markings, which no longer describe how the road is being used.
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22. How many points does a conviction for improper passing add to a South Dakota driving record?
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Answer C: Four points
Improper passing carries four points, the same value assigned to failure to yield the right-of-way and driving on the wrong side of the roadway.
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23. Why do safety agencies put head protection first among riding gear?
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Answer A: Because head injuries are the leading cause of death in motorcycle crashes
Head injury is the most common cause of death in motorcycle crashes, which is why a certified helmet is the single most important piece of gear.
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24. You are leaving a freeway by an exit ramp. Where should you slow down?
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Answer D: On the ramp itself, after you have left the through lane
Braking in the through lane surprises the traffic behind, so the rider signals, moves onto the ramp and does the slowing in the space provided for it.
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25. How does South Dakota law distinguish a license revocation from a license suspension?
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Answer D: A revocation ends the driving privilege and requires a new application, while a suspension is a temporary, sometimes conditional withdrawal
Revocation terminates the driving privilege and license outright, while suspension is described as a temporary withdrawal that can be time-limited or conditional.