South Dakota DPS Motorcycle Practice Test 57
- Questions25
- Correct to pass20
- Passing score80%
- Minimum age14 years
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1. A driver has to stop for a train at this sign. How far back from the nearest rail should the vehicle be held?
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Answer C: No closer than roughly fifteen feet
A train and its load overhang the rails, so stopping no closer than about fifteen feet keeps the vehicle outside the space the train actually sweeps.
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2. May you exceed the posted speed limit in order to complete a pass?
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Answer C: No, the posted limit applies while you are passing too
The limit does not lift for passing; if you cannot complete the pass within it, there is not enough room and you should stay back.
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3. You are approaching a traffic light that has been green for a long time. How should you treat it?
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Answer C: Expect it to change and be ready to stop
A light that has been green for a while is called a stale green light. Cover the brake and decide in advance where you could still stop safely.
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4. A turn restriction sign at the corner shows a range of times below the symbol. What does that mean?
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Answer A: The turn is banned only during the hours shown on the sign
Times posted under a regulatory symbol set the period during which the restriction applies; outside those hours the movement is permitted.
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5. On a two-lane road with a broken yellow center line, may you cross it to turn into a driveway on the left?
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Answer C: Yes, when it is safe and the oncoming lane is clear
A broken center line may be crossed for a pass or for a left turn into a road or a driveway, once the oncoming lane is clear.
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6. Absent a different posted or statutory limit, what is the default maximum speed South Dakota law sets for driving on a street or highway?
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Answer D: 65 miles per hour
State law sets a default maximum of 65 miles per hour on streets and highways unless a different limit is posted or set under another statute, such as the 80 mph interstate limit.
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7. You are driving on an open highway in a strong crosswind. What is the safest adjustment?
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Answer A: Reduce speed and keep a firm grip, expecting gusts on bridges and beside large vehicles
Gusts hit hardest in open gaps, on bridges and when passing high-sided vehicles, so a lower speed and a firm grip let you correct before you are pushed out of your lane.
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8. It is cold and the road looks wet, but you notice the tires of vehicles ahead are throwing up no spray. What does this suggest?
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Answer B: The surface has frozen and is probably icy
Water throws spray, but ice does not. A shiny road with no spray in freezing temperatures is a strong sign of black ice, so slow down and avoid sudden inputs.
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9. When is a driver at the highest risk of falling asleep at the wheel?
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Answer B: Late at night, early morning and mid afternoon
The body clock produces its deepest dips in alertness in the small hours and again in the middle of the afternoon, and crash records follow those dips.
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10. Is a windshield an adequate substitute for eye protection?
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Answer A: No, because air and debris still reach the rider's eyes around and over the screen
Airflow passes over and around a windshield, so a face shield or goggles are still needed to keep the rider's vision clear.
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11. The crossbuck, formed by two rectangular arms crossed in an X, is placed
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Answer D: on each highway approach to a railroad grade crossing
The crossbuck marks the location of a highway-rail grade crossing and is required on each highway approach to that crossing.
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12. How far ahead should you normally be looking while driving?
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Answer D: About 12 to 15 seconds of travel ahead
Looking that far ahead, roughly a block in town and much farther on a highway, gives you time to see a problem developing and adjust before it becomes an emergency.
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13. What score does the South Dakota Department of Public Safety require on the knowledge test?
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Answer C: 80 percent or higher
The Department of Public Safety states that applicants must pass the knowledge test with a score of 80 percent or higher, and the same standard applies to the driving test.
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14. No plaque stating days or hours accompanies this sign at the intersection. When does the restriction apply?
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Answer D: At all times, since nothing limits it to particular periods
A regulatory restriction runs continuously unless a supplemental plaque states the days or hours during which it applies.
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15. The engine begins to lose power, makes a loud noise and starts to seize. What should the rider do?
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Answer C: Pull in the clutch at once and coast off the road to a safe place
A seizing engine can lock the rear wheel, and pulling in the clutch separates it from the wheel so the motorcycle keeps rolling under control.
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16. Two drivers each have three drinks, one over three hours and one in half an hour. What is the difference?
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Answer C: The fast drinker reaches a higher peak level
The liver removes alcohol at a steady rate, so drinking faster than the body can clear it pushes the blood alcohol level much higher.
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17. The car ahead of you slows down for no reason that you can see. Should you pull out and pass?
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Answer B: No, find out why it is slowing before you commit to the other lane
A driver usually slows for something, such as a turn, a hazard or a pedestrian, and that something is often exactly where your pass would take you.
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18. After turning right you see a sign showing that your lane ends a short way ahead. What should you do?
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Answer B: Signal and merge into the next lane while there is still room
Merge early and smoothly while a gap is still available, rather than running out of pavement or forcing your way in at the last moment.
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19. What does South Dakota's mobile device law say specifically about social networking sites while driving?
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Answer C: Reading or posting to a social networking site while operating a vehicle is prohibited
A separate statute bars accessing, reading, or posting to a social networking site while operating a motor vehicle, as a Class 2 misdemeanor.
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20. A driver's blood alcohol concentration is below the legal limit, but the driver is visibly impaired. Can the driver be arrested?
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Answer C: Yes, driving while impaired by alcohol is an offense at any concentration
The per se figure, 0.08 percent in most states and 0.05 percent in Utah, is the level at which impairment is presumed. Impairment shown by driving behavior and field tests is enough on its own, because alcohol affects skills well before that number.
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21. You are approaching a refuse collection truck working along your street. What should you expect?
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Answer D: Workers stepping into the road around the truck
Collection crews move constantly between the truck and the curb, often from where you cannot see them, so slow right down and pass only when the whole area is clear.
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22. Why should riding clothing have no loose flapping parts?
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Answer B: Loose cloth can catch on the machine, and flapping tires the rider
Loose fabric can snag on the controls, the chain or a wheel, and the constant flapping and noise wear the rider out over a long ride.
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23. What is the correct body position for riding over a bump or an obstacle?
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Answer B: Rise slightly off the seat with your weight on the footrests, absorbing the shock with knees and elbows
Coming slightly off the seat lets your legs and arms work as extra suspension instead of transferring the impact through your body and the handlebars.
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24. When should you enter a destination into a navigation device?
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Answer B: Before you start driving, or after parking in a safe place
Programming a route is a visual, manual and mental task at the same time, so it belongs to the moments before the vehicle moves rather than to any point in traffic.
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25. Which action makes a wobble worse instead of better?
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Answer A: Braking or accelerating to try to ride out of it
Braking or adding power during a wobble can amplify it. Close the throttle gradually, hold the bars firmly and let the speed fall until the machine settles.