Traffic Signs & Signals — South Dakota

South Dakota motorcycle permit practice test: 299 free practice questions (Based on the official driver handbook). The official format is not yet verified; check the official site before your test. Traffic Signs & Signals: 18 questions. Updated

Regulatory, warning and guide signs, plus traffic light and pavement marking questions.

This topic page is still being reviewed against the official handbook. Until review is finished it is hidden from search engines.

Topic / MetricValue
TopicTraffic Signs & Signals
License testSouth Dakota Motorcycle permit test
Topic questions18 (6% of 299 total)
Review statusThis topic page is still being reviewed against the official handbook. Until review is finished it is hidden from search engines.

Official handbook

Not yet verified Motorcycle manual link not yet collected

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Questions (18)

1. To reduce the chances of a collision, a motorcycle rider should:
  1. Maintain an adequate space cushion. ✓
  2. Ride very slowly.
  3. Ride the centerline.

Answer: A. Maintain an adequate space cushion.

To reduce the chances of a collision, maintain an adequate space cushion around your motorcycle. The manual lists ways to lessen your chances of a crash, and one of them is keeping an adequate space cushion, whether you are following, being followed, sharing a lane, passing or being passed. Space gives you room and time to react to hazards, which the group-riding section also stresses: riders need time and distance to respond to what happens around them. That is why the space cushion is the right choice here.
Official handbook: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual (18th ed.), p. 2
2. What does this sign mean?
  1. Railroad crossing ahead ✓
  2. Yield
  3. Reduce speed

Answer: A. Railroad crossing ahead

Official handbook: Official handbook
3. What does this sign mean?
  1. Right lane ends ✓
  2. Left lane ends
  3. Traffic control device ahead

Answer: A. Right lane ends

Official handbook: Official handbook
4. Riding on ______ may provide poor traction.
  1. Pavement markings ✓
  2. Dry pavement
  3. The roadway under a bridge

Answer: A. Pavement markings

Official handbook: Official handbook
5. What does a traffic signal displaying a solid red arrow mean?
  1. Drivers must come to a complete stop. ✓
  2. Drivers may proceed through the intersection with caution.
  3. Drivers must yield to oncoming traffic.

Answer: A. Drivers must come to a complete stop.

Official handbook: Official handbook
6. What does this sign mean?
  1. Slippery when wet ✓
  2. Lanes shift
  3. Yield

Answer: A. Slippery when wet

Official handbook: Official handbook
7. What does this sign mean?
  1. Signal ahead
  2. Crossroad ahead
  3. Divided roadway ahead ✓

Answer: C. Divided roadway ahead

Official handbook: Official handbook
8. The best lane position for a motorcycle:
  1. Is in the left part of a lane, next to the centerline.
  2. Is in the right part of a lane, next to the curb.
  3. Can vary depending on road and traffic conditions. ✓

Answer: C. Can vary depending on road and traffic conditions.

The best lane position can vary depending on road and traffic conditions. The handbook does not give one fixed spot that works everywhere. It says to change lane position based on traffic, road conditions and the curve of the road. It also says to vary your position as conditions warrant and to choose the part of the lane where you are most likely to be seen and can keep a space cushion. So the best position is a choice you keep adjusting, not a permanent left or right setting.
Official handbook: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual (18th ed.), p. 29
9. What does this sign mean?
  1. Vehicles will be entering the roadway.
  2. Signal ahead.
  3. Come to a complete stop and proceed when it is safe to do so. ✓

Answer: C. Come to a complete stop and proceed when it is safe to do so.

Official handbook: Official handbook
10. What does a flashing red traffic light mean?
  1. Come to a complete stop and proceed when it is safe to do so. ✓
  2. Only stop to yield to other traffic.
  3. Vehicles will be entering the roadway.

Answer: A. Come to a complete stop and proceed when it is safe to do so.

Official handbook: Official handbook
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Source

Last checked: 2026-10-17 · Verified from official source

Updated: · Based on the official driver handbook