Vehicle Equipment & Safe Operation — South Dakota
South Dakota DMV practice test: 470 free practice questions (Based on the official driver handbook). The official format is not yet verified; check the official site before your test. Vehicle Equipment & Safe Operation: 30 questions.
Brakes, tires, lights, mirrors, seat belts, child seats and basic vehicle control.
This topic page is still being reviewed against the official handbook. Until review is finished it is hidden from search engines.
| Topic / Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Topic | Vehicle Equipment & Safe Operation |
| License test | South Dakota Car learner's permit test |
| Topic questions | 30 (6% of 470 total) |
| Review status | This 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
Questions (30)
1. If you are about to be hit from the rear, you should consider each of the following, except for:
- Applying your brakes.
- Letting go of the steering wheel. ✓
- Pressing your head firmly against the head restraint.
Answer: B. Letting go of the steering wheel.
2. In inclement weather, you should:
- Steer off the road.
- Drive in a low gear.
- Steer and brake smoothly. ✓
Answer: C. Steer and brake smoothly.
3. Adjust your rearview and side mirrors:
- Before you start driving. ✓
- Whenever you need to use them.
- Before you get into the car.
Answer: A. Before you start driving.
4. If a tire suddenly blows out while you are driving, you should:
- Grip the steering wheel firmly, slow down, and exit the traffic lane. ✓
- Pump the brakes rapidly.
- Brake hard and steer toward the right edge of the roadway.
Answer: A. Grip the steering wheel firmly, slow down, and exit the traffic lane.
5. When driving down a long or steep hill, you should:
- Check your mirrors for speeding traffic behind you. ✓
- Assume all traffic is maintaining a consistent speed.
- Hold down your brake pedal to control the speed of surrounding traffic.
Answer: A. Check your mirrors for speeding traffic behind you.
6. What is the purpose of rumble strips?
- They alert drivers to potential tire problems.
- They test a vehicle's shock absorbers.
- Through vibration and sound, they alert inattentive drivers to the fact that their vehicles have left the travel lane. ✓
Answer: C. Through vibration and sound, they alert inattentive drivers to the fact that their vehicles have left the travel lane.
7. Head restraints should be:
- Adjusted to contact the back of the head. ✓
- Removed from the seats, if possible.
- Anywhere, as they have no effect on either the driver or passengers.
Answer: A. Adjusted to contact the back of the head.
8. You should use your horn when:
- Another vehicle is in your way.
- It may help prevent a collision. ✓
- Another driver makes a mistake.
Answer: B. It may help prevent a collision.
9. If you experience a tire blowout:
- Tap or pump the brakes.
- Slow down gradually and use your brakes lightly. ✓
- Apply the brakes firmly and quickly.
Answer: B. Slow down gradually and use your brakes lightly.
10. In a vehicle equipped with airbags, the safest place for children age 12 and under to ride is in:
- The front seat.
- The back seat. ✓
- The bed of a pick-up truck.
Answer: B. The back seat.
Source
Last checked: 2026-10-17 · Verified from official source
Updated: · Based on the official driver handbook