South Dakota CDL Practice Test and Test Prep (2026)
South Dakota gives CDL tests through South Dakota Department of Public Safety (Driver Licensing Program). Here is what you will be tested on, which of our practice quizzes match each test, and what the skills test involves in South Dakota.
Knowledge tests for a South Dakota permit
- General Knowledge (all applicants) — practice General Knowledge (60 questions)
- Combination Vehicles (Class A) — practice Combination Vehicles (30 questions)
- Air Brakes (if applicable) — practice Air Brakes (40 questions)
- Any endorsement tests you need (P, S, H, N, T)
Permit minimum age: 18 (in-state driving) or 21 (interstate). Holding period before the skills test: 14 days. Permit validity: 365 days.
South Dakota endorsement tests and practice
- Hazmat (H) practice
South Dakota notes for this endorsement
South Dakota is NOT a TSA self-managed state. The fingerprint-based TSA Security Threat Assessment is handled through TSA's enrollment contractor (TSA Enrollment by IDEMIA / IdentoGO), which operates locations in South Dakota. You pass the hazmat knowledge test and clear the TSA assessment before issuance; the HME is renewed every 5 years, and TSA recommends enrolling at least 60 days ahead.
- Tanker (N) practice
South Dakota notes for this endorsement
Tank vehicle.
- Passenger (P) practice
South Dakota notes for this endorsement
Requires ELDT for first-time applicants.
- School bus (S) practice
South Dakota notes for this endorsement
Requires ELDT for first-time applicants; excluded from the military skills-test waiver.
- Doubles/triples (T) practice
South Dakota notes for this endorsement
Doubles/triples. Air brakes are handled as a restriction removal (L) rather than an endorsement.
The South Dakota skills test
Components: Pre-trip inspection, Basic vehicle control, On-road driving test.
Test vehicle: You must provide a vehicle representative of the class and type of CDL you are seeking; the tester does not supply one.
Where and how to book: South Dakota relies largely on state-authorized third-party CDL skills testers rather than administering every test at a state office. A third-party tester may charge up to $90 per attempt by statute (some full-service schools quote around $150 all-in including the vehicle).
Waits and retests: Besides the 14-day CLP hold, there is a 2-day waiting period between scheduling and taking the skills test. South Dakota does not publish official statewide wait times.
Practice the inspection part with our pre-trip inspection guide. Research dated 2026-10-12; confirm testing details with South Dakota.
All practice tests
- General Knowledge (60 questions)
- Air Brakes (40 questions)
- Combination Vehicles (30 questions)
- Hazardous Materials (H) (30 questions)
- Tank Vehicles (N) (25 questions)
- Passenger (P) (25 questions)
- School Bus (S) (25 questions)
- Doubles/Triples (T) (20 questions)
Ready to apply? See the full South Dakota CDL requirementsor build your South Dakota checklist.