How many questions are on the South Dakota CDL knowledge test?

The South Dakota CDL general knowledge test has 50 multiple-choice questions, and you need 80% (40 correct) to pass. Each endorsement test like Combination is shorter (typically 20-30 questions) but uses the same 80% threshold.

What's the minimum age for a CDL in South Dakota?

In South Dakota, the minimum age for a CDL is 18 (intrastate); 21 (interstate). Federal law requires drivers to be 21+ to drive a CMV across state lines or to transport hazardous materials, regardless of state minimum age.

What is the difference between a jackknife and a trailer skid?

A jackknife occurs when the tractor drive wheels lose traction and the rear of the tractor swings toward the trailer, forming a V-shape. A trailer skid occurs when the trailer wheels lock up and the trailer swings out to the side. In a jackknife, the tractor pivots; in a trailer skid, the trailer pivots. Both are dangerous and can be caused by sudden braking on slippery surfaces.

What is off-tracking and why does it matter?

Off-tracking is the tendency of a trailer's rear wheels to follow a path closer to the inside of a turn than the tractor's front wheels. The longer the vehicle, the greater the off-tracking. This means combination vehicles need wider turns and drivers must swing wide enough to prevent the trailer from running over curbs, signs, or other vehicles.

Glad hands are the coupling devices that connect the air lines between the tractor and the trailer. There are two glad hand connections: one for the service (foot brake) line and one for the emergency (supply) line. They are typically color-coded, blue for service and red for emergency. Crossed glad hands can cause the brakes to malfunction.

How do I check the fifth wheel during a pre-trip inspection?

During a pre-trip, check that the fifth wheel is securely mounted to the tractor frame with no missing or damaged parts. Verify the locking jaws are closed around the kingpin and the release handle is in the locked position. Check for visible space between the upper and lower fifth wheel, there should be none. Also inspect the fifth wheel skid plate for damage and proper lubrication.

What is the tractor protection valve?

The tractor protection valve keeps air in the tractor's brake system if the trailer breaks away or develops a severe air leak. It automatically closes when air pressure drops to around 20-45 PSI, disconnecting the tractor's air supply from the trailer. This prevents all air from draining out of the tractor so you can still use the tractor's brakes to stop safely.

South Dakota CDL combination practice test

Updated for 2026 · 35 combination questions of 442 across the full SD CDL path · Aligned to the commercial driver manual · Part of the SD CDL path

Start with general knowledge and air brakes first. We recommend completing them before drilling combination questions.

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Tractor-trailer handling, coupling, uncoupling, jackknifing.

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2 tests, each drawing from a different question pool. Take all 2 to cover the full 35 questions.

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15 random questions from the combination pool. Try it free.

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35 questions covering the full combination bank. Take when you're ready for everything.

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About the South Dakota Combination test

The Combination Vehicles knowledge test has 20 to 30 multiple-choice questions with an 80% passing score. Questions cover coupling and uncoupling tractor-trailers, rollover prevention, jackknife causes and prevention, off-tracking, braking with a trailer, air brake connections (glad hands), proper use of the trailer hand valve, weight distribution, and the specific inspection procedures for fifth wheels, kingpins, and trailer connections. This is a core test for anyone seeking a Class A CDL. In South Dakota, this test is administered by the DPS as part of the standard CDL knowledge exam - review the South Dakota CDL manual section on combination for the most accurate state-specific content.