South Dakota CDL Manual 2026

How to use the South Dakota CDL Manual

The DPS draws its 25-question knowledge test from the South Dakota CDL Manual, and you need 80% to pass, which is 20 correct answers. Read the 189 pages once for coverage, then answer practice questions to find the rules that did not stick. Practice tells you what you do not know yet; the CDL Manual is where the rule is actually stated, in the words the state chose.

It is also the only source that settles an argument. When a practice answer and your instinct disagree, the South Dakota CDL Manual decides it, and every explanation we write points back into it.

What is inside the South Dakota CDL Manual

The South Dakota CDL Manual runs to 189 pages. These are the areas it covers that the knowledge test can ask about.

• Vehicle inspection and the pre-trip procedure
• Basic control of a heavy vehicle, including turning and backing
• Shifting, speed management and space management
• Seeing hazards and emergency maneuvers
• Air brakes, if your vehicle has them
• Combination vehicles, coupling and uncoupling
• Cargo loading, weight distribution and securement
• Hazardous materials rules and placarding
• Passenger transport and school bus requirements
• Hours of service, logbooks and driver qualification
• Disqualifications, serious traffic violations and testing

The South Dakota knowledge test at a glance

Everything below comes from the DPS directly. It is what the South Dakota CDL Manual is preparing you for.

Questions

25

Passing score

80%

Correct answers needed

20 of 25

Time limit

Time limit not published

Test fee

$28

Minimum age

14

Can you take it online?

No, in person only

Verified against the DPS in 2026-07.