South Dakota: Alcohol and drugs
How alcohol and other drugs affect driving, BAC limits, implied consent, zero tolerance under 21 and DWI penalties. Split into 3 shorter tests so you're not stuck in one long quiz.
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Alcohol and drugs — Part 1
Questions in this part include: “Which of these can cost you your South Dakota driver license?”
StartAlcohol and drugs — Part 2
Questions in this part include: “What is a blood alcohol concentration (BAC)?”
StartAlcohol and drugs — Part 3
Questions in this part include: “After a third DWI offense, from when does the loss of at least one year of driver license count?”
StartAll 49 Alcohol and drugs questions with answers
Choose a part above to take a practice test, or study every question and answer here.
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Which of these can cost you your South Dakota driver license?
- Refusing an alcohol or drug test requested by police
- Moving to a new address within the state
- Driving a vehicle that is more than ten years old
- Applying for a duplicate license
Show answer
Correct answer: Refusing an alcohol or drug test requested by police
Refusing an alcohol or drug test requested by a police officer is a listed reason for losing a license.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 12
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Which of these can cost a minor under 21 the South Dakota driver license?
- Possession of alcohol by a minor under 21
- Riding in a vehicle with an open window
- Passing a vision test with glasses
- Applying for a restricted permit
Show answer
Correct answer: Possession of alcohol by a minor under 21
Possession of alcohol by a minor under 21 is a listed reason for losing a license.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 12
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Why are new drivers more affected by alcohol than experienced drivers?
- They have smaller bodies than other drivers
- They drink more than other drivers
- They are less likely to be stopped by police
- They are still learning to drive
Show answer
Correct answer: They are still learning to drive
New drivers are still learning to drive, so alcohol affects them more.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 19
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According to the manual, who can drink alcohol and drive safely?
- Drivers with many years of experience
- No one
- Drivers who have eaten a meal
- Drivers who drink only a little
Show answer
Correct answer: No one
The manual says no one can drink alcohol and drive safely, no matter how long they have driven.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 19
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What are small amounts of alcohol likely to do?
- Have no effect on a trained driver
- Increase the number of errors dramatically
- Improve a tired driver's alertness on long trips
- Affect only a driver's hearing
Show answer
Correct answer: Increase the number of errors dramatically
Even small amounts of alcohol are likely to increase the number of errors dramatically.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 19
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Which is a risk for people who drive after drinking alcohol?
- Forfeiture of the vehicle
- A lifetime ban on owning a vehicle
- Mandatory sale of the vehicle
- Higher insurance rates
Show answer
Correct answer: Higher insurance rates
Drivers who drink risk heavy fines, higher insurance rates, loss of license, and jail.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 19
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If you are under the age of 21, what is illegal with alcoholic beverages?
- To purchase, possess, or drink them
- Only to purchase them
- Only to drink them in a vehicle
- Only to drink them in public
Show answer
Correct answer: To purchase, possess, or drink them
Under 21, it is illegal to purchase, possess, or drink alcoholic beverages.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 19
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What do "zero tolerance" laws mean for drivers under the age of 21?
- A BAC under 0.08% is allowed
- One drink is allowed with a meal
- No alcohol in the circulatory system
- No alcohol after dark
Show answer
Correct answer: No alcohol in the circulatory system
Zero tolerance means no alcohol at all in the circulatory system for drivers under 21.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 19
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If you have physical control of a vehicle, what is true about your BAC?
- You can be arrested only while the vehicle is moving
- You can be arrested only if you are actually driving the vehicle on a road
- You can be arrested only if you are on a public highway
- You can be arrested if it is over the legal limit, even if you are not driving
Show answer
Correct answer: You can be arrested if it is over the legal limit, even if you are not driving
Physical control of a vehicle is enough: you do not have to be driving to be arrested for being over the limit.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 20
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When do you give your consent for a chemical test to determine your BAC?
- Only when you renew your vehicle registration
- Whenever you drive on a public highway
- Only after you are placed under arrest
- Only when a court orders it
Show answer
Correct answer: Whenever you drive on a public highway
By driving on a public highway you give your consent to a chemical test.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 20
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A BAC of what level or more is evidence that a driver age 21 or older was driving under the influence of alcohol?
- 0.10%
- 0.12%
- 0.08%
- 0.06%
Show answer
Correct answer: 0.08%
A BAC of 0.08% or more is evidence of driving under the influence.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 20
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At what BAC can a driver under 21 be arrested for alcohol impairment in South Dakota?
- 0.02%
- 0.04%
- 0.06%
- 0.10%
Show answer
Correct answer: 0.02%
Under 21, a BAC of 0.02% or more is evidence of driving under the influence.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 20
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What does the manual call the most important sense used while driving?
- Vision
- Hearing
- Touch
- Balance
Show answer
Correct answer: Vision
The manual calls vision the most important sense used while driving.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 20
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At what BAC does the manual say vision is already impacted for all drivers?
- 0.04%
- 0.02%
- 0.06%
- 0.08%
Show answer
Correct answer: 0.02%
Vision is affected from 0.02% BAC for every driver.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 20
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What does alcohol do to your reaction time?
- Speeds your response to sudden hazards
- Has no effect on it until your BAC reaches 0.08%
- Affects it only on long drives
- Slows your ability to process information and respond
Show answer
Correct answer: Slows your ability to process information and respond
Alcohol slows how fast you process information and respond to the driving task.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 20
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When does impairment from alcohol start?
- With the first drink
- After the second drink
- When your BAC reaches 0.08%
- After about one hour of drinking
Show answer
Correct answer: With the first drink
The manual says impairment starts with the first drink.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 20
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What does the manual say to do if a friend or relative has been drinking?
- Let them drive if they seem fine
- Never let them drive
- Let them drive only on back roads
- Let them drive if they drink coffee first
Show answer
Correct answer: Never let them drive
The manual says never to let a friend or relative drive after drinking.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 20
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What is a blood alcohol concentration (BAC)?
- The number of drinks you had in the past hour
- The amount of alcohol your liver can clear from your body each hour
- The percentage of alcohol in relation to the amount of blood in your body
- The time it takes your body to clear alcohol
Show answer
Correct answer: The percentage of alcohol in relation to the amount of blood in your body
BAC is the percentage of alcohol compared with the amount of blood in your body.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 20
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How is an alcohol concentration test usually determined?
- By a breath, blood, or urine test
- By a walking and balance test
- By a written questionnaire
- By a pulse and temperature check
Show answer
Correct answer: By a breath, blood, or urine test
Alcohol concentration is usually measured by a breath, blood, or urine test.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 20
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Which law requires you to take a BAC test if a police officer asks you to?
- The zero tolerance law
- The move over law
- The implied consent law
- The financial responsibility law
Show answer
Correct answer: The implied consent law
South Dakota's implied consent law requires you to take the test when asked by an officer.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 20
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What principle is South Dakota's implied consent law based on?
- By owning a vehicle you agree to let police search it at any time
- By getting a license you have implicitly consented to a lawfully requested test
- By crossing a state line you agree to follow that state's speed limits
- By renewing a license you agree to retake the driving test
Show answer
Correct answer: By getting a license you have implicitly consented to a lawfully requested test
Getting a license means you have implicitly agreed to a lawfully requested test when suspected of impaired driving.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 20
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How long can you lose your driver's license if you refuse to take a BAC test?
- 30 days
- 60 days
- Two years
- One year
Show answer
Correct answer: One year
Refusing a BAC test can cost you your license for one year.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 20
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Which implied consent laws apply if you are arrested for impaired driving?
- The laws of the state that issued your license
- The laws of the state where you live
- The laws of the state where you were arrested
- The laws of the state where your vehicle is registered
Show answer
Correct answer: The laws of the state where you were arrested
The law of the state where you were arrested applies, not the state where you got your license.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 20
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What fine may a first conviction for an alcohol violation bring, plus court costs?
- $300 to $1,000
- $100 to $500
- $500 to $2,000
- $1,000 to $5,000
Show answer
Correct answer: $300 to $1,000
A first conviction may bring a fine of $300 to $1,000 plus court costs.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 20
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What jail sentence could a first conviction for an alcohol violation bring?
- 5 to 90 days
- 30 to 180 days
- 1 to 14 days
- 15 to 365 days
Show answer
Correct answer: 15 to 365 days
A first conviction could bring 15 to 365 days in jail.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 20
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What is a first Zero Tolerance offense (under 21, 0.02% or more BAC)?
- A Class 1 misdemeanor
- A Class 2 misdemeanor
- A Class 6 felony
- A Class 3 misdemeanor
Show answer
Correct answer: A Class 2 misdemeanor
A first Zero Tolerance offense is a Class 2 misdemeanor punishable by a fine and loss of license.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 20
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What is the loss of driver license for a second or subsequent Zero Tolerance offense?
- 60 days
- 180 days
- 120 days
- Two years
Show answer
Correct answer: 180 days
A second or subsequent Zero Tolerance offense brings a 180-day loss of driver license.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 20
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What is a first DWI offense (0.08% or more BAC)?
- A Class 2 misdemeanor
- A Class 6 felony
- A Class 3 misdemeanor
- A Class 1 misdemeanor
Show answer
Correct answer: A Class 1 misdemeanor
A first DWI offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 20
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How long may imprisonment last for a first DWI offense?
- Up to one year
- Up to 30 days
- Up to 90 days
- Up to two years
Show answer
Correct answer: Up to one year
A first DWI offense can bring a fine, imprisonment up to one year, or both.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 20
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What is the minimum loss of driver license for a second DWI offense?
- 30 days
- 180 days
- One year
- Two years
Show answer
Correct answer: One year
A second DWI offense carries loss of driver license for a minimum of one year.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 20
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If a person is convicted of driving without a license during the loss period after a second DWI offense, what is the sentence?
- A fine only, with no jail time
- A suspended sentence with probation only and no time in jail
- A one-year extension of the loss of license only
- County jail for not less than three days, which may not be suspended
Show answer
Correct answer: County jail for not less than three days, which may not be suspended
Driving without a license during that period means at least three days in county jail that cannot be suspended.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 20
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What is a third DWI offense?
- A Class 1 misdemeanor
- A Class 6 felony
- A Class 2 misdemeanor
- A Class 3 felony
Show answer
Correct answer: A Class 6 felony
A third DWI offense is a Class 6 felony.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 21
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How long may imprisonment last for a third DWI offense?
- Up to one year
- Up to six months
- Up to two years
- Up to five years
Show answer
Correct answer: Up to two years
A third DWI offense can bring imprisonment of up to two years.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 21
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After a third DWI offense, from when does the loss of at least one year of driver license count?
- After release from incarceration
- From the date of the arrest
- From the date of the court hearing
- From the date of the first offense
Show answer
Correct answer: After release from incarceration
The one-year minimum loss of license for a third offense counts after release from incarceration.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 21
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If a person is convicted of driving without a license during the loss period after a third DWI offense, what is the sentence?
- A county jail term of at least five days, which may be suspended
- A fine only, with no jail time
- County jail for not less than ten days, which may not be suspended
- Probation for one year, with the jail term fully suspended
Show answer
Correct answer: County jail for not less than ten days, which may not be suspended
Driving without a license in that period means at least ten days in county jail that cannot be suspended.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 21
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Even people who show no outward signs of drunkenness increase their chances of a crash if they drive with a BAC of what level or higher?
- 0.10%
- 0.12%
- 0.15%
- 0.05%
Show answer
Correct answer: 0.05%
People who hide the signs still raise their crash risk at a BAC of 0.05% or higher.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 21
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What is true about people who regularly drink to relatively high BACs?
- Some do not show any of the outward signs of drunkenness
- They always stagger or slur their speech
- They are safe drivers if they cover up the signs
- They are not affected after many years of drinking
Show answer
Correct answer: Some do not show any of the outward signs of drunkenness
Some regular heavy drinkers show no outward signs even at a high BAC, so signs cannot be trusted.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 21
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As a person's BAC rises, what happens to their ability to judge and make decisions in traffic?
- It stays the same until 0.08%
- It becomes more and more impaired
- It improves with practice
- It changes only for new drivers
Show answer
Correct answer: It becomes more and more impaired
Higher BAC means judgment and decisions in traffic get worse and worse.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 21
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How much 80-proof distilled spirits contains as much alcohol as a 12 fl oz regular beer?
- A 3 fl oz shot
- A 5 fl oz serving
- An 8 fl oz serving
- A 1.5 fl oz shot
Show answer
Correct answer: A 1.5 fl oz shot
A 1.5 fl oz shot of 80-proof spirits equals a 12 fl oz regular beer in alcohol.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 21
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How much table wine contains as much alcohol as a 12 fl oz regular beer?
- 5 fl oz
- 8 fl oz
- 12 fl oz
- 16 fl oz
Show answer
Correct answer: 5 fl oz
A 5 fl oz glass of table wine equals a 12 fl oz regular beer in alcohol.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 21
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About what percent alcohol do 80-proof distilled spirits (gin, rum, tequila, vodka, whiskey, etc.) contain?
- About 5%
- About 40%
- About 12%
- About 25%
Show answer
Correct answer: About 40%
The manual lists 80-proof distilled spirits as about 40% alcohol.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 21
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Which over-the-counter drugs can make you drowsy and affect your driving?
- Vitamins taken with breakfast
- Eye drops used once in the morning before you start driving
- Drugs applied only to the skin
- Drugs taken for headaches, colds, hay fever, or other allergies
Show answer
Correct answer: Drugs taken for headaches, colds, hay fever, or other allergies
Over-the-counter drugs for headaches, colds, allergies, or nerves can cause drowsiness.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 21
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What can pep pills, "uppers," and diet pills do?
- Make you drowsy and slow down your reflexes and judgment
- Make you feel nervous or dizzy and affect your vision
- Improve your concentration for long trips
- Lower your BAC while driving
Show answer
Correct answer: Make you feel nervous or dizzy and affect your vision
These pills can cause nervousness, dizziness, poor concentration, and vision problems.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 21
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What should you do before taking an over-the-counter drug and driving?
- Take half the dose to be safe
- Check the label for warnings, and ask a doctor or pharmacist if unsure
- Drink a cup of coffee so the drug cannot cause drowsiness
- Wait until you start to feel drowsy before deciding whether to drive
Show answer
Correct answer: Check the label for warnings, and ask a doctor or pharmacist if unsure
Read the label for warnings and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you cannot tell whether it is safe.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 21
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Which prescription drugs does the manual say have an impact on driving safely?
- Only drugs sold without a prescription
- Only drugs taken in a higher dose than prescribed
- None, because a doctor prescribed them
- Antidepressants, pain reducers, sleep aids, and sedatives
Show answer
Correct answer: Antidepressants, pain reducers, sleep aids, and sedatives
Antidepressants, pain reducers, sleep aids, and sedatives can affect driving.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 22
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What can some prescription drugs affect?
- Reflexes, judgment, vision, and alertness
- Only your hearing
- Only your sense of smell
- Only your memory of the route you drive
Show answer
Correct answer: Reflexes, judgment, vision, and alertness
Some prescription drugs affect reflexes, judgment, vision, and alertness in ways like alcohol.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 22
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If you are unsure whether it is safe to take a prescription drug and drive, what should you do?
- Take the drug and drive carefully
- Take a smaller dose and drive only during the day
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist about any side effects
- Drive only at night
Show answer
Correct answer: Ask your doctor or pharmacist about any side effects
The manual says to ask your doctor or pharmacist about side effects.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 22
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According to studies in the manual, what is true of people who use marijuana?
- They drive more slowly and carefully than others
- They react to sudden hazards faster than other drivers do
- They are arrested for traffic violations less often
- They make more mistakes and have more trouble adjusting to glare
Show answer
Correct answer: They make more mistakes and have more trouble adjusting to glare
Studies found marijuana users make more mistakes, have more trouble with glare, and get arrested for traffic violations more.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 22
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Why should you never drink alcohol while taking other drugs?
- The alcohol cancels out most of the effects of the other drugs you take
- The drugs could multiply the effects of alcohol or add effects of their own
- The drugs make alcohol leave the body faster
- The alcohol is the only effect that matters
Show answer
Correct answer: The drugs could multiply the effects of alcohol or add effects of their own
Other drugs can multiply alcohol's effects or add effects of their own.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 22