South Dakota: Distractions, fatigue and emotions Practice Test
Phones and texting, the wireless-device ban for permit holders, drowsy driving, aggressive driving and how emotions affect your driving.
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Questions are original and based on the official manual "South Dakota Driver License Manual" (Revised 11/2024), South Dakota Department of Public Safety.
All 23 questions in this practice test
Take the test above first, then use this list to study. Tap “Show answer” to see the correct answer and explanation.
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Which permit holders may not use any type of wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle on public roadways?
- Only Instruction Permit holders under age 18
- Instruction Permit and Restricted Minor's Permit holders
- Only Restricted Minor's Permit holders under age 16
- Only permit holders who are driving after 10 p.m.
Show answer
Correct answer: Instruction Permit and Restricted Minor's Permit holders
Both Instruction Permit holders and Restricted Minor's Permit holders are prohibited from using any type of wireless communication device while driving.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 8
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A "wireless communication device" is defined as any wireless electronic device that provides what?
- Navigation directions and traffic reports for the driver
- Entertainment and video playback for passengers only
- Voice calls over a cellular telephone network only
- Voice or data communication between two or more parties
Show answer
Correct answer: Voice or data communication between two or more parties
The definition covers any wireless electronic device that provides voice or data communication between two or more parties, such as phones, text messaging devices and laptop computers.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 8
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How can fatigue affect a driver?
- It sharpens hearing and improves reaction time
- It affects only drivers over the age of 65
- It affects only drivers who have driven more than eight hours
- It can affect vision and increase the time to make decisions
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Correct answer: It can affect vision and increase the time to make decisions
Fatigue can reduce vision and make decisions take longer.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 18
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How many hours of sleep do most people need to maintain proper alertness during the day?
- 4 to 5 hours
- 7 to 9 hours
- 5 to 6 hours
- 10 to 12 hours
Show answer
Correct answer: 7 to 9 hours
Most people need 7 to 9 hours of sleep to stay properly alert.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 18
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On a long trip, how often does the manual say to plan to stop?
- About every 50 miles or 1 hour
- About every 200 miles or 4 hours
- About every 100 miles or 2 hours
- About every 300 miles or 6 hours
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Correct answer: About every 100 miles or 2 hours
The manual advises stopping about every 100 miles or 2 hours.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 18
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Why does the manual suggest arranging for a travel companion before a trip?
- To watch your driving
- To drive the whole trip for you
- To handle navigation and calls
- To keep you talking so you stay awake
Show answer
Correct answer: To watch your driving
A companion can watch your driving and notice problems you may miss.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 19
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Before a trip, what should you check on your medications?
- Whether the labels give a legal driving limit
- Whether the bottles are stored in the trunk
- Whether the labels say they cause drowsiness
- Whether the pills are older than a year
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Correct answer: Whether the labels say they cause drowsiness
The labels tell you if a medication can make you drowsy.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 19
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If you start feeling tired while driving, what does the manual say to do?
- Open the windows and keep driving until you reach the next town
- Turn up the radio and drive a little faster
- Drive on until you reach your destination
- Stop driving and pull off at the next exit or rest area to nap
Show answer
Correct answer: Stop driving and pull off at the next exit or rest area to nap
A tired driver should leave the road at the next exit or rest area and take a nap or find a place to sleep.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 19
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How long should the nap be when you stop because you feel tired?
- 15 to 20 minutes
- 5 to 10 minutes
- 45 to 60 minutes
- 2 hours
Show answer
Correct answer: 15 to 20 minutes
The manual recommends a 15 to 20-minute nap, or sleeping for the night.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 19
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Which technique does the manual say can give the benefits of both when you need to fight fatigue?
- Driving with the windows down for an hour
- Consuming caffeine before taking a short nap
- Eating a large meal before a nap
- Drinking an energy drink after waking
Show answer
Correct answer: Consuming caffeine before taking a short nap
Taking caffeine just before a short nap gives you the benefit of both.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 19
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What does the manual say is the best way to avoid fatigue?
- Drink coffee
- Drive with the radio loud
- Take medication
- Get plenty of rest
Show answer
Correct answer: Get plenty of rest
The manual says plenty of rest is the best way to avoid fatigue.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 19
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What is a distraction, according to the manual?
- Anything that takes your attention away from driving
- Anything that makes your vehicle move slowly
- Any noise coming from outside the vehicle
- Only an activity that takes your hands off the wheel
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Correct answer: Anything that takes your attention away from driving
A distraction is anything that pulls your attention from driving, including mental activities.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 19
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How does the manual rate mental activities that take your mind away from driving?
- Less dangerous than taking your eyes off the road
- Just as dangerous as taking your eyes off the road
- Dangerous only when you drive at night
- Safe as long as your hands stay on the wheel
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Correct answer: Just as dangerous as taking your eyes off the road
Mental distractions are described as just as dangerous as looking away or taking your hands off the wheel.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 19
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Which activity does the manual say is prohibited by state law when driving?
- Driving with the windows open
- Listening to the radio
- Texting, reading texts, and social networking
- Using the cruise control on an interstate highway
Show answer
Correct answer: Texting, reading texts, and social networking
The manual states that texting, reading texts, and social networking while driving are prohibited by state law.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 19
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What does the manual say to avoid when you have passengers in the vehicle?
- Any conversation at all
- Talking about the route or the weather with them
- Arguments and stressful or emotional conversations
- Passengers who are children
Show answer
Correct answer: Arguments and stressful or emotional conversations
Arguments and stressful or emotional talks can pull your attention from the road.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 19
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What does the manual say to do with a pet in the vehicle while you drive?
- Let it ride on the passenger's lap
- Properly secure it in a pet carrier or portable kennel
- Let it sit on the floor near the driver's pedals
- Let it move freely in the back seat
Show answer
Correct answer: Properly secure it in a pet carrier or portable kennel
Pets should be secured in a carrier or portable kennel so they do not distract you.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 19
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What is aggressive driving, according to the manual?
- Driving slowly in the left lane and causing other drivers to wait
- Making a mistake that causes a minor crash
- Driving after dark without headlights
- Intentionally committing an action that endangers other persons or property
Show answer
Correct answer: Intentionally committing an action that endangers other persons or property
Aggressive driving is an intentional action that endangers other people or property.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 19
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Which behavior is typically associated with aggressive driving?
- Yielding to a pedestrian
- Leaving extra space ahead
- Following too closely
- Obeying a stop sign
Show answer
Correct answer: Following too closely
Speeding, following too closely, unsafe lane changes, improper signaling, and ignoring traffic control devices are typical aggressive behaviors.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 19
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How should you treat other road users instead of driving aggressively?
- Be patient and courteous
- Be firm and competitive
- Stay close behind them
- Signal them with the horn
Show answer
Correct answer: Be patient and courteous
The manual tells drivers to concentrate on driving and be patient and courteous to others.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 19
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How can emotions increase the risk of driving?
- By making your vehicle harder to steer
- By making you more alert to hazards on long, empty roads
- By interfering with your ability to think and process information
- By limiting how far ahead you can see
Show answer
Correct answer: By interfering with your ability to think and process information
Emotions can interfere with thinking, attention, and processing information.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 22
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If you are angry or excited, what does the manual say to do?
- Give yourself time to cool off and stay off the road until calm
- Drive faster to burn off the energy
- Call someone on your phone while you drive to calm down
- Honk the horn to express yourself
Show answer
Correct answer: Give yourself time to cool off and stay off the road until calm
Cool off first, even with a short walk, and stay off the road until you have calmed down.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 22
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If you are worried, down, or upset about something, what should you try to do?
- Drive on rural roads only
- Think through the problem while driving
- Keep your mind on your driving
- Pull over and stop every mile
Show answer
Correct answer: Keep your mind on your driving
The manual says to keep your mind on your driving, and that having someone else drive is also an option.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 22
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If you are impatient (road rage), what should you do for the driving trip?
- Take the fastest route available
- Drive only when traffic is light
- Drive with a passenger who is also in a hurry
- Allow extra time and leave a few minutes early
Show answer
Correct answer: Allow extra time and leave a few minutes early
With plenty of time you are less likely to speed or do other things that cause tickets or crashes.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 22