South Dakota: Points and suspensions Practice Test
South Dakota’s point system, suspension and revocation, and the rules for permit holders with violations.
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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 25 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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Owing a South Dakota government agency debt totaling at least how much can cost you your driver license?
- $100
- $500
- $1,000
- $5,000
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Correct answer: $1,000
Debt to a South Dakota government agency totaling $1,000 or more is a listed reason for losing a license.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 12
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A traffic violation committed before what age by the holder of a restricted permit or instruction permit can cost the person the license?
- 14
- 16
- 15
- 18
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Correct answer: 16
A conviction for a violation committed before age 16 by a restricted or instruction permit holder is a listed reason for losing driving privileges.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 12
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Which of these offenses can cost you your South Dakota driver license?
- Slowing for a school bus
- Eluding law enforcement
- Stopping for a pedestrian
- Moving over for an emergency vehicle
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Correct answer: Eluding law enforcement
Eluding law enforcement is a listed reason for losing a license.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 12
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After a revocation, which tests will be required?
- Only a vision test
- Only a drive test
- No testing unless the license has expired
- Vision and knowledge tests
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Correct answer: Vision and knowledge tests
A revocation brings vision and knowledge tests before a license can be reinstated.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 12
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A minor under 16 has a first conviction for a traffic violation (not a Class 1 Misdemeanor or Felony) recorded. For how long are the driving privileges suspended, unless otherwise required by law?
- Thirty days
- Sixty days
- Ninety days
- 180 days
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Correct answer: Thirty days
A first conviction or permit violation by a minor under 16 brings a suspension of thirty days, or as otherwise required by law.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 13
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A driver on an Instruction or Restricted Minor's Permit is convicted of a second traffic violation. How long is the suspension?
- 30 days or until the driver's 16th birthday, whichever is longer
- 180 days or until the driver's 16th birthday, whichever is shorter
- 180 days or until the driver's 16th birthday, whichever is longer
- One year
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Correct answer: 180 days or until the driver's 16th birthday, whichever is longer
A second traffic violation on these permits brings a suspension of 180 days or until the 16th birthday, whichever is longer.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 13
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What happens to a person under 18 who has no permit or license and receives a violation?
- Nothing, because there is no license to suspend
- A suspension like the one given to permit holders
- A warning letter is sent to the parents
- The person must wait until age 21 to apply
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Correct answer: A suspension like the one given to permit holders
A person under 18 without a permit or license gets a like suspension as permit holders do.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 13
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How many points in any 12 consecutive months make an operator subject to a driver license suspension?
- 10
- 12
- 20
- 15
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Correct answer: 15
Accumulating 15 points in 12 consecutive months makes an operator subject to suspension.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 14
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How many points in any 24 consecutive months make an operator subject to a driver license suspension?
- 18
- 22
- 20
- 30
Show answer
Correct answer: 22
Accumulating 22 points in 24 consecutive months makes an operator subject to suspension.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 14
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When multiple offenses arise out of a single incident, how are points assessed?
- On every offense, added together
- On the first offense listed by the officer
- On the offense with the highest point value
- On the offense with the lowest point value
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Correct answer: On the offense with the highest point value
Only the offense carrying the highest point value is counted for a single incident.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 14
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Which of these violations is assessed no points?
- Speeding
- Improper passing
- Driving on the wrong side of the roadway
- Stop sign or light violation
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Correct answer: Speeding
No points are assessed for speeding, standing, parking, equipment, size or weight violations.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 14
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How are points assessed on out-of-state convictions?
- They are not counted
- Just as if they were committed in South Dakota
- They are counted at half value
- They are counted only for South Dakota residents who moved
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Correct answer: Just as if they were committed in South Dakota
Out-of-state convictions carry points just as if they had been committed in South Dakota.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 14
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What is provided before suspension if the operator requests it?
- A refund of the license fee
- A temporary license
- A retest of driving skills
- A hearing
Show answer
Correct answer: A hearing
A hearing is provided before suspension upon the operator's request.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 14
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What is the period of suspension for a first suspension under the point system?
- 60 days
- 30 days
- 6 months
- 1 year
Show answer
Correct answer: 60 days
The first suspension under the point system is 60 days.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 14
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What is the period of suspension for a second suspension under the point system?
- 60 days
- 90 days
- 6 months
- 1 year
Show answer
Correct answer: 6 months
The second suspension under the point system is 6 months.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 14
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What is the period of suspension for a subsequent suspension under the point system?
- 6 months
- 2 years
- 1 year
- 90 days
Show answer
Correct answer: 1 year
Any suspension after the second under the point system is 1 year.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 14
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How many points does a conviction for driving while intoxicated (DWI) carry?
- 10
- 4
- 6
- 8
Show answer
Correct answer: 10
DWI carries 10 points, and state law also requires mandatory revocation.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 14
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How many points does a conviction for reckless driving carry?
- 2
- 4
- 10
- 8
Show answer
Correct answer: 8
Reckless driving carries 8 points under the South Dakota point system.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 14
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How many points does a conviction for eluding or attempting to elude carry?
- 3
- 6
- 4
- 8
Show answer
Correct answer: 6
Eluding or attempting to elude carries 6 points.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 14
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How many points does a conviction for drag racing carry?
- 2
- 4
- 6
- 10
Show answer
Correct answer: 6
Drag racing carries 6 points.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 14
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How many points does a conviction for failure to yield right-of-way carry?
- 2
- 3
- 6
- 4
Show answer
Correct answer: 4
Failure to yield right-of-way carries 4 points.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 14
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How many points does a conviction for improper passing carry?
- 2
- 4
- 3
- 8
Show answer
Correct answer: 4
Improper passing carries 4 points.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 14
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How many points does a conviction for driving on the wrong side of the roadway carry?
- 4
- 2
- 3
- 6
Show answer
Correct answer: 4
Driving on the wrong side of the roadway carries 4 points.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 14
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How many points does a stop sign or stop light violation carry?
- 3
- 2
- 4
- 6
Show answer
Correct answer: 3
A stop sign or light violation carries 3 points.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 14
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How many points does an other moving violation carry?
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
Show answer
Correct answer: 2
Other moving violations carry 2 points.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 14