South Dakota: Vehicle checks and basic control — Exhaust, Engine, Windshield and Windows Practice Test
Questions in this part include: “Which of these is a job of the exhaust system?” · “What enforcement tolerance does the manual give for the rear window light transmission limit?”
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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 16 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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What can gases from a leaky exhaust cause inside a vehicle?
- Only a bad smell in the cabin
- Slower tire wear
- Brakes that fade
- Death in a very short time
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Correct answer: Death in a very short time
The manual warns that leaking exhaust gases can kill people inside a vehicle very quickly.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 24
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What should you never do with a motor in a closed garage?
- Let it cool
- Turn off the lights
- Check the oil
- Run it
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Correct answer: Run it
Running a motor in a closed garage is dangerous because of the exhaust gases, so the manual says never to do it.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 24
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What should you do if you sit in a vehicle with the motor running for a long period of time?
- Turn the headlights on
- Open a window
- Set the parking brake
- Lock the doors
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Correct answer: Open a window
Opening a window protects you from exhaust gases while the motor runs for a long time.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 24
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Which of these is a job of the exhaust system?
- Supplying fuel to the engine from the tank
- Charging the battery
- Moving engine gases to the rear of the vehicle
- Cooling the brake pads
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Correct answer: Moving engine gases to the rear of the vehicle
The exhaust system reduces engine noise, cools the hot gases and carries them to the rear of the vehicle.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 24
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Why is it important to have the exhaust system checked periodically?
- Many exhaust leaks cannot be easily heard
- Exhaust leaks always make a loud noise
- It keeps the tires from wearing out
- It makes the engine start faster
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Correct answer: Many exhaust leaks cannot be easily heard
Some leaks are loud, but many are not, so regular checks are needed.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 24
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What can a poorly running engine do?
- Lose power needed for normal driving and emergencies
- Improve your fuel economy
- Make the air cleaner
- Make the vehicle easier to steer at highway speeds
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Correct answer: Lose power needed for normal driving and emergencies
A poorly running engine may lose power that you need in normal driving and in emergencies, among other problems.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 24
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Under the South Dakota law quoted in the manual, front windshields and front side windows may not be covered with film or glass that reduces light transmittance below what level?
- 25%
- 45%
- 35%
- 55%
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Correct answer: 35%
The cited law does not allow windshields and front side windows to be covered so that light transmittance falls below 35%.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 24
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Under the South Dakota law quoted in the manual, rear windows may not reduce light transmission below what level?
- 10%
- 20%
- 30%
- 40%
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Correct answer: 20%
The cited law sets the rear window limit at 20% light transmission, with an enforcement tolerance.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 24
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What enforcement tolerance does the manual give for the rear window light transmission limit?
- 3%
- 5%
- 15%
- 9%
Show answer
Correct answer: 9%
The rear window limit of 20% light transmission comes with an enforcement tolerance of 9%.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 24
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How far down the windshield may film extend?
- To the top of the dashboard
- To the base of the wipers
- To the lower edge of the windshield above the dashboard
- No lower than the AS-1 line or the lowest point of the sun visor
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Correct answer: No lower than the AS-1 line or the lowest point of the sun visor
The law says film may not extend downward beyond the AS-1 line or past the lowest point of the sun visor.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 24
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What does the South Dakota law quoted in the manual say about sun screening devices on a windshield?
- They are allowed if they cover less than half of it
- They may not obstruct or reduce the driver’s clear view
- They are allowed if they are removable
- They are allowed only on the passenger side
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Correct answer: They may not obstruct or reduce the driver’s clear view
The law prohibits sun screening devices placed on a windshield in a way that obstructs or reduces the driver’s clear view.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 24
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How much can dirt on the lenses of your headlights, backup, brake and taillights reduce the light?
- By 10%
- By 25%
- By 50%
- By 75%
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Correct answer: By 50%
The manual says dirty lenses can cut the light by 50%, so keep them clean.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 24
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When should you use antifreeze wash in the window washer bottle?
- When the temperature could fall below freezing
- Only when the temperature is above freezing
- When the wipers are new
- Only after a heavy rain
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Correct answer: When the temperature could fall below freezing
Antifreeze wash keeps the washer fluid from freezing when the temperature could drop below freezing.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 24
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Before driving, which windows should you clear of snow, ice or frost?
- All windows: the front, sides and back
- Only the windshield
- Only the windshield and the driver’s window
- Only the windshield and the rear window
Show answer
Correct answer: All windows: the front, sides and back
Snow, ice or frost should be cleared from all windows, on the front, sides and back of the vehicle.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 24
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Why should you not hang things from the mirror or put decals on the windshield?
- They can drain the battery
- They can make the wipers stick
- They could block your view
- They can damage the dashboard
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Correct answer: They could block your view
Items hanging from the mirror and cluttered decals can block your view of the road.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 24
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What does smoking in a vehicle cause on the windows?
- Ice that forms on the outside glass
- A film that builds up on the inside glass
- Cracks in the windshield
- A coating that lowers the outside mirrors
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Correct answer: A film that builds up on the inside glass
Smoke leaves a film on the inside of the glass, so the inside of the windows should be kept clean.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024), page 24