South Dakota (SD) CDL Practice Tests

South Dakota (SD) CDL permit applicants can work through these five practice questions to review core exam concepts and prepare for the Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) knowledge test.

South Dakota CDL Practice Tests: General Knowledge, Combination Vehicle & Air Brakes

Drivers preparing for an South Dakota Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) should focus on three core CDL practice tests. These align with the written knowledge exams required in South Dakota and support the material covered in the official South Dakota CDL manual.

• General Knowledge CDL Practice Test
• Combination Vehicle CDL Practice Test
• Air Brakes CDL Practice Test

For best results, combine CDL practice tests with the South Dakota Commercial Driver License Manual and focus on the sections that match your intended license class and endorsements.

Preparing for the South Dakota CDL Exam

Commercial driver licensing standards are established at the federal level by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Each state is responsible for administering CDL testing and licensing.

In South Dakota, CDL information and testing requirements are published by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS), Driver Licensing Program. The official CDL manual used for written and skills testing is:

• South Dakota Commercial Driver License Manual (PDF)

The South Dakota CDL manual applies to all commercial license classes, including:

• Class A CDL
• Class B CDL
• Class C CDL

South Dakota CDL Eligibility Requirements

Age Requirements:
You must be at least 18 years old to operate a commercial motor vehicle within South Dakota (intrastate).
You must be at least 21 years old to operate interstate or transport hazardous materials.

Valid South Dakota Driver’s License

You must hold a valid South Dakota Class 1 or Class 2 non-commercial driver’s license before applying for a CDL.

Medical Certification

All South Dakota CDL applicants must pass a DOT physical examination conducted by a certified medical examiner listed on the National Registry.

FMCSA medical certification requirements

CDL Knowledge Tests and Endorsements

Applicants must pass written knowledge tests covering general CDL topics, air brakes (if applicable), and any endorsements required for their intended type of driving.

Common CDL endorsements include:

• Hazardous Materials (H)
• Tank Vehicles (N)
• Passenger (P)
• School Bus (S)

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

Federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements apply to many South Dakota CDL applicants. ELDT includes classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training completed through an FMCSA-registered provider.

ELDT is required for:

• First-time CDL applicants
• Drivers upgrading from Class B to Class A
• Applicants adding Hazardous Materials (H), Passenger (P), or School Bus (S) endorsements

FMCSA Training Provider Registry

Background Checks and Documentation

Certain endorsements, including Hazardous Materials, require a federal background check. Applicants must also provide documentation verifying identity, South Dakota residency, and lawful U.S. presence.

South Dakota CDL Application Process

CDL applicants in South Dakota must complete knowledge testing at a Driver License Office, obtain a Commercial Learner Permit (CLP), hold it for at least 14 days, complete any required Entry-Level Driver Training, and pass the CDL skills test before license issuance. South Dakota Driver License Offices do not administer the CDL skills test; it must be scheduled with a state-certified third-party tester.

South Dakota DPS CDL application and testing steps

South Dakota CDL Fees

South Dakota CDL fees are published by the South Dakota DPS. Fees vary based on license duration and testing requirements.

• Commercial License (CDL): $33.00
• Commercial License Renewal: $33.00 ($48.00 with a Hazardous Materials endorsement)
• Commercial License Endorsements: $15.00 each
• Duplicate Commercial License: $15.00

South Dakota CDL Skills Test Fee (Third-Party Testers Only):

• CDL Skills Test (Pre-Trip Inspection, Basic Control, Road Test): approximately $90.00 plus tax, set by the third-party testing facility

Additional costs may also apply for endorsement testing or background checks, such as TSA fingerprinting for Hazardous Materials endorsements.

View the official South Dakota DPS fee schedule