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South Dakota permit test: alcohol, drugs and driving

Alcohol and drivers under 21, effects of alcohol and other drugs, penalties, and over-the-counter, prescription and illegal drugs. 17 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.

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Rules to remember10 key alcohol, drugs and driving rulesShow the rules
  1. Drivers who are still learning are hit harder by alcohol than experienced drivers, and even small amounts sharply raise their errors. (p. 19)
  2. A BAC of 0.08% or more is evidence of driving under the influence; for drivers under 21 the level is 0.02%. (p. 20)
  3. A first Zero Tolerance offense is a Class 2 misdemeanor with a fine and a 30-day loss of the driver license. (p. 20)
  4. Drivers under 21 can be arrested for alcohol impairment at 0.02% BAC under South Dakota's Zero Tolerance law. (p. 20)
  5. Under the implied consent law, by getting a license you have already consented to a lawfully requested alcohol test. (p. 20)
  6. Under South Dakota's implied consent law, refusing a BAC test can cost you your driver's license for one year. (p. 20)
  7. After a second DWI, driving without a license during the revocation means at least three days in county jail, which cannot be suspended. (p. 20)
  8. Upon a DWI conviction you must present an SR22 insurance filing and keep it for 3 years from the eligibility date. (p. 20)
  9. Prescription drugs such as antidepressants, pain reducers, sleep aids and sedatives can affect safe driving. (p. 22)
  10. Never drink alcohol while taking other drugs, because they can multiply alcohol's effects or add effects of their own. (p. 22)

Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.

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Sample alcohol, drugs and driving questions

  1. 1.Which group of prescription drugs does the manual say can affect safe driving?

    • AOnly drugs for heart disease
    • BSleep aids and pain reducers
    • CNone, if taken as prescribed
    • DAntibiotics and vitamins
    Show the answer

    ✓ B. Sleep aids and pain reducers

    Prescription drugs such as antidepressants, pain reducers, sleep aids and sedatives can affect safe driving.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (English) (REVISED 11/2024), page 22

  2. 2.A 19-year-old driver is stopped with a BAC of 0.03%. What does this mean under South Dakota law?

    • AThey can be arrested under Zero Tolerance
    • BThey must only pay a small fine
    • CNothing, because it is below 0.08%
    • DThey get a warning on a first stop
    Show the answer

    ✓ A. They can be arrested under Zero Tolerance

    Drivers under 21 can be arrested for alcohol impairment at 0.02% BAC under South Dakota's Zero Tolerance law.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (English) (REVISED 11/2024), page 20

  3. 3.A police officer asks you to take a BAC test and you refuse. How long can you lose your license?

    • A90 days
    • B1 year
    • C30 days
    • D6 months
    Show the answer

    ✓ B. 1 year

    Under South Dakota's implied consent law, refusing a BAC test can cost you your driver's license for one year.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (English) (REVISED 11/2024), page 20

  4. 4.Before taking a cold medicine and then driving, what should you do?

    • ATake only half the usual dose
    • BCheck its label for warnings
    • CPlan to drive below the limit
    • DHave coffee ready to stay alert
    Show the answer

    ✓ B. Check its label for warnings

    Cold and allergy medicines can make you drowsy. Read the product label for warnings before you take it, and ask a doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (English) (REVISED 11/2024), page 21