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South Dakota permit test: interchanges, interstates, lane changes and passing

Cloverleaf and diverging diamond interchanges, interstate driving, changing lanes, adjusting to traffic and passing. 17 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.

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Rules to remember10 key interchanges, interstates, lane changes and passing rulesShow the rules
  1. Stay in the right lane unless you are overtaking and passing another vehicle, and avoid unnecessary lane changes. (p. 42)
  2. If you miss your exit, go on to the next one; backing up on the interstate is prohibited under any circumstances. (p. 42)
  3. Mirrors miss blind spots, so quickly turn your head to look for hidden vehicles or pedestrians before changing lanes. (p. 45)
  4. Slow down when approaching a slow-moving vehicle and, if possible, move left to pass it; never pass on the right. (p. 45)
  5. Use the acceleration lane to reach the speed of traffic before merging; don't drive to the end and stop. (p. 45)
  6. On multi-lane roads the left-most lane is for passing; never pass on the shoulder. (p. 46)
  7. A multiple-trailer truck can be 75 feet long or longer, so passing it takes much longer than passing a car. (p. 53)
  8. When you can see both headlights of the vehicle you passed in your rearview mirror, it is safe to return. (p. 53)
  9. Treat a hill or curve as an oncoming vehicle; don't start to pass within one-third of a mile of it. (p. 53)
  10. At 55 mph you need about 10 seconds to pass, so you need a 10-second gap in oncoming traffic. (p. 53)

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

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Sample interchanges, interstates, lane changes and passing questions

  1. 1.In a diverging diamond interchange, how do left turns onto the freeway work?

    • AThey are only allowed on green arrows
    • BThey are free flow, without stopping
    • CThey require a full stop at a stop sign
    • DThey are not allowed
    Show the answer

    ✓ B. They are free flow, without stopping

    In a diverging diamond interchange, all left turns onto the freeway are free flow, so vehicles don't stop to reach the ramp.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (English) (REVISED 11/2024), page 42

  2. 2.Why can cloverleaf interchanges be tricky?

    • AEvery lane on them is one-way in reverse
    • BCars entering and exiting weave in short stretches
    • CThey put traffic lights on the freeway itself
    • DThey have no ramps to get on or off
    Show the answer

    ✓ B. Cars entering and exiting weave in short stretches

    In cloverleaf weaving areas, traffic tries to enter at the same time other traffic is exiting, and the loop ramps need low speeds.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (English) (REVISED 11/2024), page 41

  3. 3.Another car is passing you. What should you do?

    • AMove left to give it more room
    • BStay in your lane at a steady speed
    • CSlow down sharply to let it in
    • DSpeed up so it cannot get by
    Show the answer

    ✓ B. Stay in your lane at a steady speed

    When being passed, stay in your lane and maintain a constant speed so the other driver can pass.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (English) (REVISED 11/2024), page 46

  4. 4.Why can driving much slower than other traffic be dangerous?

    • AIt makes vehicles bunch up and pass you
    • BIt wastes fuel
    • CIt is always legal, so it is safe
    • DIt wears out your brakes
    Show the answer

    ✓ A. It makes vehicles bunch up and pass you

    Going much slower than traffic is as bad as speeding; cars bunch up behind you and pass, and you can be ticketed for impeding traffic.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (English) (REVISED 11/2024), page 45