South Dakota permit test: pavement markings and lane controls
Lane lines, crosswalks and stop lines, other lane controls and shared center lanes. 11 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember8 key pavement markings and lane controls rulesShow the rules
- Pavement markings are lines, arrows, words or symbols painted on the road to give directions or warnings. (p. 36)
- Two-direction roadways are marked with yellow center lines, while white lines separate same-direction lanes. (p. 36)
- A white dashed line marks lanes going in one direction, and passing is permitted. (p. 36)
- Shared center lanes are marked on each side by solid yellow and dashed yellow lines, with alternating left-turn arrows. (p. 37)
- Shared center lanes are reserved for left turns, or U-turns where allowed, by traffic from either direction. (p. 37)
- If there is no visible crosswalk or stop line, stop before entering the intersection. (p. 37)
- Not all crosswalks are marked, so be alert for pedestrians and yield to those in a crosswalk. (p. 37)
- Alternating left-turn arrows in a center lane show it is shared by left-turning traffic from both directions. (p. 37)
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample pavement markings and lane controls questions
1.You must stop at an intersection with no marked crosswalk or stop line. Where do you stop?
- AIn the middle of the intersection
- BBefore entering the intersection
- CAnywhere you can see
- DAfter the first lane of cross traffic
Show the answer
✓ B. Before entering the intersection
If there is no visible crosswalk or stop line, stop before entering the intersection.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (English) (REVISED 11/2024), page 37
2.A pedestrian crosses at a corner with no painted crosswalk. What should you know?
- AOnly school crossings count
- BYou may honk to warn them off
- CPedestrians only have rights in painted crosswalks
- DNot all crosswalks are marked; yield to them
Show the answer
✓ D. Not all crosswalks are marked; yield to them
Not all crosswalks are marked, so be alert for pedestrians and yield to those in a crosswalk.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (English) (REVISED 11/2024), page 37
3.What color are center lines that separate traffic moving in opposite directions?
- AOrange
- BWhite
- CBlue
- DYellow
Show the answer
✓ D. Yellow
Two-direction roadways are marked with yellow center lines, while white lines separate same-direction lanes.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (English) (REVISED 11/2024), page 36
4.What does a white dashed line between lanes tell you?
- ASame-direction lanes; passing is permitted
- BSame-direction lanes; passing is prohibited
- CA bus-only lane; cars must stay out of it
- DOpposite-direction lanes; passing is risky
Show the answer
✓ A. Same-direction lanes; passing is permitted
A white dashed line marks lanes going in one direction, and passing is permitted.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (English) (REVISED 11/2024), page 36