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South Dakota permit test: speed, stopping and space cushion

Controlling speed, speed management, stopping distance and following distance. 17 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.

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Rules to remember10 key speed, stopping and space cushion rulesShow the rules
  1. Place your hands at 3 and 9 o'clock; 10 and 2 is no longer recommended in cars with air bags. (p. 29)
  2. Perception time, the time to recognize you must stop, averages ¾ second to 1 second for an alert driver. (p. 50)
  3. Always reduce speed before entering a curve; hard braking in the curve can make the tires lose traction. (p. 50)
  4. At 50 mph on dry pavement with good brakes, braking distance alone can be about 158 feet. (p. 50)
  5. The best way to avoid hydroplaning is to slow down in rain or when water is pooled on the road. (p. 50)
  6. If you reach the point before counting to one thousand four, you are too close; reduce speed and count again. (p. 51)
  7. The blind spot to the rear of large trucks can extend for 200 feet, so fall back to be seen. (p. 51)
  8. Always try to keep a minimum following distance of 4 seconds behind the vehicle in front. (p. 51)
  9. If you drive more slowly than other traffic on a multi-lane road, use the right-most travel lane. (p. 52)
  10. Split the difference between two hazards by steering a middle course, leaving more room on the more dangerous side. (p. 52)

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

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Sample speed, stopping and space cushion questions

  1. 1.Why should you check your speedometer often after leaving a highway?

    • AIt saves fuel
    • BSpeedometers lose accuracy on highways
    • CIt is easy to be going faster than you think
    • DLocal speed limits are higher
    Show the answer

    ✓ C. It is easy to be going faster than you think

    People are poor judges of their speed, especially after leaving high-speed roads, so check the speedometer often.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (English) (REVISED 11/2024), page 29

  2. 2.When should you slow down for a curve?

    • ABefore you enter the curve
    • BOnly if the curve is posted
    • CAs you leave the curve
    • DIn the middle of the curve
    Show the answer

    ✓ A. Before you enter the curve

    Always reduce speed before entering a curve; hard braking in the curve can make the tires lose traction.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (English) (REVISED 11/2024), page 50

  3. 3.About how far does it take to brake to a stop from 50 mph on dry pavement with good brakes?

    • A100 feet
    • B158 feet
    • C58 feet
    • D300 feet
    Show the answer

    ✓ B. 158 feet

    At 50 mph on dry pavement with good brakes, braking distance alone can be about 158 feet.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (English) (REVISED 11/2024), page 50

  4. 4.Where should your hands be on the steering wheel in a car with an air bag?

    • A12 o'clock with one hand
    • B10 and 2 o'clock
    • C3 and 9 o'clock
    • DInside the wheel rim
    Show the answer

    ✓ C. 3 and 9 o'clock

    Place your hands at 3 and 9 o'clock; 10 and 2 is no longer recommended in cars with air bags.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (English) (REVISED 11/2024), page 29