Skip to content
PracticeTestHQ
Find your state

South Dakota permit test: vehicle inspection and loads

Inspecting your vehicle, tires and tread depth, windshield and windows, and securing a load. 10 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.

Study this topic as flashcards

Rules to remember8 key vehicle inspection and loads rulesShow the rules
  1. If other drivers keep flashing their lights at you, have a mechanic check whether your headlights are out of line. (p. 23)
  2. Check tire pressure with a pressure gauge monthly, when the tires are cold. (p. 23)
  3. If the brakes make noise, smell odd or the pedal goes to the floor, have a mechanic check them. (p. 23)
  4. Dirt on headlight, backup, brake and taillight lenses can reduce the light by 50%, so keep them clean. (p. 24)
  5. Front side windows next to the driver may not be tinted to let in less than 35% of light; rear windows have a 20% limit. (p. 24)
  6. The recommended PSI is in the owner's manual or on a sticker on the driver's side door jamb. (p. 24)
  7. If the vehicle bounces a lot after a bump or stop, you may need new shocks or other suspension parts. (p. 24)
  8. A load is only secure when nothing can slide, shift, fall or sift onto the road or become airborne. (p. 28)

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

Loading questions…

Sample vehicle inspection and loads questions

  1. 1.What is the darkest allowed tint for windows beside the driver's seat in South Dakota?

    • ALight transmittance of at least 50%
    • BLight transmittance of at least 35%
    • CLight transmittance of at least 20%
    • DAny tint is allowed
    Show the answer

    ✓ B. Light transmittance of at least 35%

    Front side windows next to the driver may not be tinted to let in less than 35% of light; rear windows have a 20% limit.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (English) (REVISED 11/2024), page 24

  2. 2.How much can dirt on your headlight and taillight lenses reduce their light?

    • ABy 25%
    • BBy 10%
    • CBy 50%
    • DBy 75%
    Show the answer

    ✓ C. By 50%

    Dirt on headlight, backup, brake and taillight lenses can reduce the light by 50%, so keep them clean.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (English) (REVISED 11/2024), page 24

  3. 3.Why should you never run your engine in a closed garage?

    • AIt burns far too much fuel at idle
    • BIt overheats the tires while parked
    • CExhaust gases can kill in a short time
    • DIt drains and wears out the battery
    Show the answer

    ✓ C. Exhaust gases can kill in a short time

    Exhaust gases from a leaky exhaust can cause death inside a vehicle in a very short time, so never run the motor in a closed garage.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (English) (REVISED 11/2024), page 24

  4. 4.How often does the manual recommend checking tire pressure with a gauge?

    • AOnce a year
    • BMonthly
    • CWeekly
    • DEvery 6 months
    Show the answer

    ✓ B. Monthly

    Check tire pressure with a pressure gauge monthly, when the tires are cold.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (English) (REVISED 11/2024), page 23