Are you interested in a career as a commercial driver in South Dakota but still need to pass your commercial driver’s license (CDL) exam? Start preparing now with the South Dakota CDL Manual.  Issued by South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS), the manual is one of the primary resources you’ll need to begin preparing for your CDL test. It’s designed to cover every step of the commercial licensing process, from introducing you to the licensing requirements to safe commercial vehicle operation.  Every CDL class and endorsement is covered in depth to ensure you have all the information needed to avoid any surprises on test day.

Will the SD CDL Manual Prepare You for the CDL Test

While we can’t argue that the official South Dakota CDL manual is an indispensable tool for exam preparation, it’s essential that you assess your knowledge before taking the real test. To help you do just that, we’ve created a series of free South Dakota CDL practice tests.   The practice tests cover all areas of the CDL exam including the various endorsements.  Take your CDL knowledge for a test drive to make sure you’re fully prepared.

Information Covered in the Manual

The manual includes detailed information on basic vehicle control, how to perform a pre-trip inspection, how to transport passengers, and how to successfully operate a vehicle with air brakes.  You will also learn the steps needed to acquire your CDL permit and ultimately your license.

If you’ve just started the process of studying for the test and don’t know where to start, the introductory chapter includes a chart detailing which sections of the manual pertain to which CDL class and their associated endorsements.

Divided into 13 sections, listed below, the official South Dakota CDL Manual contains information you will use to pass your CDL exam and throughout your commercial driving career.

  • Introduction
  • Driving Safely
  • Transporting Cargo Safely
  • Transporting Passengers Safely
  • Air Brakes
  • Combination Vehicles
  • Doubles and Triples
  • Tank Vehicles
  • Hazardous Vehicles
  • School Bus
  • Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection
  • Basic Vehicle Control Skills Test
  • On-Road Driving