What's the Passing Score on South Dakota's CDL General Knowledge Test?

49 CFR Part 383 sets the CDL general knowledge test at 50 questions and 80% nationwide, and South Dakota administers that standard through its Department of Public Safety.

Once you pass, your CLP is valid for six months, but you still need to hold it at least 14 days before the skills test can be scheduled.

Passing earns you a commercial learner's permit, though federal rule still requires entry-level driver training (ELDT) through an authorized provider before your first CDL, regardless of how quickly you passed the written portion.

Any additional endorsement needs its own knowledge test and its own $15 fee on top of the $33 application.

A specific air brake PSI figure or hours-of-service cap either matches the manual exactly or it doesn't — there's no partial credit for landing close to the right number.

The cargo securement recheck sequence trips up plenty of otherwise well-prepared test takers, since the mile and time thresholds are easy to swap under pressure.

Treat every practice question as a chance to read the reasoning behind it, not just confirm the letter you picked.