Passenger
To receive this endorsement, applicants must pass a test consisting of 20 multiple choice questions. Each question has three or four answer choices. To pass, the applicant must answer at least 16 questions correctly. Test questions come from the South Dakota Commercial Driver License Manual. Questions come from chapters covering: Driving Safely, Transporting Passengers Safely, Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Vehicle Control Skills Test and On-Road Driving. The Passenger endorsement can be used with the Class A, B or C CDL.
8. If you identify a distracted driver on the road, you should:
If you encounter a driver who seems distracted on the road, you should give them plenty of room and maintain a safe following distance.
9. If you must back up, it is helpful to:
If you must back up, you should exit the cab and check your path for obstacles before beginning the maneuver. Drive as slowly as you can, checking your mirrors on both sides.
10. When performing a pre-trip inspection and looking into the fifth wheel gap, you should:
When inspecting a tractor/trailer coupling, look into the fifth wheel gap and make sure the locking jaws are fully closed around the kingpin.
11. When starting the engine as part of the pre-trip inspection, the driver should:
Check your engine during the pre-trip inspection. After starting the engine, you should listen for unusual noises.
12. When starting a vehicle, warning lights and buzzers:
After starting a vehicle's engine, the warning lights and buzzers should turn on, then quickly turn off.
13. During the vehicle inspection test, you will be required to do all of the following, except:
As a part of earning your CDL, you will have to pass an inspection test and demonstrate that your vehicle is safe for operation. During the vehicle inspection test, you will have to walk around the vehicle and point to or touch each item and explain to the examiner what you are checking and why. You will not have to crawl under the hood or under the vehicle.
14. You should always be able to stop within:
You should always make sure that your vehicle will be able to stop within the area of the road that you are able to see. This means that you must slow down whenever conditions reduce visibility.
See the exact questions that will be on the 2024 South Dakota DMV exam.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Be at least 18 years of age.
2. Hold a valid South Dakota driver’s license.
3. Have a valid medical certificate.
4. Pass a knowledge test on CDL passenger vehicle operation.
5. Pass a skills test in a passenger vehicle.
Additionally, you must meet the federal requirements set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These requirements include:
1. Submitting to a background check and fingerprinting.
2. Providing proof of citizenship or legal presence in the United States.
3. Meeting medical standards for commercial drivers.
4. Meeting vision and hearing standards for commercial drivers.
You will also need to provide proof of residency and pay the appropriate fees to obtain your CDL Passenger license.
The FMCSA requires that you complete a minimum of 20 hours of classroom instruction and 10 hours of behind-the-wheel training in a passenger vehicle. The training must cover topics such as:
1. Pre-trip vehicle inspection
2. Safe driving practices
3. Loading and unloading passengers
4. Emergency procedures
5. Proper use of mirrors and signals
You may also need additional training depending on the type of passenger vehicle you will be driving, such as a school bus or a commercial bus.
After completing the required training, you will need to pass a knowledge test and a skills test in a passenger vehicle to obtain your CDL Passenger endorsement.
1. Proper loading and unloading of passengers
2. Use of emergency equipment and procedures
3. Rules for transporting children or other special populations
4. Proper use of mirrors, signals, and other safety equipment
5. Techniques for handling difficult driving conditions, such as inclement weather or heavy traffic
You will need to pass this written test in order to obtain your CDL Passenger endorsement. It is important to study and prepare for this test in advance to ensure that you are fully prepared. There are many resources available to help you prepare for this and other CDL exams, including study guides, practice tests, and training programs offered by certified instructors.
1. Pre-trip inspection: You will need to demonstrate your ability to perform a thorough pre-trip inspection of the vehicle, including checking for any defects or safety issues.
2. Basic vehicle control: You will need to demonstrate your ability to control the vehicle in a variety of situations, such as turning, backing up, and parking.
3. Passenger loading and unloading: You will need to demonstrate your ability to safely load and unload passengers, including using the proper equipment such as wheelchair lifts if applicable.
4. Emergency procedures: You will need to demonstrate your knowledge of emergency procedures, such as what to do in the event of an accident or other emergency situation.
5. Driving on public roads: You will need to demonstrate your ability to safely operate the vehicle on public roads, including obeying traffic laws and responding appropriately to traffic signals and signs.
The specific skills and maneuvers you will be asked to demonstrate may vary depending on the testing location and the type of passenger vehicle you will be driving. It is important to practice these skills and maneuvers extensively before taking the test, and to seek out professional training or guidance if necessary.
Driving without the proper endorsement is considered a violation of federal regulations and can result in penalties such as fines, license suspension or revocation, and even criminal charges in some cases. Additionally, driving without the proper training and endorsement can put your passengers at risk and potentially lead to accidents or injuries.
It is important to obtain the proper training and certification before operating any commercial vehicle designed to transport passengers. This includes studying for and passing the required written tests, as well as demonstrating your skills and knowledge during the practical skills test.
To add the Passenger endorsement to your CDL license, you will need to pass the Passenger Vehicles Endorsement Knowledge Test and the Passenger Vehicles Endorsement Skills Test. These tests are designed to ensure that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to safely operate a commercial vehicle designed to transport passengers.
Once you have passed both tests, you will need to go to your local driver licensing office and pay any required fees. The endorsement will then be added to your CDL license, allowing you to legally operate a commercial vehicle designed to transport passengers.
It is important to note that some states may have additional requirements or restrictions for obtaining a CDL Passenger endorsement, so it is important to check with your state's licensing agency for specific requirements and procedures.
1. Number of passengers: Drivers with a CDL Passenger endorsement may be limited in the number of passengers they can transport. For example, some states may require additional endorsements or training for drivers who transport more than 16 passengers.
2. Type of vehicle: The CDL Passenger endorsement applies to commercial vehicles designed to transport passengers. Depending on the state, there may be specific restrictions on the type of vehicle you can operate with this endorsement.
3. Endorsement expiration: The CDL Passenger endorsement may have a shorter expiration date than your regular CDL license, so it is important to keep track of when it needs to be renewed.
4. Medical requirements: Some states may require drivers with a CDL Passenger endorsement to meet additional medical requirements, such as more frequent physical exams or specific medical certifications.
5. Criminal history: Drivers with certain criminal convictions may be prohibited from obtaining a CDL Passenger endorsement.
It is important to check with your state's licensing agency for specific restrictions and limitations that apply to drivers with a CDL Passenger endorsement.
In addition to age requirements, there may be other restrictions or requirements for obtaining a CDL Passenger endorsement. For example, some states may require that you hold a regular Class A or Class B CDL before applying for a Passenger endorsement. You may also need to complete additional training or certification courses, depending on the state and the type of vehicle you will be operating.
It is important to check with your state's licensing agency for specific age requirements and restrictions that apply to obtaining a CDL Passenger endorsement.
1. Buses: This includes school buses, transit buses, and other types of buses used for public transportation.
2. Passenger vans: Vans designed to transport more than 16 passengers, including airport shuttles and hotel shuttles.
3. Limousines: This includes stretch limousines and other vehicles used for hire to transport passengers.
4. Trolleys: Vehicles designed to transport passengers on a fixed track or route.
It is important to note that the specific requirements for operating these vehicles can vary depending on the state and the type of vehicle. Be sure to check with your state's licensing agency for more information on the types of vehicles you can operate with a CDL Passenger endorsement.