South Dakota CDL Class B to A Upgrade Study Material

Class B to Class A Upgrade for South Dakota CDL Applicants

South Dakota's agricultural economy and growing wind energy sector rely on bulk and oversize freight operators. With cattle and livestock hauling, grain and agriculture, wind energy equipment driving much of the freight in South Dakota, the Class B to Class A Upgrade material below is the part of the South Dakota CDL that those employers screen for first.

The South Dakota Class B to A upgrade: Combination Vehicles and Air Brakes knowledge tests at South Dakota Driver Licensing Program, then a Class A skills test. Since February 2022, ELDT theory and behind-the-wheel training must also be logged with an FMCSA-registered provider before South Dakota Driver Licensing Program will schedule the test.

Where South Dakota drivers use this

• Almost every Class A and Class B vehicle in South Dakota; skip this test and your CDL carries an L restriction
• Cattle and livestock hauling: livestock trailers and refrigerated meat loads to packers and markets
• Grain and agriculture: grain hoppers running from elevators to processors and export terminals
• Wind energy equipment: oversize wind-turbine blade and tower transport
• Tourism and hospitality supply: event, production, and resort supply freight

Most South Dakota CDL work runs the I-29, I-90 corridors and the Pierre area, so the examples in the practice questions lean on the vehicles and loads you will see there.

Testing, appointments, and fees are handled by South Dakota Driver Licensing Program. See the South Dakota CDL classes and South Dakota endorsements pages for the full licensing picture.

Common South Dakota questions

Is this Class B to Class A Upgrade material specific to South Dakota?

Yes. The knowledge test content is federal (49 CFR 383), so the questions apply in South Dakota, and this page adds South Dakota details: where you test (South Dakota Driver Licensing Program), which South Dakota industries use this license, and the South Dakota corridors the examples are drawn from.

Where do I take the Class B to Class A Upgrade knowledge test in South Dakota?

Knowledge tests are given by South Dakota Driver Licensing Program. Bring your South Dakota driver license, proof of residency, and your medical certificate; most South Dakota offices require an appointment for CDL testing.

How long do I have to study the South Dakota Class B to Class A Upgrade material?

Access lasts 120 days from purchase, and you can take 180 or 365 days instead at checkout. That is enough to study, take the practice tests, and pass at South Dakota Driver Licensing Program with time to spare. Retakes in South Dakota are allowed after a short wait, so a second attempt is covered too.