South Dakota Permit Test Practice
South Dakota lets teens start earlier than almost anywhere else: you can apply for an instruction permit at just 14. The South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver Licensing Program gives the knowledge and vision tests at its driver exam stations, and a parent or guardian must consent, either in person or with a notarized form.
South Dakota also rewards driver education. If you passed an approved driver ed course within the last year, the knowledge test is waived, and the minimum permit holding period drops from 275 days to 180 days. Permit drivers practice with a licensed adult 18 or older from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and only with a parent or guardian at night. Whether you test or not, practicing free on DMV Permit Prep builds the knowledge you'll need for rural highways, wildlife and winter driving.
- Questions
- 25
- To pass
- 20 correct · 80%
- Permit age
- 14
- Practice
- 50 hours, 10 at night and 10 in bad weather
Start a free South Dakota practice test
5 free tests per license. No sign-up needed.
South Dakota permit test sample questions
Tap an answer to check yourself.
1. With an approved driver education course, how long must a South Dakota teen hold an instruction permit before getting a restricted minor's permit?
2. To move up to a restricted minor's permit in South Dakota, a teen must have no traffic convictions in the past:
3. What is the youngest age for an unrestricted South Dakota driver license?
4. Which statement about right of way is true?
5. Smooth, worn tires are dangerous because they:
How to get your learner's permit in South Dakota
- 1Study the South Dakota Driver License Manual or complete an approved driver ed course.
- 2Book an appointment at dps.sd.gov or by calling the Driver Licensing Program.
- 3Bring a certified birth certificate, Social Security card and two proofs of residency.
- 4Have a parent or guardian consent in person or with a notarized Parental Consent Form.
- 5Pass the vision test and the knowledge test (or show your driver ed certificate).
- 6Pay the $28 fee and receive your instruction permit.
From 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., permit holders may drive only with a parent or guardian beside them. Permit holding period: 180 days with driver ed, 275 days without. Fee: $28.
The South Dakota knowledge test
Taken at a South Dakota driver exam station with a vision test; waived if you passed an approved driver ed course within the past year.
Study tips for South Dakota
- If you've finished driver ed, bring the certificate; it waives the test only if the course was within the last year.
- Know the permit's time rules: a licensed adult 18+ from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., but only a parent or guardian at night.
- Study South Dakota's move-over law, updated on July 1, 2025, and rules for slowing near stopped vehicles.
CDL in South Dakota
South Dakota DPS issues a commercial learner's permit after you pass the CDL general knowledge test and any class or endorsement tests at a driver exam station, and first-time Class A or B applicants must complete federal Entry-Level Driver Training before the skills test.
Motorcycle in South Dakota
South Dakota riders can apply for a motorcycle instruction permit at 14; permit holders must ride with a licensed rider 18 or older on a separate motorcycle and may never carry passengers.
South Dakota permit test FAQ
How old do you have to be to get a permit in South Dakota?
You can apply for an instruction permit at 14 with a parent or guardian's consent.
Does driver's ed waive the South Dakota permit test?
Yes. If you passed an approved driver education course within the last year, DPS waives the knowledge test when you show the certificate.
How much is a learner's permit in South Dakota?
South Dakota DPS lists a $28 fee for the instruction permit.
How long do you have to hold a permit in South Dakota?
At least 275 days, or 180 days if you complete an approved driver education course, before applying for a restricted minor's permit.
Official information: South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Driver Licensing Program . DMV Permit Prep is an independent study tool, not affiliated with the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Driver Licensing Program.
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