South Dakota DPS Practice Tests

A driver's license is a privilege, not a right. Earn it by reading the South Dakota driver's handbook and taking practice tests. The South Dakota teen permit test and the South Dakota driver's license renewal practice test are just a few examples.

Your South Dakota DPS Practice Tests

We've arranged several SD DPS practice tests for your convenience. Please pick the one below that fits your needs the best.

FREE Practice Tests

Your South Dakota DPS Handbooks

Before you take a practice test make sure you've reviewed the South Dakota drivers handbook. You will be tested on this content! Find them online below:

Review your Handbook

+ Frequently Asked Questions

We've gathered a list of frequently ask questions by South Dakota drivers. Please click to expand.
Click here to ask your driving related question.

Ask a driving related question on AnswersforDrivers.com.

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South Dakota Driver's License Resources

Whether you’re getting ready to take your learner’s permit written test for the first time, studying to get a motorcycle endorsement so you can ride your new bike, or preparing for your CDL exam to drive a commercial vehicle, we’ve gathered a wealth of resources and knowledge to help you obtain your driving credentials.

All Drivers

If you’re renewing a license that has been expired for longer than a year, or if you’re applying for reinstatement after a suspension, you may have to retake the written exam in order to obtain your license.

Free Practice Tests

Driver's License practice tests
Learner's Permit practice tests
Motorcycle Endorsement practice tests
CDL practice tests
Road Signs and Signals practice tests

Resources for all drivers

Read the official South Dakota driver’s manual
Check out our frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Buy a driver’s license test cheat sheet: basic or advanced
Buy a driver’s license renewal test cheat sheet: basic or advanced
Read our driving safety articles

South Dakota DPS quick links for all drivers

South Dakota DPS home page
Driver licensing FAQ
Schedule a renewal appointment
Renew online
Driver license office locations and hours
Identification requirements
Driver license forms & applications
License and permit fees

New & Teen Drivers

In order to apply for an Operator’s License in South Dakota, you must be at least 16 years of age and pass a vision screening, knowledge exam, and driving test. Persons under the age of 18 must also have held an Instruction Permit for at least 180 days (90 if you have completed an approved Department of Education driver education course) before they can apply for an Operator’s Permit. A Restricted Minor’s Permit may be obtained by persons age 14-18 after holding an Instruction Permit for 180 days (or 90 days, after passing a driver education course) and passing the vision screening, knowledge exam, and driving test. Persons age 14 or older may obtain an Instruction Permit after passing a vision exam and knowledge test.

Resources for new & teen drivers

Read the official South Dakota driver’s manual
Take one of our free learner’s permit practice tests
Check out our new & teen driver frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Buy a learner’s permit test cheat sheet: basic or advanced
Buy a driver’s license test cheat sheet: basic or advanced
Check rates or buy car insurance

South Dakota DPS quick links for new & teen drivers

South Dakota driver license information
Teen driving home page
Knowledge & road test information
Schedule a road test

New-to-State Drivers

New South Dakota residents are required to obtain a South Dakota license within 90 days of establishing residency in the state. No testing is required if you surrender a valid, out-of-state license.

Resources for new-to-state drivers

Read the official South Dakota driver’s manual
Take one of our free driver’s license practice tests
Check out our new-to-state frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Buy a new-to-state driver’s license test cheat sheet: basic or advanced
Check rates or buy car insurance

South Dakota DPS quick links for new-to-state drivers

New resident information

Motorcycles

In order to apply for a Motorcycle Operator’s License in South Dakota, you must be at least 16 years of age and pass a vision screening, knowledge exam (car/truck and motorcycle), and driving test. Persons under the age of 18 must also have held a Motorcycle Instruction Permit for at least 180 days (90 if you have completed an approved Department of Education driver education course) before they can apply for a Motorcycle Operator’s Permit. A Motorcycle Restricted Minor’s Permit may be obtained by persons age 14-18 after holding a Motorcycle Instruction Permit for 180 days (or 90 days, after passing a driver education course) and passing the vision screening, knowledge exam (car/truck and motorcycle), and driving test. Persons age 14 or older may obtain a Motorcycle Instruction Permit after passing a vision exam and knowledge test (car/truck and motorcycle).

Resources for motorcyclists

Read the official South Dakota motorcycle manual
Take one of our free motorcycle license practice tests
Check out our motorcycle license frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Buy a motorcycle license test cheat sheet: basic or advanced
New-to-state motorcycle insurance

CDL

You must have a valid Commercial Driver License (CDL) or Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) to drive a commercial motor vehicle in South Dakota. You must be at least 21 years of age and pass a knowledge exam and a skills test to be issued a CDL. You must be at least 18 years of age and pass a knowledge exam to be issued a CLP.

Resources for CDL

Read the official South Dakota CDL manual
Take one of our free CDL practice tests
Buy a CDL test paid cheat sheet: basic or advanced
Check rates or buy CDL insurance

South Dakota DPS quick links for CDL

CDL information
CDL third party testers

South Dakota DPS Driving Test Info

How many questions are on the written test?

There are 25 questions on the test.

How many questions must you get right?

You must answer at least 20 questions correctly in order to pass.

If you fail when can you retake the test?

You can retake the test again in 1 day.

How many times can you retake the test?

There is no limit on the number of times you can retake the written test.

Who has to take the written test? Teens of what ages?

Anyone who is getting their driver’s license for the first time must pass the written test. Teens can take the test if they are at least 16 years old. If they’re under 18 years of age, they must complete all the requirements for an instruction permit and will also need parental consent.

Are you required to take the written test when renewing, and if so every time you renew or just sometimes? What are the conditions if just sometimes?

You do not have to retake the written test when you renew your license unless it has been expired for more than             30 days.

If you’re new to state are you required to take the written test?

If you hold a valid driver’s license from another state then you are not required to take either part (written or on-road) of the driver’s examination.

Who has to take the behind the wheel / on-road driving test?

Anyone who is getting their driver’s license for the first time must pass both the written and driving tests. Additionally, you will also be required to re-pass both tests if your driver’s license has expired and you want to renew it.

South Dakota DPS Motorcycle Permit Test Info

How old must you be to take the written test?

You must be at least 14 years old and have completed the requirements for a motorcycle instruction permit before you can take the test. If you are under 18 years of age you must also have parental consent.

How many questions are on the test?

There are 25 questions on the test.

How many must you get correct to pass?

You must answer at least 20 questions correctly in order to pass.

What are the permit restrictions for motorcycles?

You cannot drive during hours of darkness or carry any passengers, and must be accompanied at all times by a licensed adult motorcyclist who is also riding on a motorcycle.

Do you need to take an on-road motorcycle driving test?

Yes, you are required to pass a practical on-road motorcycle skill test in order to get your motorcycle license.

Are there any other state specific age requirements or restrictions for motorcycles?

Minors under the age of 18 are required to hold a motorcycle instruction permit for at least 6 months before they qualify for a minor’s restricted permit, or 3 months if they complete a state-approved driver’s education course, or 1 month if they complete a national motorcycle safety course.

What is the helmet law is this state?

Any operator or passenger of a motorcycle who is under 18 is required to wear a protective helmet meeting state-approved safety standards at all times while operating or riding on the motorcycle.

South Dakota Watercraft Written Safety Test Info

Is there such a test in the state?

Currently, the State of South Dakota does not require its citizens to obtain a license to operate boats or other watercraft.

 
 
Drivers License Practice Packages
License Tests Variations
Number of Questions in Pool
Easy Online Practice
Print and take With You "Cheat Sheet"
Guaranteed to Pass OR YOUR MONEY BACK?
Drivers Permit Practice Package Price
 
Basic Practice
unlimited
50
No
$9.95
Continue
Advanced Practice
unlimited
100
$19.95
Continue
Our Test
1
20
 
No
no cost
Continue
south dakota Drivers License Practice Packages
License Tests Variations
Number of Questions in Pool
Easy Online Practice
Print and take With You "Cheat Sheet"
Guaranteed to Pass OR YOUR MONEY BACK?
Drivers License Package Price
 
Basic Practice
unlimited
50
No
$9.95
Continue
Advanced Practice
unlimited
100
$19.95
Continue
Our Test
1
20
 
No
no cost
Continue
south dakota Drivers License Practice Packages
License Tests Variations
Number of Questions in Pool
Easy Online Practice
Print and take With You "Cheat Sheet"
Guaranteed to Pass OR YOUR MONEY BACK?
Drivers License Package Price
 
Basic Practice
unlimited
50
No
$9.95
Continue
Advanced Practice
unlimited
100
$19.95
Continue
Our Test
1
20
 
No
no cost
Continue
Motorcycle Permit Practice Packages
Motorcycle Permit Practice Packages
Test Variations
Number of Questions in Pool
Easy Online Practice
State Specific Questions
 
Basic Practice
$9.95
unlimited
50
Continue
Advanced Practice
$14.95
unlimited
100
Continue
Our Test
no cost
1
15
 
Continue
Drivers License Practice Packages
CDL Package Price
CDL Tests Variations
Number of Questions in Pool
Easy Online Practice
State Specific Questions
 
Basic Practice
$9.95
unlimited
50
Continue
Advanced Practice
$14.95
unlimited
100
Continue
Our Test
no cost
1
20
 
Continue
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