South Dakota

Yes. South Dakota uses something called a Graduated Driver's License (GDL) system, which gives out certain driving privileges over certain periods of time.

If you're under 18 and driving on your instruction permit, restrictions include:

• No driving unless accompanied by an adult with:
  • A full driver's license.
  • At least 1 year of driving experience.
• No use of any electronic devices whatsoever while driving.

If you're under 18 and driving on your restricted minor's permit, restrictions include:

• No driving between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. UNLESS:
  • Accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
  • Driving to or home from:
    • School.
    • Church.
    • Work.
• No passengers other than immediate family for the first 6 months.

Once you turn 18, all restrictions will be lifted from your license.

After passing the South Dakota road test, you'll be eligible to receive:

• Your restricted minor's permit, if you're under 18.
• Your full, unrestricted license, if you're 18 or older.

While driving on your permit, you'll be able to drive with:

• A parent.
• A legal guardian.
• A fully-licensed passenger who's been driving for at least 1 year.

You may not drive unless accompanied by one of the above.

Once you earn your South Dakota learner's permit, you will automatically be eligible to drive with your parents.

In South Dakota, driving tests take place at one of the state's Driver Exam Stations. To complete the license application process, you'll have to visit a DPS licensing center.

You'll have to apply with your closest participating DPS office.

Appropriate documents depend on whether you're a:

• U.S. citizen.
• Immigrant/permanent resident.
• Non-immigrant.

Some common forms of ID include a:

• U.S. birth certificate or passport.
• Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship.
• Valid alien registration card.

More information can be found through the South Dakota DPS.

To apply for a first-time license in South Dakota if you're 18 or older, you'll need to bring:

• Proof of your:
  • Identity.
  • Social Security number.
  • South Dakota address.
  • Legal presence in the United States.
• The appropriate fee.

To apply for your provisional license when you're under 18 in South Dakota, you'll need to bring:

• Proof of your:
  • Identity.
  • Social Security number.
  • South Dakota address.
  • Legal presence in the United States.
• Your valid SD instruction permit.
• Log of behind-the-wheel practice hours.
• Driver's Ed course completion certificate, if applicable.
• The appropriate fee.

A parent or legal guardian must also be with you to sign paperwork on your behalf.

Before you can earn your full license in South Dakota if you're under 18, you'll first have to practice on your instruction permit and your restricted minor's permit.

To earn your instruction permit, you'll need to pass:

• A vision test.
• The written exam.
  • Can be waived if you completed a state-approved Driver's Ed course.

At that point, you'll have to:

• Practice on your instruction permit for either:
  • 6 months, if you passed a state-approved Driver's Ed course.
  • 9 months, if you didn't take the course.
• Log at least 50 hours of practice with a parent or guardian.

Finally, to move on to your restricted minor's permit, you'll need to pass the driving exam. A parent or legal guardian must be with you to sign documents on your behalf.

Practicing on your restricted minor's permit for 6 months is required before you can upgrade to a full license.

To get your driver's license in SD if you're 18 or older, you'll need to:

• Successfully pass a:
  • Vision exam.
  • Knowledge test.
  • Written exam.
• Show proof of your:
  • Identity.
  • Social Security number.
  • South Dakota residency.
  • Legal presence in the U.S.
• Pay the driver's license fee.

If you're under 18 years old, you'll have to practice on your instruction permit for either:

• 6 months, if you passed a state-approved Driver's Ed course.
• 9 months, if you didn't take the course.

If you're 18 or older and applying for a first-time license, there is no required waiting period.

If your license has been suspended or revoked in South Dakota, it may be possible to apply for a hardship permit, which will allow you to drive in limited circumstances.

Applying for a hardship permit is a difficult process, which may involve petitioning the court and paying fines.

There are several other considerations to take in mind, depending on your specific case. You should speak with your lawyer, or contact the South Dakota DPS for more information.

No. You'll only need to pass the written exam once to move on.

First, you'll meet with an examiner, who will make sure you have the proper documentation and your vehicle meets the state's safety standards.

Once the test begins, the examiner will give you instructions and judge you on your ability to:

• Understand and obey traffic rules, signs, and signals.
• Make right- and left-hand turns.
• Back up.
• Parallel park.
• Correctly change lanes.
• Use the proper speed.
• Signal appropriately.

You may also be asked to perform additional tasks.

Make sure to show up to the test with:

• A parent or legal guardian, if under 18.
• A fully-licensed driver who's had their license at least 1 year, if you're 18 or older.

You'll also need to have valid and up-to-date paperwork for the vehicle you're testing in, including:

• Proof of insurance.
• Registration.
• License plates.

If you're under 18, you'll need to arrive with a parent or legal guardian.

If you're 18 or older, you'll need to arrive with a fully-licensed passenger who's had their license at least 1 year.

The vehicle you take your South Dakota road test in must meet all state safety standards and be able to start under its own power. It must also have fully-functioning:

• Turn signals (front and back).
• Horn.
• Brake lights.
• Passenger door (including inside and outside handles).
• Seatbelts.
• Tires (not bald or damaged).
• Muffler (no leaks or excessive noise).
• Side and rear-view mirrors.

The vehicle must also have valid and up-to-date:

• Registration.
• Insurance.

You can take your South Dakota road test at any Driver Exam Station in the state.

Currently, permit and licensing fees in South Dakota include:

• Instruction permit: $28.
• Restricted minor's permit: $28.
• Full driver's license: $28.

Fees are subject to change, so it's best to check directly with the SD Department of Public Safety for the most up-to-date information.

The South Dakota Driver's Manual is available online. You can also ask your local SD DPS office for a copy.

In South Dakota, you must be at least:

• 14 to earn your instruction permit.
• 16 to earn your full driver's license.

Currently, permit and licensing fees in South Dakota include:

• Instruction permit: $28.
• Restricted minor's permit: $28.
• Full driver's license: $28.

Fees are subject to change, so it's best to check directly with the SD Department of Public Safety for the most up-to-date information.

No. There is no requirement to pass a drug test before being issued your South Dakota driving permit.

No. The SD written exam is not open book, which is why it's especially important to study or take a practice test beforehand.

Yes. If you're under 18 years old, a parent or legal guardian will have to sign paperwork on your behalf at this appointment.

To apply for your instruction permit in South Dakota, you'll need to bring in

• Proof of your:
  • Identity.
  • Legal presence in the United States.
  • Social Security number.
  • South Dakota residency.
• Completion certificate from a state-approved Driver's Ed course, if applicable.
• The instruction permit fee.

A parent or legal guardian must be present to sign paperwork on your behalf.

You can apply for your South Dakota learner's permit once you turn 14.

Before you can start the learner's permit process, you'll have to be at least 14 years old.

Once the age requirement is met, the next step is passing the SD written exam. To do so, schedule an appointment with the DPS, and:

• Bring acceptable proof of your:
  • Identity.
  • Legal presence in the United States.
  • Social Security number.
  • South Dakota residency.
• Pass the:
  • Written exam.
  • Vision test.
• Pay the application fee.

Your parent or guardian will also have to be with you to sign paperwork on your behalf.

It's also possible to take a state-approved Driver's Ed course at any point in this process. If you complete the course before applying for your permit, you won't have to take the written exam. In this case, make sure to bring the completion certificate with you to your permit appointment.

Once the paperwork is filed, tests passed, and fee paid, you'll be issued your learner's permit.

The South Dakota written driver's exam consists of 35 multiple-choice questions. General topics include:

• South Dakota traffic laws.
• Safe driving practices.
• Identifying traffic signs and signals by:
  • Shape.
  • Color.
  • Symbol.
• Identifying paving markings.

All questions will be sourced directly from the SD Driver's Manual, though you may also want to study with a free practice test.

Not necessarily. Driver's Ed isn't required, but can help speed up the process of getting your license.

If you complete a state-approved class before applying for your instruction permit, you'll be able to:

• Skip the written test.
• Practice on your instruction permit for only 6 months before moving on to your restricted minor's permit.

Reading the South Dakota Driver's Manual is the best idea to learn the information.

You can also find a number of practice tests online.

Yes. You'll have to pass a vision test to earn your SD driver's license.

No. A physical exam is not required for a South Dakota driver's license.

If you're under 18 years old, you'll also need a parent or legal guardian to sign paperwork on your behalf.

If you're 18 or older, you must arrive with a fully-licensed passenger who's had their license at least 1 year.

You can contact the SD Department of Public Safety by:

• Email.
• Phone.
• Regular mail.

Details can be found on the SD Department of Public Safety' website.

You can apply for your instruction permit in South Dakota once you turn 14.

If you're under 18 and driving on your instruction permit, restrictions include:

• No driving unless accompanied by an adult with:
  • A full driver's license.
  • At least 1 year of driving experience.
• No use of any electronic devices whatsoever while driving.

If you're under 18 and driving on your restricted minor's permit, restrictions include:

• No driving between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. UNLESS:
  • Accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
  • Driving to or home from:
    • School.
    • Church.
    • Work.
• No passengers other than immediate family for the first 6 months.

If you're 18 or older and not yet fully licensed, you'll need to drive with a fully-licensed passenger who's had their license for at least 1 year.

If you're under 18 and driving on your instruction permit, restrictions include:

• No driving unless accompanied by an adult with:
  • A full driver's license.
  • At least 1 year of driving experience.
• No use of any electronic devices whatsoever while driving.

If you're 18 or older and not yet fully licensed, you'll need to drive with a fully-licensed passenger who's had their license for at least 1 year.

To earn your permit in South Dakota, you (and your parent or guardian) will need to fill out an official application, which will be given to you by the DPS.

To get your South Dakota driver's license, you'll have to pass:

• A vision exam.
• The written test.
• A driving skills test.

While Driver's Education isn't required to get your license in South Dakota, it can speed up the process.

If you complete a state-approved class before applying for your instruction permit, you'll be able to:

• Skip the written test.
• Practice on your instruction permit for only 6 months before moving on to your restricted minor's permit.

Before you're eligible to apply for a South Dakota instruction permit, you must be at least 14 years old.

Maybe. You'll need to have a completed vision statement in order to renew your license. If the document is more than 1 year old, however, you will have to take a vision test with the SD DPS.

Yes. If your last license renewal did not take place online or through the mail, you should be eligible.

The South Dakota DPS has more information on how to apply for a license renewal through the mail.

Yes. South Dakota allows residents to renew their license online.

To renew your license in South Dakota, you'll need to have:

• Your current SD license.
• Acceptable proof of your:
  • Legal presence in the United States.
  • Social Security number.
  • South Dakota residency.
• A valid vision statement.
• The license renewal fee.

You can renew your South Dakota driver's license:

• In-person.
• Online.
• Through the mail.

The SD DPS's site has more information on these options.

You can renew your license up to 30 days after its official expiration date.

SD license renewals cost $28.

Fees are subject to change. You should check with the South Dakota DPS before renewing your license for the most up-to-date information.

No. When you take the test, it will only be you and the examiner in the car.

However, you'll have to arrive to the test with:

• Your parent or guardian (if under 18 years old).
• A fully-licensed passenger who's had their license at least 1 year (if 18 or older).

You can take the South Dakota written test as many times as needed in order to pass.

However, if you fail, you'll have to wait at least 1 business day before you can take the test again. If you fail 3 times, you'll have to wait 6 months before you're allowed to retest.

Save yourself the time and hassle by studying with a free practice test!

Yes, every question on the test is multiple choice.

At the same appointment you take your written test, you'll also have to bring:

• Acceptable proof of your:
  • Identity.
  • Social Security number.
  • South Dakota residency.
  • Legal presence in the United States.
• Certificate of completion from a state-approved Driver's Ed course, if applicable.
• The application fee.

If you're under 18, a parent or guardian will also have to sign paperwork on your behalf.

The South Dakota written driver's exam consists of 35 multiple-choice questions. Major topics include:

• South Dakota traffic laws.
• Safe driving practices.
• Identifying traffic signs and signals by:
  • Shape.
  • Color.
  • Symbol.
• Identifying paving markings.

All questions will be sourced directly from the SD Driver's Manual, though you may also want to study with a free practice test.

Yes. You can schedule your appointment online.

Some SD DPS locations may be open on Saturdays. You'll have to check online when scheduling an appointment.

Your written knowledge exam will be administered on the computer at the South Dakota Department of Public Safety office.

If you have special needs or language preferences other than English, you can arrange alternate formats with the SD DPS.

Make sure the South Dakota, SD Department of Public Safety is aware of any additional help you may need when scheduling your appointment.

South Dakota driving test appointments can be scheduled online.

After you pass the permit test, you'll be issued your instruction permit. At that point, you'll need to:

• Practice on your permit for either:
  • 6 months, if you completed an approved Driver's Ed course.
  • 9 months, if you don't have a Driver's Ed certificate.
• Log at least 50 hours of practice with a parent or guardian.
  • At least 10 hours must be at night.

Once that's accomplished, you'll be able to apply for your restricted minor's permit.

You can take the test in person at any participating DPS office.

If you failed your SD road test, you'll have the chance to reschedule and try again.

In the meantime don't panic, practice!

If you fail your driving exam, you'll have to wait at least 1 day before you can try again.

If you fail 3 times, you'll have to wait 6 months before any subsequent retests.

Yes. If you fail your written exam, you will have to wait at least 1 day before retesting.

Save yourself the time by taking a free practice test to help you pass the first time!

If you don't pass your written test in SD, you'll have to wait at least 1 business day before you can take another shot.

Practicing with a free practice test can help you pass on the first try!

If you have no intention of permanently relocating to South Dakota, there's no limit on how long you can drive on your out-of-state license. This includes anyone in the state for:

• School.
• Active military duty.
• Seasonal housing.

If you do plan on relocating to South Dakota permanently, you have 90 days after establishing residency to transfer your license.

Yes. You can drive in South Dakota on your out-of-state permit as long as you follow all permitting rules of your home state.

No. As long as your license is valid and in good standing, you will not need to take additional driving tests to transfer your license to South Dakota.

You will, however, need to pass a vision screening.

If you're moving to South Dakota, you have 90 days from establishing residency to transfer your out-of-state license.

The biggest mistake people make is taking the test for granted.

While it's not necessarily designed to be tricky, it can be difficult if you don't study the laws.

Make sure to give yourself enough time to study the SD Driver's Manual and take some free practice tests in order to give yourself the best chance possible for passing.

The South Dakota written exam consists of 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 of them correctly in order to pass.

There are 25 total questions on the SD permit exam, all of which are multiple choice.

South Dakota auto insurance minimum requirements include:

• Bodily injury: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
• Property damage: $25,000 per accident.
• Uninsured motorist: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
• Underinsured motorist: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.

The SD written knowledge exam consists of 25 multiple-choice questions. You will be able to get 10 questions wrong and still pass.

Studying with a free practice test may help ensure you get far more questions right than wrong!