Free South Dakota Permit Practice Tests 2025

In South Dakota you must be at least 14 years old to apply for an instruction permit. This age applies to all first-time permit applicants regardless of prior driving experience.

To apply for a permit in South Dakota you must bring:

• Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
• Two proofs of South Dakota residency (showing you live in South Dakota)
• Social Security number
• Payment for the application fee

If you’re applying for a REAL ID compliant license, additional documentation may be required. Check the South Dakota DMV website for current accepted documents.

Yes. If you’re under 18, a parent or legal guardian must:

• Sign your permit application
• Accept financial responsibility for you
• Be present with you at the Driver Licensing Office when you apply

The application process in South Dakota is as follows:

1. Complete the application
2. Bring the required documents (identity, residency, etc.)
3. Pay the application fee
4. Pass your written test(s)
5. Pass a vision test
6. If you’re under 18, a parent or guardian must sign to approve the application

No, you cannot apply online for a first-time instruction permit in South Dakota. You must visit a Driver Licensing Office in person to complete the application process, provide your documents, take your vision test, and complete your written test.

The application fee covers the cost of processing your application, the written test, and issuing your permit. Visit the South Dakota DMV website for current fee information.

To get your permit in South Dakota you must pass:

• A vision test to ensure you can see well enough to drive safely
• A written knowledge test with multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices

The South Dakota permit written test contains 25 questions. You must answer at least 20 questions correctly (80%) to pass.

The South Dakota permit test covers:

• Traffic laws and regulations
• Road signs and signals
• Right-of-way rules
• Safe driving practices
• Penalties for violating traffic laws
• Alcohol and drug effects on driving

The best ways to prepare for your South Dakota permit test:

• Study the South Dakota Driver License Manual thoroughly, available on our website at South Dakota Driver License Manual
• Take our free practice tests that simulate the actual permit test
• Review the test materials multiple times to ensure you understand the key concepts

If you fail the South Dakota permit test:

• You can retake it after one business day
• You will need to pay a testing fee for each subsequent attempt
• There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test
• Study the areas where you had difficulty before retaking the test

With a South Dakota instruction permit you can:

• Practice driving with a licensed driver who is at least 18 years old and has at least one year of driving experience
• This supervising driver must sit in the front passenger seat
• Gain experience to prepare for your road test

When driving with a permit in South Dakota you:

• Must have a licensed driver at least 18 years old with at least one year of driving experience in the passenger seat
• Cannot use electronic wireless communication devices while driving, even in hands-free mode
• Must ensure all occupants wear seat belts
• May only drive during permitted hours based on your age and permit type

In South Dakota the requirements depend on your age:
If you are under 16:

• You must hold your instruction permit for at least 180 days (six months) before taking the driving test

For all other age groups:

• Refer to the “Driver Education Requirements” section for specific requirements

In South Dakota, you do not need to take a driver education course to get your permit. However, taking a driver education course can reduce your permit-holding period from 180 days to 90 days if you’re under 16.

In South Dakota before you get your driver’s license, the requirements depend on your age:

• If you are under 16:
  • You have two options:
    • Hold your permit for 180 days and complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice (including 10 hours at night), OR
    • Take a state-approved driver education course and hold your permit for 90 days
• If you are 16 or 17:
  • Hold your permit for 90 days and complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice (10 hours at night)
  • Driver education is recommended but not required
• If you are 18 or older:
  • No minimum permit-holding period; practice enough to develop safe driving skills before taking your driving test

You can find South Dakota-approved driver education programs by:

• Contacting your local Driver Licensing Office
• Checking with your high school

The South Dakota driving test checks:

• If you can safely operate the vehicle
• If you follow traffic laws and signs
• Basic maneuvers like turns, lane changes, and parking
• Awareness of other road users
• Good decision making in various traffic situations

Before you start, the examiner will ensure your vehicle is properly registered, insured, and in safe operating condition.

You can schedule your driving test in South Dakota by:

• Visiting a Driver Licensing Office
• Calling to make an appointment
• Using the online appointment system, if available

On the day of your driving test in South Dakota, bring:

• Your instruction permit
• A licensed driver with at least one year of driving experience
• A properly registered and insured vehicle
• Proof of insurance and vehicle registration
• If you’re under 18, your completed driving log showing 50 hours of practice (including 10 hours at night)

Common reasons for failing the South Dakota driving test include:

• Not checking blind spots before changing lanes
• Rolling through stop signs instead of coming to a complete stop
• Driving too fast or too slow for conditions
• Improper lane positioning or lane changes
• Not yielding to pedestrians or other vehicles
• Lack of steering control
• Poor awareness of surroundings
• Failure to use turn signals properly

To convert your learner’s permit to a driver’s license in South Dakota:
If you are under 16:

• Hold your permit for at least 180 days (or 90 days if you take driver education)
• Complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice (including 10 hours at night)
• Pass the driving test
• Pay the license fee

If you are 16 or 17:

• Hold your permit for at least 90 days
• Complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice (including 10 hours at night)
• Pass the driving test
• Pay the license fee

If you are 18 or older:

• Practice with your permit
• Pass the driving test
• Pay the license fee

South Dakota’s graduated licensing program has these stages:

• Instruction Permit: Must be at least 14 years old and practice with a licensed adult who has at least one year of driving experience.
• Restricted Minor’s Permit: For drivers under 16, available after meeting the permit-holding and practice requirements, with restrictions on passengers and driving times.
• Operator’s License: Available at age 16 if all requirements are met.
• Adults 18 and older can go directly from permit to full license after passing the driving test.

As a new driver in South Dakota:

• If you are under 16 with a Restricted Minor’s Permit, you cannot have more than one passenger under 18 who isn’t an immediate family member during the first six months or until you turn 16.
• You cannot drive between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

These restrictions end when you meet the age and license upgrade requirements.

If you’re moving to South Dakota with a permit from another state:

• You will need to apply for a South Dakota permit
• You will take the knowledge and vision tests
• Time you spent holding your out-of-state permit may count towards the South Dakota requirements

South Dakota offers the following accommodations for applicants with disabilities:

• Driver manual in audio format
• Oral knowledge tests
• Extra time to take the test
• Use of special equipment in your own vehicle for the driving test
• Contact your local Driver Licensing Office before your appointment to request accommodations

Yes, non-U.S. citizens can get a permit or license in South Dakota by providing:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of residency
• Proof of lawful status in the U.S.

You can download a copy of the South Dakota Driver’s Manual from our website here. Physical copies are also available on our website.

Yes! We offer free South Dakota-specific practice tests that mimic the actual permit test, designed to help you study the material and get comfortable with the test format before your exam.

For more information about the South Dakota permit process:

• Visit the South Dakota DMV website at dps.sd.gov
• Call your local Driver Licensing Office

If you lose your South Dakota permit:

• You can get a replacement at your local Driver Licensing Office
• Bring proof of your identity
• Pay the replacement fee

A parent or guardian who signed the application can cancel their teen’s permit or license by submitting a written request to the Driver Licensing Office. The cancellation remains in effect until the teen turns 18 or the parent/guardian submits a reinstatement request.