Full practice exam
- 25 questions, 20 to pass, like the real written test
- No answers until you finish
- Your score, every answer explained, and what to study next
Free learning aid · Based on the South Dakota Driver License Manual (Nov 2024)
South Dakota Permit Practice Test
A free study aid for the South Dakota (SD) DPS knowledge test: practice in the real test format, with every answer explained and the guide page to study. Not the official test. Always verify with the official guide.
- 25questions
- 20to pass (80%)
- $0full exam here
Practice by topic
- The answer and why, right after each question
- 10 questions a round, a new mix every time
- Every answer shows the guide page to read
Road sign test
Know every sign on sight
Learn the signs from pictures one at a time, then test yourself on 20 signs.
Study mode
South Dakota permit test topics
The answer and explanation after every question. Each round is a new random mix, so practice as often as you like.
- Signals, signs & markingsRight-of-way, lights and arrows, sign shapes and colors, railroads, lane lines.
- Turns, parking & passingTurns, U-turns, roundabouts, school buses, parking, lanes and passing.
- Sharing the roadEmergency vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles, trucks, farm machinery.
- Space, night & winter drivingScanning, following distance, headlights, deer, work zones and winter roads.
- Alcohol, fitness & emergenciesVision, fatigue, distractions, alcohol and drugs, vehicle failures and crashes.
- Licenses, your vehicle & basicsPermits and licenses, points, insurance, vehicle checks, seat belts, basics.
- Practice my weak spotsA round from the topics you miss most.Fills in automatically as you practice on this device
About the South Dakota permit test
The basics, in plain English, from the South Dakota Driver License Manual.
Instruction permit at 14
South Dakota teens can get an Instruction Permit from age 14 by passing the vision and knowledge tests, with a parent or guardian's consent on the application. (South Dakota Driver License Manual, p. 8)
275 days on the permit
Teens hold the Instruction Permit for 275 days before moving up, or 180 days after passing an approved Department of Education driver education course. (South Dakota Driver License Manual, p. 8)
50 supervised hours
Before upgrading, teens log 50 hours of adult-supervised driving, including 10 hours in bad weather and 10 hours after dark. (South Dakota Driver License Manual, p. 8)
Restricted Minor's Permit
With a parent's permission, holders may drive alone from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. For the first six months only immediate family or household members may ride along. (South Dakota Driver License Manual, p. 8)
No phones on a permit
Instruction and Restricted Minor's Permit holders may not use any wireless device while driving, and texting at the wheel is illegal for everyone. (South Dakota Driver License Manual, p. 8)
80% to pass
The knowledge test covers South Dakota's rules of the road and safe driving practices, and you need a score of at least 80% to pass it. (South Dakota DPS: Driver License Testing Information)
South Dakota permit test FAQ
How old do I have to be for a South Dakota instruction permit?
14. You pass a vision test and the knowledge test, and if you are under 18 a parent or guardian gives consent on the application. (South Dakota Driver License Manual, p. 8)
How long must I hold a South Dakota instruction permit?
275 days in a row if you are under 18, or 180 days if you scored 80% or better on both parts of an approved Department of Education driver education course. Then you can move up to a Restricted Minor's Permit. (South Dakota Driver License Manual, p. 8)
Who can supervise me on a South Dakota instruction permit?
A parent, legal guardian or other adult with a valid license and at least a year of driving experience, sitting next to you. Teens also log 50 supervised hours, with 10 in bad weather and 10 after dark. (South Dakota Driver License Manual, p. 8)
When can I drive alone on a South Dakota Restricted Minor's Permit?
From 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. with your parent's permission. From 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. a parent or guardian must sit beside you, unless you are taking the most direct route to or from school, church, work or farm work. (South Dakota Driver License Manual, p. 8)
Read the official South Dakota Driver License Manual
Our questions are written from the guide (revised November 2024). Always study the official handbook from the state. Page numbers are the ones printed on the handbook pages; tap one to open the official PDF at that page.
New driver? How to get your Instruction PermitWhat to bring, the tests and the rules while you practice →