South Dakota Permit Test FAQ

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)

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)

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)

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)

For the first six months, only immediate family or members of your household. After that, the DPS allows one passenger under 18 from outside your family or household. (South Dakota DPS: Teen Drivers and Parents)

Yes. The DPS waives the knowledge test for a permit if you show a certificate from a state-approved driver education course finished within the last year. Online commercial courses don't count. (South Dakota DPS: Teen Drivers and Parents)

No. Holders of an Instruction Permit or a Restricted Minor's Permit may not use any wireless communication device while driving, whether a phone, a texting device or a laptop. (South Dakota Driver License Manual, p. 8)

The South Dakota knowledge test has 25 questions, and you need 20 right (80%) to pass. Our full practice exam uses the same size and pass mark. Always confirm the current test with the South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS), Driver Licensing Program.

80% or higher. The test covers the rules of the road and safe-driving practices, and the driving test also needs a score of 80% or better. (South Dakota DPS: Driver License Testing Information)

You can try again from the next working day. Each fee covers three tries within six months; after three failures or six months, you pay the fee again. Anyone caught cheating waits at least two weeks. (South Dakota Driver License Manual, p. 10)

For a license with no restrictions, 20/40 or better with both eyes and no worse than 20/50 in either eye. If you need glasses or contacts for the test, you must wear them whenever you drive. (South Dakota Driver License Manual, p. 18)

Reaching 15 points within 12 months, or 22 within 24 months, can lead to a suspension: 60 days the first time, 6 months the second, a year after that. A DWI is 10 points, reckless driving 8, and other moving violations 2. (South Dakota Driver License Manual, p. 14)

Come to a full stop before reaching a stopped emergency vehicle showing red lights. For stopped vehicles with amber, yellow or blue lights, move to the far lane 300 feet before them on multi-lane roads, or slow to 20 mph under the limit on two-lane roads. (South Dakota Driver License Manual, p. 2)

At least 3 feet when the posted limit is 35 mph or less, and 6 feet when it is higher. You may partly cross the center line to do it if that is safe. (South Dakota Driver License Manual, p. 46)