South Dakota Motorcycle Permit Practice Test

South Dakota DPS says you need a score of 80% or better but doesn’t publish the number of questions. Our practice exam uses 30 questions with 24 to pass (80%).

The South Dakota Motorcycle Operator Manual (revised October 2020): South Dakota’s licensing pages, gear and pre-ride checks, control, lane position, SEE and intersections, crash avoidance and hazards, passengers and cargo, group riding, alcohol, drugs and fatigue, three-wheelers and traffic stops. South Dakota Motorcycle Operator Manual p. 1–39

For a teen instruction permit, a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course card waives the knowledge test for one year. The South Dakota Safety Council runs classes from April through October and gives the license test as the course’s final step.

Each license or permit application gives you up to three attempts to pass the tests within six months of applying. Once you have used all three, or the six months have run out, you start a new application and pay the fee again.

You need 24 of the 30 questions right (80%). Always confirm the current test with the South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS), Driver Licensing Program. Compare every state →

You can miss up to 6 of the 30 questions: you need 24 right (80%) to pass.

You can get a motorcycle instruction permit at 14 (with a parent’s consent and no traffic convictions in the last six months). A restricted minor’s permit lets you ride alone from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. after at least 6 months on the instruction permit, and the unrestricted license comes at 16.

It is valid for one year and allows riding from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. only, with a licensed motorcycle operator aged 18 or older with a year of experience on a separate motorcycle. No passengers, and teen permit holders may not use any wireless device while riding.

A vision test, a knowledge test (80% or better) and a motorcycle driving test, all by appointment at a driver exam station. Wear safety gear for the riding test (helmet, boots and leathers); it is given only on dry pavement.

If it has been expired more than 30 days, yes: you must pass the operator’s knowledge test and the motorcycle written knowledge test at a driver exam station.

Yes. Until you turn 18, the parent or guardian who signed for your permit or license can ask the state to cancel it. Their consent is what lets a minor hold an instruction permit, a restricted minor's permit or a license in the first place.

When the suspension period is over, go back to a driver exam station and ask for a duplicate of your permit or license. If the suspension came from a felony or a Class 1 misdemeanor, you also have to pay a reinstatement fee before you can reapply.

Up to 90 days: anyone who lives in South Dakota longer than that needs a South Dakota license. Active-duty military with their families, and students counted as non-residents for tuition, may keep riding on a valid home-state license if they are at least 16.

No. A three-wheeled vehicle driven with a steering wheel and foot controls (often called an autocycle) needs only a valid regular driver license or permit, not a motorcycle test. A three-wheel motorcycle steered with handlebars is different: it needs the motorcycle permit or license.