DMV South Dakota · Facts and practice test
South Dakota DMV: age, fees, test facts
Sourced procedural facts for South Dakota DMV, plus a free 82-question practice test with real sign images and audio.
Quick facts
Minimum permit age
14 years old
Knowledge test fee
Not separately listed; official brochure states only a combined Instruction Permit application fee of $28.00
Supervised driving before road test
50 hours of adult-supervised driving on the Instruction Permit, including 10 hours in inclement weather and 10 hours after dark, before the Restricted Minor's Permit
Documents to bring
Certified birth certificate and Social Security card, two pieces of mail proving residential address, parent/guardian consent (in person or notarized form)
Find an office / appointment
South Dakota DPS 'Locations' tool lets residents find their nearest Driver Licensing exam station; a separate Online Driver Licensing Appointment Scheduler books license/ID card appointments; walk-ins accepted at many stations but appointments recommended, especially for REAL ID.
REAL ID status
REAL ID available and most eligible South Dakotans already have a compliant card (gold star/star in circle). New/first-time applicants and new residents must apply in person with proof of identity, SSN, and proof of SD address. No state-specific deadline beyond federal May 7, 2025.
Motorcycle license
Motorcycle instruction permit at 14; motorcycle operator license/endorsement at 16. Requires knowledge and skills tests; permit must be held before full license.
Commercial license (CDL)
Must be 18+ to obtain CDL (intrastate); pass general knowledge, specialized knowledge, and skills tests. 21+ required for hazmat endorsement.
Official source: South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS), Driver Licensing Program
Things like renewing registration, REAL ID, or a change of address are outside what this page covers -- go straight to the official South Dakota Driver Licensing Program site.
Getting a license in South Dakota
Getting your first permit
In South Dakota, the minimum permit age is 14 years old. When you apply for a permit or license, bring: certified birth certificate and Social Security card, two pieces of mail proving residential address, parent/guardian consent (in person or notarized form). South Dakota DPS 'Locations' tool lets residents find their nearest Driver Licensing exam station; a separate Online Driver Licensing Appointment Scheduler books license/ID card appointments; walk-ins accepted at many stations but appointments recommended, especially for REAL ID.
Fees, retakes, and practice hours
Not separately listed; official brochure states only a combined Instruction Permit application fee of $28.00. Before the road test, the state requires 50 hours of adult-supervised driving on the Instruction Permit, including 10 hours in inclement weather and 10 hours after dark, before the Restricted Minor's Permit.
REAL ID, motorcycle, and CDL
REAL ID available and most eligible South Dakotans already have a compliant card (gold star/star in circle). New/first-time applicants and new residents must apply in person with proof of identity, SSN, and proof of SD address. No state-specific deadline beyond federal May 7, 2025. For a motorcycle license: motorcycle instruction permit at 14; motorcycle operator license/endorsement at 16. Requires knowledge and skills tests; permit must be held before full license. For a commercial license (CDL): must be 18+ to obtain CDL (intrastate); pass general knowledge, specialized knowledge, and skills tests. 21+ required for hazmat endorsement.
The South Dakota bank has 82 questions across 8 topics
Passed? Don't forget insurance
New drivers in the household need to be added to the policy, and shopping several carriers is the best way to keep the cost down, wherever you live.