{"state":"South Dakota","code":"SD","slug":"south-dakota","questionCount":202,"manual":"South Dakota Driver License Manual","manualUrl":"https://www.sd.gov/dps?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0043733","examFormat":null,"keyFacts":[{"id":"test-fee","label":"Knowledge test fee","value":"$38 instruction permit fee; the official fee table does not separately list a knowledge test fee.","sourceUrl":"https://www.sd.gov/dps?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0043708","verifiedAt":"2026-10-05"}],"documents":{"applicantScope":"First South Dakota instruction permit for residents ages 14-17 with an assigned SSN and a physical South Dakota home address, including U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens. Adult applications, full-time travelers/PMB addresses and later restricted-permit upgrades are excluded.","items":[{"label":"Complete the instruction-permit application","detail":"Complete the application available online or at the driver exam station.","who":"all","group":"application","sourceUrl":"https://www.sd.gov/sys_attachment.do?sys_id=e10c01f11b0aee506cbca93be54bcb2d"},{"label":"Bring one original identity and lawful-presence document","detail":"Citizens may use a certified U.S. birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, CRBA or citizenship/naturalization certificate. Noncitizens may use a valid I-551 or I-766, or I-94 together with a valid foreign passport. No photocopies.","who":"all","group":"identity","sourceUrl":"https://www.sd.gov/dps?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0044395"},{"label":"Bring certified evidence for every name change","detail":"Use court orders or certified marriage certificates connecting birth name through every change to your current name.","who":"all","group":"identity","sourceUrl":"https://www.sd.gov/dps?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0044395"},{"label":"Bring one original proof of your full Social Security number","detail":"Use your SSN card, W-2, 1099 or paycheck stub showing name and full number. Photocopies are not accepted.","who":"all","group":"ssn","sourceUrl":"https://www.sd.gov/dps?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0044395"},{"label":"Bring two proofs of your physical South Dakota address","detail":"Two pieces of mail may be in your name or a parent’s name; use the accepted-document list. This scope excludes the separate full-time-traveler/PMB affidavit route.","who":"all","group":"residency","sourceUrl":"https://www.sd.gov/sys_attachment.do?sys_id=e10c01f11b0aee506cbca93be54bcb2d"},{"label":"Arrange parent or guardian consent","detail":"The signer may sign before the examiner, or provide the notarized Parental Consent Form. The form is valid for six months.","who":"all","group":"minor","sourceUrl":"https://www.sd.gov/sys_attachment.do?sys_id=e242593647806e10237fbd51026d4339"},{"label":"Bring the $28 instruction-permit fee","detail":"Pay at your initial permit application.","who":"all","group":"fee","sourceUrl":"https://www.sd.gov/sys_attachment.do?sys_id=e10c01f11b0aee506cbca93be54bcb2d"},{"label":"Pass the vision and knowledge tests","detail":"Bring corrective lenses if needed. An approved driver-education completion certificate from within the last year can waive the knowledge test; driver education is optional for initial issuance.","who":"all","group":"vision","sourceUrl":"https://www.sd.gov/sys_attachment.do?sys_id=e10c01f11b0aee506cbca93be54bcb2d"}],"sourceUrl":"https://www.sd.gov/dps?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0044395","verifiedAt":"2026-10-05"},"lastReviewed":"2026-10-05","urls":{"hub":"https://qualityspace.com/dmv/states/south-dakota","practiceTest":"https://qualityspace.com/dmv/states/south-dakota/practice-test","handbook":"https://qualityspace.com/dmv/states/south-dakota/handbook","factsJson":"https://qualityspace.com/dmv/states/south-dakota/facts.json"}}