Free · 18 short lessons · Quoted from the manual
South Dakota Driver Handbook, Chapter by Chapter
Start with lesson 1Every chapter of the South Dakota Driver License Manual that matters for the written test, cut down to the rules and exact numbers you need. Each point links to the manual text it comes from, with the page, and ends with questions from our free South Dakota practice test.
18 lessons in handbook order
Read one lesson, answer its 3 check questions, then drill that topic in the practice test. Most lessons take about 5 minutes.
- Lesson 1The Driver's LicenseLaws and paperwork
Instruction and Restricted Minor's Permits
South Dakota teens can start with an Instruction Permit at 14, log 50 supervised hours, then move to a Restricted Minor's Permit with time and passenger limits. Traffic violations while on a permit bring suspensions.
9 key points · 9 numbers · Handbook pp. 8 to 19
- Lesson 2The Driver's LicenseLaws and paperwork
License rules, insurance and the point system
Licenses last five years and can be renewed up to 180 days early. You must carry proof of financial responsibility, and too many points in 12 or 24 months leads to suspension.
9 key points · 9 numbers · Handbook pp. 5 to 14
- Lesson 3Be in Shape to DriveAlcohol and DUI
Alcohol, zero tolerance and implied consent
A BAC of 0.08% is evidence of DWI, and 0.02% is the level for drivers under 21. By getting a license you consent to a chemical test, and refusing can cost your license for a year.
9 key points · 6 numbers · Handbook pp. 19 to 20
- Lesson 4Be in Shape to DriveAlcohol and DUI
DWI and zero tolerance penalties
A first DWI is a Class 1 misdemeanor with at least 30 days of license loss, and a third is a Class 6 felony. Zero tolerance violations under 21 cost your license for 30 days, then 180 days.
8 key points · 9 numbers · Handbook pp. 20 to 21
- Lesson 5Before You DriveSafe driving
Seat belts, child seats and driving position
South Dakota requires the driver, front seat passengers and everyone under 18 to buckle up, and children under five need a child restraint. Keep children 12 and under in the back seat, and hold the wheel at 3 and 9 o'clock.
10 key points · 8 numbers · Handbook pp. 25 to 29
- Lesson 6Be in Shape to DriveSafe driving
Vision, fatigue, distraction and aggressive driving
You need 20/40 vision with both eyes for an unrestricted license. Plan breaks every 100 miles or two hours, never text while driving, and avoid aggressive habits like tailgating and unsafe lane changes.
8 key points · 4 numbers · Handbook pp. 18 to 22
- Lesson 7Rules of the RoadSignals and markings
Traffic signals and arrows
A steady red means stop and wait, a flashing red is a stop sign, and a flashing yellow means proceed with caution. A red or completely dark signal is treated as a stop sign.
9 key points · 0 numbers · Handbook p. 32
- Lesson 8Rules of the RoadRoad signs
Warning, railroad and work zone signs
Warning signs are usually yellow diamonds, and the round yellow RR sign warns of a railroad crossing ahead. Orange signs mark work zones, where flaggers must be obeyed and speeding fines may double.
9 key points · 1 numbers · Handbook pp. 33 to 36
- Lesson 9Rules of the RoadRoad signs
Regulatory, stop, yield and guide signs
Regulatory signs are white with black, red or green markings and state laws you must obey. Stop signs have eight sides, yield signs point down, and blue service signs show the location of services.
8 key points · 1 numbers · Handbook pp. 35 to 36
- Lesson 10Rules of the RoadSignals and markings
Pavement markings and signaling
A double yellow line bans passing both ways, and a dashed yellow line on your side lets you pass when safe. Signal at least 100 feet before an intersection, and stop at a stop line before a crosswalk.
9 key points · 3 numbers · Handbook pp. 36 to 56
- Lesson 11Rules of the RoadRight of way
Right of way, funerals and intersections
No one should assume they have the right of way, and the rules tell you who should yield in each situation. Yield to anyone still in the intersection, and never cut into a funeral procession.
9 key points · 0 numbers · Handbook pp. 31 to 39
- Lesson 12General DrivingRight of way
Turns, U turns and roundabouts
Roundabouts move traffic one way counterclockwise, and you yield to traffic on your left already in the circle. U turns are banned on a curve or hill where other drivers cannot see you within 500 feet.
8 key points · 2 numbers · Handbook pp. 38 to 40
- Lesson 13Safe Driving TipsSpeed limits
Controlling speed
Speed limit signs are there for safety, and the maximum is only for ideal conditions. Reduce speed for rain, snow, ice and curves, and do not drive so slowly that you impede traffic.
9 key points · 1 numbers · Handbook pp. 29 to 61
- Lesson 14Safe Driving TipsSafe driving
Following distance, passing and large vehicles
Keep at least four seconds behind the vehicle ahead, and add time at night. Passing safely needs over 1600 feet of clear road, and big trucks have No Zones where they cannot see you.
10 key points · 6 numbers · Handbook pp. 51 to 66
- Lesson 15Emergency Situations and Avoiding CrashesEmergencies
Skids, brake failure and other vehicle emergencies
To avoid a crash you can brake, steer or accelerate. Know the first moves for skids, drop offs, brake failure, blowouts and a stuck accelerator, and place flares 200 to 300 feet behind a breakdown.
9 key points · 2 numbers · Handbook pp. 57 to 58
- Lesson 16Emergency Situations and Avoiding CrashesEmergencies
Crashes, emergency vehicles and traffic stops
If you are in a crash you must stop, and police must be called if anyone is hurt or killed. Pull to the edge of the road for emergency vehicles, and signal right to acknowledge an officer who stops you.
9 key points · 0 numbers · Handbook pp. 46 to 64
- Lesson 17Sharing the RoadSafe driving
Pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists and school buses
Always be ready to yield to pedestrians and stop completely for a pedestrian with a guide dog or white cane. Give bicyclists 3 feet at 35 mph or less and 6 feet above that, and stop for a school bus with flashing red lights unless a physical barrier separates the road.
9 key points · 2 numbers · Handbook pp. 43 to 65
- Lesson 18Special Driving SituationsSafe driving
Night, winter, deer and work zones
Deer are the second most struck object in South Dakota, especially in October and November. At night dim your high beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle, stay 200 feet behind a snowplow with its lights on, and know that about 40,000 people a year are hurt in work zone crashes.
9 key points · 4 numbers · Handbook pp. 50 to 67
Read, check, then practice
- Read a lesson. Open any point's source to see the exact manual wording and page.
- Answer the 3 check questions at the end without looking back.
- Drill that topic in the free South Dakota practice test, then take a full test when every lesson feels easy.
- Keep the South Dakota cheat sheet for a last look before test day.
Source: the South Dakota Driver License Manual (Revised 11/2024). Lessons are plain English summaries, not the law itself; where they differ, the manual and the statute govern. Every quote on these pages is checked against our saved copy of the manual. Last checked 2026-09-27.