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Getting your first South Dakota driver license

The steps in plain English. Each one links to the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Driver Licensing Program page it came from. Last checked Nov 15, 2026.

  1. Hold your instruction permit 275 days, or 180 days with approved driver education.

    Source: sd.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

  2. Return with a parent to sign the Supervised Driving Affidavit and take the driving test.

    Source: sd.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

  3. Drive on the Restricted Minor's Permit for at least 6 months, following the hour and passenger limits.

    Source: sd.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

  4. At 16, with no traffic convictions in the last 6 months, upgrade to an Operator's License.

    Source: sd.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

  5. Upgrade by mail or in person with the application, a notarized parent signature, and two address documents.

    Source: sd.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Check before you go: requirements and fees change, and some depend on your age or situation. The official page is the final word.

Related facts

Permit and license fee
$38 each for an instruction permit, restricted minor's permit, driver license, or renewal. Card payments carry a $2.00 or 2.95% processing fee.Source: sd.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Retake after failing the driving test
Retake on a different day (no sooner than the next working day).Source: sd.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

More in the South Dakota guide

Instruction permitSteps and official links →RenewalSteps and official links →REAL IDSteps and official links →Moving to South DakotaSteps and official links →Lost or replacement licenseSteps and official links →

Official South Dakota links

Agency home pagesd.gov ↗Driver handbooksd.gov ↗Driver handbook (PDF)sd.gov ↗Driver handbook (Spanish)sd.gov ↗Online renewalsd.gov ↗Permit and first licensesd.gov ↗New residentssd.gov ↗Replace a licensesd.gov ↗Feessd.gov ↗

These links open official government websites. USA DMV is an independent study site and is not affiliated with any of them.

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Not a government website. USA DMV (usadmv.app) is an independent study resource. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or operated by any state DMV, the Texas Department of Public Safety or any other government agency. Practice questions are written to reflect official driver handbooks but are not the official test questions. Always confirm current requirements with your state’s licensing agency.