Getting a South Dakota instruction permit
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.
Study the South Dakota Driver License Manual.
Source: sd.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Schedule an appointment at a driver exam station for your test.
Source: sd.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Bring a certified birth certificate, original Social Security card, and two pieces of mail showing your address.
Source: sd.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Come with a parent or guardian to sign the application if you are under 18.
Source: sd.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Pass the vision and knowledge tests, or use a driver education certificate to waive testing.
Source: sd.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Pay the $38 fee and log 50 supervised hours, including 10 at night and 10 in bad weather.
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
- Minimum age for an instruction permit
- 14.Source: sd.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- 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
- Parental consent
- Applicants under 18 need a parent or guardian present to sign the application (a parental consent form is also available).Source: sd.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Permit validity
- 5 years (or until your U.S. lawful-presence documents expire, if sooner).Source: sd.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Permit holding period (under 18)
- 275 days, or 180 days if you pass an approved driver education course, before upgrading to a Restricted Minor's Permit.Source: sd.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Permit driving rules
- Drive only with a parent/guardian or other licensed adult with at least 1 year of experience seated beside you; no wireless devices while driving.Source: sd.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Passing score
- 80% or higher on the knowledge test (and 80% on the driving test).Source: sd.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Driver education waiver
- A driver education certificate can waive the permit test for one year after the course.Source: sd.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Retake after failing a test
- Retest no sooner than the next working day; 3 attempts per fee within 6 months. Cheating means at least a two-week wait.Source: sd.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Attempts per fee
- Up to three combined attempts at the knowledge and driving tests per application fee; after that, or after 6 months, pay again.Source: sd.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Appointments
- All exam station visits to take a test require an appointment; other services are walk-in or by appointment.Source: sd.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Documents for a first license
- An identity/lawful-status document, a Social Security document, and two documents proving your physical South Dakota address. Originals only.Source: sd.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Originals required
- Only original certified documents; no photocopies.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
Official South Dakota links
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Studying for the South Dakota knowledge test?
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