South Dakota Driver’s License Requirements (A Complete 2024 Guide)

Planning to get a driver’s license in South Dakota?

That’s great!

A driver’s license gives you the freedom to go where you want – when you want. 

But before you get a taste of this freedom, you have to go through the whole South Dakota driver’s license requirements process. 

…and that includes all the tests. 

So whether you’re 14 or 18+ years old, we have all the steps for YOU. 

Let’s dive right in!

How to Get A Driver’s License in South Dakota

Did you know that you can apply for a driver’s license as early as 14 years old?

Okay, maybe you won’t get your full license before you turn 16, but at least you can get the initial permits. 

In South Dakota, there are stages before you get the full driver’s license. These are:

• Instructional permit
• Restricted minor’s permit
• Full operator’s license

Let’s talk about these stages in more detail. 

How to Get an Instructional Permit in South Dakota

An instructional permit is the first permit that you have to get if you’re a minor and want to learn how to drive. 

This permit allows you to drive as long as you are supervised by a licensed driver sitting beside you. 

Now, follow these steps to get an instructional permit in South Dakota: 

1. OPTIONAL: Complete a state-approved driver’s ed. This will help you waive the knowledge and driving test.
   
   
2. Prepare the following documents:
   1. A printed-out and filled-up application form (you can get the Spanish version here)
   2. Proof of lawful status in the US (certified US birth certificate, Certificate of Citizenship/Naturalization, valid passport)
   3. Social Security Card
   4. Two documents proving residence in South Dakota (the name can be your parents’ name)
   5. Proof of name change (if applicable)

Check this list for accepted documents. 

2. Schedule your permit knowledge test here (if you cannot waive it). 

3. During your visit, you have to be accompanied by your parent or legal guardian (if below 18 years old). They have to give consent to your application in front of a DMV employee. 

NOTE: If your parent or legal guardian can’t make it, you must provide a notarized Parental Consent Form.

4. Provide all your documents and pass a vision test. 

5. Pass the knowledge test (if applicable).

NOTE: You can prepare for the knowledge test by reviewing the South Dakota Driver’s License Manual.

6. Pay the instructional permit fee of $28. 

7. Have your photo taken. 

8. Receive your instructional permit. 

Stage 1 down!

How to Get a Restricted Minor’s Permit in South Dakota

If you want more driving freedom, you need to move to a restricted minor’s permit. 

Here’s how to do that:

1. Hold your instructional permit for 275 days (that’s around 9 months) OR 180 days (if you completed a state-approved driver’s education).

2. Have no traffic convictions in the last 6 months. 

3. Complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving, with 10 hours at night and another 10 hours in inclement weather. 

NOTE: Your supervised driving hours should be logged by your parent or legal guardian in the Supervised Driving Log form (found here)

4. Schedule an appointment for your driving test here. 

NOTE: You can waive the driving test if you completed a state-approved driver’s education within the last year.

5. On your appointment, submit the following:
   1. A completed application form
   2. Driver’s education certificate (if applicable)
   3. Completed Supervised Driving Log and Supervised Driving Affidavit. Your parent or legal guardian must sign it in front of a DMV officer. 
   4. A notarized Parental Consent Form. Again, this is if your parent/legal guardian can’t make it to the DMV office.
   5. Proof of lawful status in the US
   6. Social Security Card
   7. Two documents proving residence in South Dakota (the name can be your parents’ name)
   8. Proof of name change (if applicable)

6. Take and pass the driving test (if you didn’t complete driver’s ed).

7. Pay the $28 restricted minor’s permit fee. 

8. Give up your instructional permit and receive your restricted minor’s permit. 

Now, we said that this permit gives you more freedom. 

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t any restrictions. 

Make sure to comply with these restrictions: 

• You can only drive unsupervised between 6 AM to 10 PM.

• You can only drive unsupervised between 10 PM to 6 AM if you are taking the most direct route and traveling to and from school, church, work, or any related event. 

• You cannot use your mobile phone, even in hands-free mode, if you are behind the wheel. 

• For the first 6 months, you cannot drive passengers that are NOT part of your immediate family or from the same household. 

• After 6 months have passed, you can only drive one passenger under 18 years old that is NOT part of your immediate family or from the same household. 

How to Get a Full Operator’s License in South Dakota

Once you turn 16 years old, you can convert your restricted minor’s permit to a full operator’s license. 

This means you can drive without any restrictions!

But not so fast…

You first have to meet these eligibility requirements:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Hold your restricted minor’s permit for at least 6 months
• Have no traffic violations in the last 6 months

When you check all those requirements, here’s how you can convert to a full license: 

1. Visit a local DMV office. 

2. Bring these documents to the DMV:
   1. Application form
   2. A valid ID
   3. Social Security Card
   4. Two documents proving residence in South Dakota
   5. Parental/legal guardian consent form (if applicable)
   6. Valid restricted minor’s permit

3. Submit your documents and pay the operator’s license fee of $28. 

4. Receive your full driver’s license. 

And that’s it!

You now have the freedom to drive anywhere!

Okay, okay. 

What about those that are already 18+ years old and getting their driver’s license for the first time?

You can jump straight into applying for a full operator’s license. 

1. Schedule both a knowledge test and a driving test here. 

NOTE: For those 16+ years old but below 18, you first have to get a restricted permit and hold it for 6 months before applying for the driving test.

2. Prepare the following documents:
   1. A completed application form (you can use the English version or the Spanish version)
   2. Proof of lawful status in the US (certified US birth certificate, Certificate of Citizenship/Naturalization, valid passport)
   3. Social Security Card
   4. Two documents proving residence in South Dakota
   5. Proof of name change (if applicable)
   6. If below 18 years old, a Parental Consent Form signed by your parent or legal guardian at the office. 

3. At the DMV office, submit all the documents. 

4. Pass the vision test. 

5. Pass the knowledge test. 

6. Pass the driving test. 

7. Pay the driver’s license fee of $28. 

8. Receive your full driver’s license. 

It’s as easy as that!

Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota Driver’s License Requirements

What Happens if I Receive a Traffic Violation With My Permit?

For your first traffic violation, your permit will be suspended for 30 days. 

And yes, these violations include breaking the restrictions on your permit. 

A second offense will lead to a 180-day permit suspension. If not, the suspension might last until your 18th birthday. 

This also applies if you are convicted of a felony or class 2 misdemeanor. 

What Do I Need to Get a Driver’s License in SD?

You need to have these documents before visiting the DMV:

• Proof of US citizenship or legal presence in the US
• Social Security Number
• Two proofs of residence in South Dakota
• A parent or legal guardian’s consent (if a minor)

How Long Do You Have to Live in South Dakota to Get a Driver’s License?

If you just moved to South Dakota, you need to live there for at least 90 days before getting an SD-issued driver’s license. 

Can I Drive in South Dakota with a Foreign License?

As long as you’re 16 years old and above, your foreign license is valid in South Dakota. 

How Many Questions Are on the South Dakota Driver’s Test?

The driver’s test, or knowledge test, has 25 multiple-choice questions. You need a score of at least 80% to pass it. 

What Can I Expect from the South Dakota Driving Test?

The driver’s test is a manual test where you will be asked to do at least 10 driving actions. These include shifting gears (if using a manual vehicle), parking on a hill, obeying stop signs, and passing other vehicles, to name a few. 

The driving test may take 30 minutes to an hour. 

Do I Have to Parallel Park in the Driving Test in South Dakota?

Yes, you will be asked to parallel park in the test. 

How Do I Prepare for My Driving Test?

Since you have a few months of supervised driving, you need to use that to your advantage. Make sure that you know how to operate and maneuver your vehicle. 

More than that, you must review all the traffic laws and road signs in the state. 

Conclusion

And that was the South Dakota driver’s license requirements. 

A driver’s license is a taste of freedom, so it’s no wonder why a lot of teenagers want to get one. 

But the road to getting your license can be a bit confusing, especially if you don’t know what to do. 

But with this complete guide, you know everything you need to know — from start to finish. 

So follow these steps and work on your SD driver’s license today!