South Dakota Drivers License Instructions

DMV got you confused? Check out our easy instructions for getting your South Dakota drivers license.

1. Study for the South Dakota learners permit / instruction permit test

2. Apply for the South Dakota learners permit / instruction permit

3. Take South Dakota drivers education and practice driving under supervision

4. Take the driving test for the South Dakota drivers license

Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4

1. Study for the SD learners permit / instruction permit test

In order to get the instruction permit and eventually the South Dakota drivers license, everyone regardless of age must pass a written test on traffic laws and signs. Most people fail this test on their first try.

Pass the first time when you learn the rules of the road with DriversEd.com and prepare for the instruction permit test with our South Dakota DPS practice permit tests. Our online practice permit tests can be purchased separately or are free when you purchase our online South Dakota drivers education course.

2. Apply for the SD learners permit / instruction permit

Apply for the instruction permit at a DPS office near you.

In order to be eligible for the instruction permit, you must:

Be at least 14 years old.
Submit proof of name, age, legal presence in USA and address (no photo copies). View acceptable documents.
Have parental/guardian consent if under age 18.
Pay the applicable fee.
Pass the vision test.
Pass the written knowledge test.

Upon passing the written test, you will be issued an instruction permit with the following restrictions:

An instruction permit holder is entitled to drive during the hours of 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. if the motor vehicle is operated under the direction of a licensed adult. During the hours of 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. the permit holder must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is occupying a seat beside the driver.
The permit is valid for one year or on the same date as the expiration date on the valid documents authorizing the applicant’s presence in the United States, whichever occurs first. Minors at least 14 years of age, but less than 18 years of age, must hold the valid permit continuously for 180 days (90 days if they successfully complete an approved drivers education) prior to upgrade of permit to a Restricted Minor’s Permit or Operator’s License.
If under 18 years of age and the instruction permit expires, a minor would be required to obtain another instruction permit for either the 90 or 180 day requirement.

3. Take SD drivers ed and practice driving under supervision

Under 16:
If you are under 16 and you take a Dept. of Education-approved drivers education course, you will only have to practice driving for 90 days before you apply for the restricted minors permit. If you do not take a DPS approved course, you must hold the instruction permit and practice driving under supervision for 180 days. Note: Online drivers education courses do not qualify you for this reduction in permit holding time.

DriversEd.com can help make the supervised driving period less stressful. Our Behind-the-Wheel Training Guide teaches important concepts and guides parents step-by-step through the process of teaching their teen to drive. It also comes with a FREE Passenger Side Rear-View Mirror which allows you to see exactly what your teen sees when behind the wheel.

16 and Older:
If you are 16 or older, there is no drivers education requirement at all in South Dakota. However, it’s always a good idea for new drivers to take a South Dakota drivers education course. With quality drivers education, you can:

Learn the rules of the road and essential safe driving skills
Have a better chance of passing your learners permit test
Qualify for an auto insurance discount (where applicable)

Take the DriversEd.com South Dakota drivers education course online at your own pace and on your own schedule.

4. Take the driving test for the SD drivers license

Schedule an appointment for the driving test at your local DPS office.

In order to be eligible for the South Dakota drivers license, you must:

Be at least 14 years old.
Submit proof of name, age, legal presence in USA and address (no photo copies). View acceptable documents.
If under 18, have held a valid instruction permit continuously for 180 days, unless drivers education has been successfully completed - then it must be held for 90 days.
Have driven violation-free for 6 months.
Pass the driving test.
Pay the applicable fee.

Restricted Minors Permit
If you are under 18, you will be issued a restricted minors permit with the following restrictions:

You may drive without supervision from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. with parent of guardian's permission.
You may drive between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. if the seat next to the permit holder is occupied by the minor's parent or guardian.
Upon turning 18, your restricted minors permit will convert to an operators license.

Operator’s License
If you are 18 or older, you will be issued an operators license. If you are 16 years of age, but under 18, and you have both complete the requirements of the instruction permit and not been convicted of a traffic violation during the past six months, you will be issued an operators license.

DriversEd.com is a privately held company and is in no way associated with the Department of Motor Vehicles or any other government agency. DriversEd.com does not claim any responsibility for the accuracy of the drivers license information posted within or for the business practices associated with any other schools listed on the DriversEd.com site. For up-to-date information, please consult your local Department of Motor Vehicles or vehicle registration agency. Also, DriversEd.com is not liable for any information or claims posted within third party links.