South Dakota Drivers Education

If you are at least 14 years old, you are eligible to obtain an Instruction Permit from the State of South Dakota. You will have to pass a vision and written test and obtain your parents permission. You will have to hold your permit for a minimum of 180 days (90 if you take an approved drivers education course) and you may hold it for up to one year. You may apply for a Restricted Minor’s Permit once you have driven for six months with no violations which will allow you to drive from 6am to 10pm with permission from your parent or guardian. You may hold this permit until you are 18 years old, or at age 16, you may be eligible for an operator’s license provided that you have met all of the conditions of the instruction permit, have driven without any incidences and have the approval of your parent/guardian to do so. This would also require that you successfully complete a road test, demonstrating that you have the proper skills to safely operate a car.

South Dakota Drivers License Application form

1. Vision Test:

If you wear glasses or contact lenses while taking the vision test, you will be required to wear them whenever driving. If you do not pass the vision test, you must present a statement from an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist certifying that you possess the visual ability to drive safely before continuing the examination process.

2. Knowledge Test:

You will be required to pass a test covering the rules of the road and safe driving practices.

3. Driving Test:

This test will provide you the opportunity to demonstrate your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. The driving test consists of normal driving tasks.

4. Photo:

When you have successfully completed all required tests, your photograph will be taken and you will be issued your license.

Study Tools

Click Here for an online version of the South Dakota Driver Manual. The manual contains all information that you will be expected to know for the required exam to obtain your driver license.