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South Dakota permit test essentials
Last verified September 28, 2026 against the official South Dakota Driver License Manual (revised November 2024).
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Quick facts
- Score to pass
- 80%Official source, checked September 23, 2026
- Earliest age for a learner permit
- 14 You must be at least 14 and pass the vision and knowledge tests to get an instruction permit.Manual PDF p. 8, Types of driver’s licenses and permits
- Permit fee
- $28 Instruction permit fee. The fee covers three attempts to pass a test within 6 months.Manual PDF p. 7, Fees
- If you fail the knowledge test
- The next working day If you fail a test, you may not retest before the next working day. You get 3 tries per fee within 6 months.Manual PDF p. 10, Unsuccessful examinations
- What to bring
- 4 kinds of documents: see your DMV checklist.
Numbers to know
As the South Dakota manual states them; these often come up on the test.
- 0.08%
Blood alcohol limit, 21 and older
A blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% is the legal limit for adults.
Manual PDF p. 16, Alcohol and driving - 0.02%
Blood alcohol limit, under 21
Zero tolerance: under 21, 0.02% to 0.08% BAC is an offense.
Manual PDF p. 16, Alcohol and driving - 4 seconds
Following distance
Keep a following distance of at least 4 seconds.
Manual PDF p. 48, Following distance - 100 feet
Signal before you turn
Signal at least 100 feet from an intersection (4 to 5 seconds is better at higher speeds).
Manual PDF p. 46, Signaling - 500 feet
Dim high beams for oncoming traffic
Dim your high beams within 500 feet (about a block) of an oncoming vehicle.
Manual PDF p. 52, Night driving - 500 feet
Dim high beams behind a vehicle
Use low beams when you are closer than 500 feet behind another vehicle.
Manual PDF p. 52, Night driving - Stop
School bus with red lights flashing
Always stop for a school bus with red lights flashing or stop arm out, unless the roadway is separated by a physical barrier.
Manual PDF p. 40, Rules for school buses - 275 days
How long you hold the permit
Under 18, hold the permit 275 days (180 days after passing approved driver education) before upgrading.
Manual PDF p. 8, Types of driver’s licenses and permits - 50 hours
Supervised practice
50 hours of adult-supervised driving, including 10 in bad weather and 10 after dark.
Manual PDF p. 8, Types of driver’s licenses and permits - 20/40
Vision standard
For a license without restrictions you need 20/40 or better with both eyes, and no worse than 20/50 in either eye.
Manual PDF p. 15, Vision
Your South Dakota DMV checklist
Tick each item as you get it ready. Your ticks stay on this device only.
Documents to bring
- Manual PDF p. 6, New South Dakota driver license or ID card
- Manual PDF p. 6, New South Dakota driver license or ID card
- Manual PDF p. 6, New South Dakota driver license or ID card
- Manual PDF p. 6, New South Dakota driver license or ID card
Fees
Tests at the office
Parent or guardian (under 18)
Rules and fees can change. Check with the South Dakota DMV before you go.
Questions people ask
How many questions are on the South Dakota permit test?
To pass you need 80%.
How old do you have to be to get a learner permit in South Dakota?
You must be at least 14 and pass the vision and knowledge tests to get an instruction permit.
How much does a learner permit cost in South Dakota?
$28. Instruction permit fee. The fee covers three attempts to pass a test within 6 months.
What happens if I fail the South Dakota permit test?
If you fail a test, you may not retest before the next working day. You get 3 tries per fee within 6 months.
What documents do I need for a South Dakota learner permit?
One document proving your date of birth, identity and lawful status, such as a valid U.S. passport or a certified state birth certificate (hospital certificates are not accepted). One document with your current name and full Social Security number (card, W-2, 1099 or pay stub). Two documents proving your South Dakota address, less than one year old. For a minor, a parent’s proof of address is accepted. If your name changed, the certified documents that connect the names (marriage certificate or court order).