South Dakota Permit Test: Licensing Practice Questions
Permits, license classes, renewals and the testing process.
Question 1
After moving to South Dakota with a valid out-of-state non-commercial license, how soon must you apply for a South Dakota license?
Correct answer: Within 90 days
Holders of a valid out-of-state non-commercial license must apply within 90 days of establishing residency (30 days for CDL holders).
Source: The Driver License – Licensing Requirements
Question 2
What is the youngest age at which you may obtain a South Dakota driver license or permit?
Correct answer: 14
You may obtain a driver license (starting with an instruction permit) if you are at least 14 years of age and meet the other requirements.
Source: The Driver License – Licensing Requirements
Question 3
Non-residents may drive in South Dakota on a valid home-state license if they are at least:
Correct answer: 16
Non-residents who are at least 16 years of age can drive on a valid operator license from their home state.
Source: The Driver License – Licensing Requirements
Question 4
What does South Dakota law require about carrying your license?
Correct answer: Have it in your immediate possession whenever you drive
Every licensee must always have the license in immediate possession when operating a motor vehicle and show it on demand.
Source: The Driver License – Licensing Requirements
Question 5
How long must a minor (14 to 17) hold an instruction permit before upgrading, without driver education?
Correct answer: 275 days
Minors must hold the permit continuously for 275 days, or 180 days after successfully completing an approved driver education course.
Source: Types of Driver’s Licenses and Driver’s Permits
Question 6
With an approved driver education course (80% on both parts), the minimum instruction permit period drops to:
Correct answer: 180 days
Completing an approved Department of Education driver education course with 80% or better on both parts reduces the holding period to 180 days.
Source: Types of Driver’s Licenses and Driver’s Permits
Question 7
Who may supervise a minor driving on an instruction permit?
Correct answer: A parent/guardian or licensed adult with one year of experience
The supervising adult must be a parent/legal guardian or other adult with a valid license and at least one year of driving experience, seated beside the driver.
Source: Types of Driver’s Licenses and Driver’s Permits
Question 8
How many supervised driving hours must a minor log on an instruction permit in South Dakota?
Correct answer: 50 hours, incl. 10 in bad weather and 10 after dark
Minors must complete 50 hours of adult-supervised driving, including 10 hours in inclement weather and 10 hours after dark.
Source: Types of Driver’s Licenses and Driver’s Permits
Question 9
For how long is a South Dakota instruction permit valid?
Correct answer: Five years (or until legal-presence papers expire)
The instruction permit is valid for five years or until the expiration of documents authorizing presence in the U.S., whichever comes first.
Source: Types of Driver’s Licenses and Driver’s Permits
Question 10
What is the minimum age for a South Dakota operator’s license?
Correct answer: 16
To obtain an operator’s license you must be at least 16 and have passed the vision, knowledge and driving tests.
Source: Types of Driver’s Licenses and Driver’s Permits
Question 11
To get a restricted minor’s permit or an operator’s license, a minor must have no traffic convictions for how long before applying?
Correct answer: Six months
A minor must not have been convicted of a traffic violation during the six months before applying.
Source: Types of Driver’s Licenses and Driver’s Permits
Question 12
If you fail a South Dakota driver license test, when may you retest?
Correct answer: Not before the next working day
If you fail any test, you may not re-test before the next working day.