South Dakota Motorcycle Permit Practice Test 2026
Practice for the South Dakota motorcycle knowledge test. You need a score of 80% or higher to pass. These questions cover South Dakota permit and license rules and the helmet law, plus safe riding skills from the South Dakota Motorcycle Operator Manual.
Quick answer
Pass mark: 80% or higher. It is run by South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Driver Licensing Program. Practise here for free with 130 questions, each with the answer and an explanation. Checked against official sources on October 10, 2026.
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Question 1 of 10
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Answer: C. 80% or higher
You must score 80% or higher.
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Question 2 of 10
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Answer: A. One year
The permit is valid for one year.
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Question 3 of 10
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Answer: C. Only between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Riding is allowed only between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.
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Question 4 of 10
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Answer: B. A licensed motorcyclist at least 18 with one year of experience, on a separate motorcycle
The supervising rider must be on a separate motorcycle.
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Question 5 of 10
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Answer: B. No
No permit holder may carry a passenger on a motorcycle.
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Question 6 of 10
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Answer: B. Operators and passengers under 18
The helmet law covers motorcycle and moped riders under 18.
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Question 7 of 10
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Answer: D. Dry pavement
The driving test requires dry pavement.
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Question 8 of 10
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Answer: A. April through October
Classes run from April through October.
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Question 9 of 10
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Answer: A. The license test
The course administers the license test as its final step.
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Question 10 of 10
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Answer: A. A motor-driven cycle of 50cc or less with no clutching or shifting by the rider
A moped has two or three wheels, 50cc or less, and no required clutching or shifting.
Keyboard: 1–4 to answer, Enter for the next question.
The real test: 80% or higher
What to know before the test
- To get a motorcycle license you must pass a vision test, a knowledge test with a score of 80% or higher, and a motorcycle driving test.
- A motorcycle instruction permit is valid for one year. Permit holders may ride only between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. and may not carry passengers.
- Permit holders must ride with a licensed motorcyclist at least 18 years old with one year of riding experience, on a separate motorcycle.
- The driving test requires dry pavement.
- The South Dakota Safety Council offers motorcycle safety classes from April through October; the course gives the license test as its final step.
- All motorcycle and moped operators and passengers under 18 must wear a helmet.
Frequently asked questions
What score do you need to pass the South Dakota motorcycle test?
80% or higher on the knowledge test.
What are the South Dakota motorcycle permit restrictions?
Ride only from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., carry no passengers, and ride with a licensed motorcyclist 18 or older with a year of experience on a separate motorcycle.
How long is a South Dakota motorcycle permit valid?
One year.
Does South Dakota require motorcycle helmets?
Only for operators and passengers under 18.