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South Dakota DPS Permit Practice Test 2026

Practice for the knowledge test you take at a South Dakota driver licensing location for an instruction permit. The questions cover South Dakota's teen licensing steps and penalties, plus shared US road rules and road signs.

Read before you practiseStart with the South Dakota Driver License Manual Study Guide: plain-language notes, diagrams and the numbers to remember.

  1. Question 1 of 25

    What is the minimum age for a South Dakota instruction permit?
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    Answer: C. 14

    South Dakota issues an instruction permit at 14.

  2. Question 2 of 25

    Who must come with a South Dakota teen applying for an instruction permit?
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    Answer: B. A parent or guardian

    Teens visit a licensing location with a guardian and bring the required documents.

  3. Question 3 of 25

    How can a South Dakota teen meet the testing requirement for an instruction permit?
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    Answer: A. Pass a knowledge test or complete a state-approved driver education course

    Teens must pass a knowledge test or complete a state-approved driver education course.

  4. Question 4 of 25

    How long does a South Dakota driver education certificate waive testing?
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    Answer: C. One year from the class completion date

    A driver education certificate can waive testing for one year from the date the class was completed.

  5. Question 5 of 25

    Without driver education, how long must a South Dakota teen hold an instruction permit before upgrading?
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    Answer: A. 275 days

    The holding period is 275 days without driver education, or 180 days with an approved course.

  6. Question 6 of 25

    With a completed approved driver education class, how long must a South Dakota teen hold an instruction permit?
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    Answer: A. 180 days

    Completing approved driver education cuts the permit holding period to 180 days.

  7. Question 7 of 25

    When may a South Dakota instruction permit holder drive?
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    Answer: A. Only with a licensed adult supervising at all times

    Instruction permit holders must drive only under a licensed adult's supervision at all times.

  8. Question 8 of 25

    How much parent-supervised driving must a South Dakota teen complete before the restricted minor's permit?
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    Answer: A. 50 hours, including 10 at night and 10 in bad weather

    Teens need 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 at night and 10 in inclement weather.

  9. Question 9 of 25

    How does a South Dakota parent certify a teen's 50 supervised hours?
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    Answer: B. By signing the Supervised Driving Statement or affidavit

    Hours go in the student driving log, and the parent signs the Supervised Driving Statement or the affidavit.

  10. Question 10 of 25

    What must a South Dakota teen's record show to get a restricted minor's permit?
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    Answer: A. No traffic convictions in the last six months

    To get a restricted minor's permit, you must have no traffic convictions in the past six months.

  11. Question 11 of 25

    During which hours may a South Dakota restricted minor's permit holder drive alone?
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    Answer: C. 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

    Restricted permit holders may drive unaccompanied from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

  12. Question 12 of 25

    A South Dakota restricted minor's permit holder wants to drive at 11 p.m. Who must be with them?
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    Answer: A. A legal guardian

    From 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., a restricted permit holder may drive only with a legal guardian.

  13. Question 13 of 25

    During the first six months of a South Dakota restricted minor's permit, how many passengers from outside the immediate family or household may you carry?
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    Answer: A. None

    For the first six months, no passengers from outside the immediate family or household are allowed.

  14. Question 14 of 25

    After six months on a South Dakota restricted minor's permit, how many passengers from outside the immediate family or household may you carry?
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    Answer: B. One

    After six months, one passenger from outside the immediate family or household is allowed.

  15. Question 15 of 25

    How long must a South Dakota teen under 18 hold a restricted minor's permit before upgrading to an operator license?
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    Answer: D. Six months

    Teens under 18 must hold the restricted permit for six months before upgrading.

  16. Question 16 of 25

    What is the minimum age for a South Dakota operator license?
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    Answer: B. 16

    You must be at least 16 to get an operator license.

  17. Question 17 of 25

    Which of these is required for a South Dakota operator license?
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    Answer: C. Six months conviction-free and written approval from a parent or guardian

    You need six months on a restricted permit, six months with no convictions and written approval from a parent or guardian.

  18. Question 18 of 25

    How can a South Dakota teen meet the road test requirement for a restricted minor's permit?
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    Answer: C. Pass a drive test at an exam station or complete a state-approved driver education course

    Teens pass a scheduled drive test, using a street-legal licensed vehicle, or complete state-approved driver education.

  19. Question 19 of 25

    A South Dakota permit holder under 16 has a first permit-condition violation. What is the usual suspension?
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    Answer: A. 30 days

    A first permit-condition violation or first Class 2 misdemeanor traffic conviction brings a 30-day suspension, unless the law requires more.

  20. Question 20 of 25

    A South Dakota permit holder under 16 has a second permit-condition violation. What is the suspension?
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    Answer: D. 180 days or until the 16th birthday, whichever is longer

    A second violation, any felony or any Class 1 misdemeanor traffic conviction brings 180 days or until age 16, whichever is longer.

  21. Question 21 of 25

    Can a South Dakota parent cancel their teen's permit or license?
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    Answer: D. Yes, with a written request

    A parent or guardian may cancel a permit or license by written request.

  22. Question 22 of 25

    What is South Dakota's phone rule for drivers with an instruction or restricted permit?
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    Answer: B. They may not use a cell phone while driving

    South Dakota bans all cell phone use while driving for drivers with a learner or intermediate permit.

  23. Question 23 of 25

    Who is banned from texting while driving in South Dakota?
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    Answer: C. All drivers

    South Dakota bans texting while driving for all drivers.

  24. Question 24 of 25

    What must a South Dakota teen bring for a scheduled drive test?
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    Answer: C. A street-legal, licensed vehicle

    Drive tests must be scheduled, and the teen must provide a street-legal, licensed vehicle.

  25. Question 25 of 25

    A South Dakota instruction permit holder wants to practice at 11 p.m. Who may supervise?
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    Answer: A. A parent or guardian

    Permit holders may not drive between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless supervised by a parent or guardian.

What to know before the test

  • You can get an instruction permit at 14 by passing a knowledge test or completing state-approved driver education. Bring a guardian.
  • A driver education certificate can waive testing for one year from the class completion date.
  • Hold the permit 275 days, or 180 days with driver education, and log 50 supervised hours: 10 at night and 10 in bad weather.
  • Restricted minor's permit holders may drive alone from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. For six months they may carry no passengers outside the family or household, then one.
  • You can get an operator license at 16 after six months on the restricted permit with no convictions and a parent's written approval.

Frequently asked questions

How old do you have to be to get a permit in South Dakota?

14. You must pass a knowledge test or complete a state-approved driver education course.

How long do I have to hold my instruction permit in South Dakota?

275 days, or 180 days if you complete an approved driver education class.

What is a restricted minor's permit?

The next step after the instruction permit. You may drive alone from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., with passenger limits for the first six months.

How many supervised hours does South Dakota require?

50 hours with a parent or guardian, including 10 at night and 10 in bad weather, recorded in a driving log.

When can I get a full operator license in South Dakota?

At 16, after six months on a restricted minor's permit with no convictions and written approval from a parent or guardian.

Sources

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