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If your driver license has been expired for more than 30 days,
you must schedule an appointment to visit a driver exam station, as
you will be required to pass a knowledge test.
If you have a motorcycle endorsement (Class 2 license),
you will have to pass the operator's knowledge test
and the motorcyle knowledge test.
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testing appointments must be scheduled.
To use our online scheduling tool, please click here.
Or call (605) 773-6883 then press 6
Anyone who is ill or experiencing COVID-19-related symptoms at the time of their appointment
is asked to cancel their appointment and stay home until they are well.
You can print and complete your application before arriving at the exam station.
Electronic, digital, or stamped signatures are not allowed on the application form.
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For all other driver licensing questions or issues,
send an email to the Driver Licensing Program staff
or call (605) 773-6883.
Driving Tests
Though it might be stressful, if you’re well prepared, passing your driving test can be a piece of cake. Look below for testing requirements for each type of South Dakota Driver’s License, then download driving manuals to start studying.
You can apply for a license at any South Dakota Driver Licensing location across the state unless you are applying for a first-time commercial driver’s license or are a non-U.S. citizen. New commercial drivers and non-U.S. citizens must apply at a state Driver Licensing location. For questions, email us or call (605) 773-6883.
Drivers must furnish their own vehicles for road tests, and pets or passengers are not allowed in the vehicle. We recommend that you do not bring children or pets, as they aren’t allowed in the testing area, and you’ll be able to focus on passing your exam.
Getting a Driver’s License
To earn your driver’s license, you must:
- Complete an application form (in English or in Spanish). Electronic, digital, or stamped signatures are not allowed on the application form.
- Bring a $28 application fee
- Bring your required documents
- Have a photo taken at a Driver Licensing location
- Pass a vision test. If you wear glasses or contacts during the test, you’ll be required to wear them while driving. If you do not pass the test, you must present a statement from an optometrist or ophthalmologist certifying that you possess the visual ability to drive safely before continuing the exam.
- Pass a knowledge test with a score of 80% or higher. This test will cover rules of the road and safe-driving practices. Download a driving manual (in English or in Spanish).
- Pass a driving test with a score of 80% or higher. During this test, you must demonstrate your ability to safely operate a vehicle and perform normal driving tasks. You will need to schedule an appointment to complete a drive test at any Driver Exam Station in South Dakota.
See the South Dakota graduated licensing system for information on driving requirements for teens.
Getting a Motorcycle License
To learn to operate your motorcycle, you may apply for an instruction permit by completing the vision test and knowledge test. The permit is valid for one year and allows the driver to operate a motorcycle between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
To get a South Dakota Motorcycle License, you must:
- Complete an application form (in English or in Spanish). Electronic, digital, or stamped signatures are not allowed on the application form.
- Bring your required documents
- Pass a vision test. If you wear glasses or contacts during the test, you’ll be required to wear them while driving. If you do not pass the test, you must present a statement from an optometrist or ophthalmologist certifying that you possess the visual ability to drive safely before continuing the exam.
- Pass a knowledge test with a score of 80% or higher. This test will cover rules of the road and safe-driving practices. Download a motorcycle driving manual (in English or in Spanish).
- Pass a motorcycle driving test. You will need to bring your own motorcycle for the driving test. During this test, you must demonstrate your ability to safely operate a motorcycle with normal driving tasks. You must schedule an appointment to complete a motorcycle drive test at any driver exam station in South Dakota at this time.
Please wear appropriate safety gear for your test including a helmet, boots and leathers. The pavement must be dry to conduct a motorcycle driving test.
You can sign up for motorcycle safety classes to help you prepare for and pass your test. The South Dakota Safety Council offers classes from April through October and will also administer the license test as the final step of the course.
Commercial Driver’s License Test
To qualify for your South Dakota CDL, you’ll need to have a qualifying South Dakota Driver’s License along with:
- A completed license application form (in English or in Spanish). Electronic, digital, or stamped signatures are not allowed on the application form.
- Other required documents for a CDL, including a completed medical certificate form (if applicable)
- A $33 application fee plus $15 for each endorsement test
- A passing score on a written knowledge test. Download a CDL driving manual.
- A passing score on applicable skills test(s) given at a third party testing site. Keep in mind that third party testers charge $90 plus tax for the drive test and you must drive on a CDL instruction permit for 14 days prior to taking the skill test. Drive tests must be scheduled at least two business days in advance.
If you have recent experience driving large trucks in the military, you may be eligible to obtain a CDL without a driving skills test by completing a military waiver.
Unsuccessful Examinations
If you fail any of the tests, you may not re-test before the next working day. You may wait longer if you want more time to study the manual or practice. You are allowed three opportunities to test for each fee paid within a six-month period.
If a drive test applicant commits any of the following infractions, they must wait 30 days before another driving test will be administered:
- Car accident on driving test (unless the tester is not at fault)
- Poor car control
- Weaving in and out of lanes
- Failure to yield to a car or pedestrian
- Running a stop light or stop sign
- Excessive speeding
- Turning into an oncoming lane of traffic
- Driving on the wrong side of the road
- Any action that puts citizens’ or an examiner’s safety at risk
License Restrictions
An operator license may be issued subject to certain restrictions. For example, a person who cannot see clearly with their right eye could be restricted to driving a vehicle with a left outside rearview mirror. Other restrictions could include:
- (A) Automatic transmission (formerly E)
- (B) Corrective lenses (formerly O)
- (C) Specially equipped vehicle (formerly Z)
- (F) Left outside rearview mirror
- (G) No night driving
- (I) No driving outside of town (formerly Q)
- (R) Restricted permit (6:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.)
- (Y) 50-mile radius of residence (formerly X)
Those with a CDL may be subject to additional commercial driver's license restrictions.
Resource Library
Driving Tests Documents
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