The Aberdeen exam station and what to expect there
The South Dakota Department of Public Safety runs the driver's license exam station in Aberdeen. This is where you will take your written knowledge test and your road test once you have your learner's permit. The station is located at the Aberdeen Driver Licensing Exam Station, and it handles both tests on the same day if you are ready.
When you arrive, bring your learner's permit, proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. You will check in at the front desk, wait for your name to be called, and then take the written test on a computer. If you pass, you can schedule your road test for the same visit or come back another day — it depends on how the examiners' schedule looks that day.
The road test itself takes about 30 minutes. An examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you have borrowed) and watch how you handle turns, stops, parking, and highway driving. They are looking for safe habits, not perfection. Most people pass on their first or second attempt.
Key Takeaways
- The Aberdeen Driver Licensing Exam Station is run by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety and handles both written and road tests.
- You must bring your learner's permit, a photo ID, proof of where you live, and your Social Security number or ITIN when you go to test.
- The written test is computer-based and covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices from the South Dakota driver's manual.
- The road test lasts about 30 minutes and takes place in a real vehicle on actual streets in or near Aberdeen.
- You can take both tests on the same day if you pass the written test and an examiner is available, or schedule the road test for another visit.
How to find the exact address and hours
The Aberdeen exam station's address and hours change occasionally, so calling ahead is the safest approach. You can reach the South Dakota Department of Public Safety's driver licensing division at their main phone line, and they will give you the current location, hours, and whether you need an appointment.
Many South Dakota exam stations now require you to book a road test appointment in advance rather than walk in. Check the Department of Public Safety website or call to find out whether Aberdeen requires appointments and how far ahead you need to book. During busy seasons (spring and summer), appointments can fill up weeks in advance.
What you need to bring to the written test
Before you show up, gather these documents: your learner's permit, a photo ID (driver's license from another state, passport, or military ID), proof that you live in South Dakota (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address), and your Social Security number or ITIN written down.
Do not bring your phone into the testing room. The exam station will have a find place to store it while you test. Bring a pen or pencil if you want to take notes while you wait, but you will not need it during the actual test — that is all on the computer.
What you need to bring to the road test
For the road test, you need a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, steering, lights, wipers, and mirrors. Bring the vehicle's registration and proof of insurance — the examiner will check these before you start driving.
You also need to bring your learner's permit and a photo ID. Wear clothes that let you move freely and shoes that are not too bulky — flip-flops and high heels can make it harder to control the pedals. The examiner will ask you to demonstrate that you know where the controls are (headlights, wipers, turn signals) before you drive.
How the written test is scored and what happens if you do not pass
The written test has 25 questions. You need to answer at least 20 correctly to pass — that is 80 percent. The questions come from the South Dakota Driver's Manual and cover road signs, speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, and safe driving practices.
If you do not pass the first time, you can retake the written test. Most exam stations let you schedule another attempt right away or within a few days. Many people pass on their second try after reviewing the manual again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the written test, though you will pay the test fee each time.
How the road test is scored and what happens if you do not pass
The road test is scored on a points system. You start with a certain number of points, and the examiner deducts points for mistakes — things like rolling through a stop sign, failing to signal, or hitting the curb while parking. If you end with enough points remaining, you pass. If you drop below the passing threshold, you do not pass that attempt.
Common reasons people do not pass include not coming to a complete stop at stop signs, not checking mirrors and blind spots before turning, speeding, and parallel parking errors. If you do not pass, you can retake the road test after a waiting period (usually a few days). Most people pass within two or three attempts once they have had time to practice.
After you pass both tests
Once you pass the road test, the examiner will tell you on the spot. You do not get your license that day — instead, you will receive a temporary permit that is valid for a short time while your actual license is printed and mailed to you. The temporary permit looks like a piece of paper and serves as your license until the real one arrives.
Your license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. Check the address on file to make sure it is correct before you leave the exam station. If you move before your license arrives, contact the Department of Public Safety to update your address so it gets to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to make an appointment at the Aberdeen exam station?
Many South Dakota exam stations now require appointments for road tests. Call the Department of Public Safety or check their website to find out whether the Aberdeen station requires one and how far in advance you need to book. Walk-ins for the written test may still be possible, but calling ahead is safer.
What if I fail the road test in Aberdeen?
You can retake the road test after a waiting period, usually a few days. Schedule your next attempt by calling the exam station or visiting in person. Use the time between tests to practice the skills the examiner said you need to work on — parallel parking, mirror checks, or smooth braking.
Can I take my road test in a borrowed vehicle?
Yes. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. Bring the registration and proof of insurance with you. The examiner will check these documents and inspect the vehicle's brakes, lights, and mirrors before you drive.
What happens if I move after I pass my test but before my license arrives?
Contact the South Dakota Department of Public Safety and give them your new address. Your license will be mailed to the updated address. If your license arrives at your old address, the new resident may forward it, but it is faster to update your address right away.
Is the written test the same every time I take it?
No. The test is drawn from a larger pool of questions, so each attempt will have different questions. All questions come from the South Dakota Driver's Manual, so studying the manual thoroughly prepares you for any version of the test.