The Sioux Falls Driver Exam Station Location and Hours

South Dakota's main driver exam station in Sioux Falls is located at 3125 East 57th Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57110. This is the Department of Public Safety's Driver Licensing office, and it is where you take both the written knowledge test and the driving skills test for your learner's permit or driver license.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays. You cannot take a test on weekends. Because testing slots fill up, especially in spring and summer, you should plan to arrive early or call ahead to ask about wait times. The phone number for the Sioux Falls office is (605) 773-6883.

Parking is available on-site. The building is accessible, and staff can direct you to the testing area when you arrive. Bring all required documents with you on your first visit — you cannot test without them, and you will not get a refund of your test fee if you are turned away.

Key Takeaways

  • The Sioux Falls driver exam station is at 3125 East 57th Street and is open weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed weekends and state holidays.
  • You take both the written test and the driving test at the same location, but you must pass the written test before you can schedule the driving test.
  • Bring your learner's permit (or proof of process), proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN documentation on test day.
  • The written test costs $5 and the driving test costs $10; fees are paid at the time of testing and are not refundable if you do not show up.
  • Call (605) 773-6883 to check wait times or ask questions about what documents you need before you go in person.

What Documents You Must Bring to the Exam Station

South Dakota requires specific documents before you can take either test. Bring your learner's permit (or proof that you applied for one), a valid form of photo identification, and proof of your South Dakota residency. Residency proof can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and address.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your ITIN documentation or a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access. Without this, you cannot complete the test registration.

If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present to sign consent forms. Bring their ID as well. The staff at the Sioux Falls station will review your documents before you enter the testing area, so arrive with everything in one place.

The Written Knowledge Test at the Sioux Falls Station

The written test covers South Dakota traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It is a computer-based test with 25 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 20 questions correctly (80 percent) to pass. The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes once you sit down at the computer.

You can take the written test as many times as you need, but you must wait one day between attempts if you fail. Each attempt costs $5. Many people pass on the first try if they study the South Dakota Driver's Manual, which is free and available online at the Department of Public Safety website or in print at the Sioux Falls office.

After you pass the written test, you will receive a receipt. You do not have to schedule your driving test on the same day — you can come back later. However, your written test result is valid for 12 months, so you have a year to complete the driving test before you need to retake the written test.

The Driving Skills Test and How to Schedule It

Once you pass the written test, you can schedule your driving skills test. The driving test costs $10 and lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. You will drive a route in and around Sioux Falls while an examiner watches and scores your ability to handle the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions.

You must bring your own vehicle to the test, and it must be in safe working condition. The examiner will check that your brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors work before you start driving. If the vehicle fails this safety check, you cannot test that day and will lose your $10 fee.

To schedule the driving test, call the Sioux Falls office at (605) 773-6883 or ask the staff member who gives you your written test results. They can often schedule you for a future date right there. Testing slots are usually available within two to four weeks, but during busy seasons (spring and early summer) the wait can be longer.

What Happens If You Fail the Driving Test

If you do not pass the driving test, you can retake it. You must wait at least one day before your next attempt, and each attempt costs another $10. You do not have to retake the written test unless your written test result has expired (more than 12 months old).

The examiner will tell you what you did wrong — whether it was a safety issue, failure to follow a traffic law, or poor vehicle control. Common reasons for failing include not coming to a complete stop at stop signs, improper lane changes, speeding, or hitting a curb during parking. You can practice those specific skills before you return.

There is no limit to how many times you can retake the driving test, but each attempt costs $10 and requires a new appointment. Most people pass within two or three attempts.

Alternatives If You Cannot Test in Sioux Falls

If you live outside Sioux Falls or cannot reach the East 57th Street office, South Dakota has other driver exam stations in larger towns across the state. However, the Sioux Falls station is the largest and usually has the most frequent testing slots available. If you are willing to travel, other stations exist in Rapid City, Aberdeen, and Watertown, but you will need to contact the Department of Public Safety to find their addresses and hours.

You can also ask about mobile testing or satellite offices by calling the main Sioux Falls number. Some rural counties have limited testing availability, and staff can tell you whether a closer option exists for your situation.

Preparing for Your Test Day

Arrive at the Sioux Falls station at least 15 minutes early, especially if you have not been there before. Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so nothing gets lost. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes — you will be sitting for the written test and driving for the skills test, so dress for the weather and the road.

For the written test, bring glasses or contacts if you use them. For the driving test, make sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas, working wipers, and clean windows. The examiner will not test you if the vehicle is unsafe, so check everything the night before.

Do not bring your phone into the testing area. Do not ask for help during the written test — it is proctored and any outside help will result in an automatic fail. Stay calm, read each question carefully, and take your time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my driving test in a vehicle that is not registered to me?

Yes. The vehicle does not have to be registered in your name, but it must be insured and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors before you start. If you borrow a vehicle, make sure the owner knows you are using it for a test and that insurance covers you as a driver.

What if I fail the written test — can I retake it the same day?

No. You must wait at least one day before you retake the written test. You can come back the next day or any day after that. Each attempt costs $5, and you have 12 months from your first passing attempt to complete the driving test.

Do I need an appointment to take the written test?

No appointment is required for the written test — you can walk in during office hours. However, wait times vary. Calling ahead at (605) 773-6883 to ask about current wait times can help you choose the best time to go. The driving test does require an appointment, which you schedule after you pass the written test.

What if I move out of South Dakota after I pass the written test?

Your written test result is valid for 12 months from the date you passed it. If you move before you complete the driving test, you will need to check whether your new state honors South Dakota's written test result or requires you to retake it. Contact your new state's licensing office to find out.

Is there a fee to take the written test if I am retaking it after failing?

Yes. Each written test attempt costs $5, whether it is your first try or your fifth. The fee is paid when you register for the test at the Sioux Falls office. Fees are not refundable if you do not show up for your scheduled test.