What you need to know about South Dakota driver licenses

A South Dakota driver license is issued by the Department of Public Safety and lets you drive legally in the state. You can get a standard license at age 16 with parental consent, or at 18 without it. South Dakota also issues instruction permits (learner's permits) starting at age 14, and commercial driver licenses (CDLs) for people who drive trucks or buses for work.

The process involves passing a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a driving skills test. You'll need to bring specific documents to prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The whole process typically takes a few weeks from start to finish, though you can get your instruction permit the same day you explore.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 14 years old to get an instruction permit, 16 with parental consent for a regular license, or 18 to get a license without parental permission.
  • Bring an original birth certificate or passport, proof of South Dakota residency (like a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number.
  • You'll pass a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving skills test before you receive your license.
  • An instruction permit costs around $20, and a regular driver license costs around $40, though fees vary slightly depending on the type and length of license you choose.
  • Your license is valid for five years if you're under 65, and eight years if you're 65 or older.

Documents you need to bring to the DMV

South Dakota requires you to bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate or a valid U.S. passport. A photocopy or hospital birth certificate will not work. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship.

You also need proof of South Dakota residency. Acceptable documents include a current utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill with your name and a South Dakota address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or insurance bill can work if it shows your current address.

Bring your Social Security card or another document that shows your full Social Security number, such as a W-2 form or tax return. You'll also need to bring any current driver license or ID card you hold, even if it's from another state.

If you're under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign your process in person. Bring their ID as well.

The instruction permit (learner's permit) process

An instruction permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. You can get one at age 14 in South Dakota. You'll take a written test covering traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 25 questions, and you need to answer at least 20 correctly to pass.

After you pass the written test and vision screening, you receive your permit the same day. With an instruction permit, you must have a licensed driver at least 18 years old sitting next to you at all times. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.

You must hold an instruction permit for at least 14 days before you can take the driving skills test for a regular license. Many people hold it longer to get more practice. There is no time limit on how long you can keep an instruction permit, but you'll need to renew it if it expires.

Passing the written test and vision screening

The written test covers South Dakota traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving. You can study using the South Dakota Driver License Manual, which is free and available on the Department of Public Safety website. The manual covers everything the test asks about.

You take the test on a computer at the DMV office. The test has 25 questions, and you need a score of at least 80 percent (20 correct answers) to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another time. There is no fee to retake the test.

During your visit, you'll also have a vision screening. An eye chart test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you may need to see an eye doctor and bring a vision certificate to the DMV before you can get your license.

The driving skills test and what happens next

After you pass the written test and hold an instruction permit for at least 14 days, you can schedule a driving skills test. During this test, a DMV examiner sits in the car with you and watches you drive. The test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and includes basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping.

The examiner scores you on how well you control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. You need to pass this test to get your regular driver license. If you fail, you can retake it, though you may need to wait a few days and pay a retesting fee.

Once you pass the driving skills test, you receive your driver license. South Dakota licenses are valid for five years if you're under 65, and eight years if you're 65 or older. You can renew your license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.

Costs and where to go

An instruction permit costs around $20. A regular driver license costs around $40 for a five-year license or $60 for an eight-year license if you're 65 or older. Fees may vary slightly depending on which DMV office you visit and whether you're renewing or getting a license for the first time. Check the Department of Public Safety website for the exact fee at your local office.

You can visit any Department of Public Safety Driver Licensing office in South Dakota. There are offices in most counties. You do not have to go to the office in your county—you can go to any office in the state. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead to ask about wait times can help you plan your visit.

Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment. Check the Department of Public Safety website or call your local office to find out whether you need an appointment and what hours they're open.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Real ID in South Dakota?

Yes. A Real ID is a driver license or ID card that meets federal security standards and can be used to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. To get a Real ID, bring the same documents as a regular license plus an original Social Security card (not a copy). Real ID licenses cost a bit more than standard licenses. You can request a Real ID when you get your first license or renew an existing one.

What if I move to South Dakota from another state?

You have 30 days to get a South Dakota driver license after you move. You'll need to surrender your old license and take the written test and driving skills test again. You do not need to hold an instruction permit if you already have a valid license from another state, but you still must pass South Dakota's tests.

Can I renew my license online?

You can renew your license online if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired for more than one year, you must have a Real ID or standard license (not a commercial license), and you must not have any medical restrictions. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal. Visit the Department of Public Safety website to start an online renewal.

What happens if I fail the driving skills test?

You can retake the test after waiting a few days. There is usually a retesting fee, which is less than the original test fee. You do not need to retake the written test or get a new instruction permit—you just schedule another driving skills test appointment and try again.

Do I need an instruction permit if I'm over 18?

No. If you're 18 or older and have never had a driver license, you can go straight to the written test and driving skills test without getting an instruction permit first. You still need to pass both tests and bring the required documents.