South Dakota DPS permit practice test 2026
You need 80% correct to pass the South Dakota DPS knowledge test. Our 283 practice questions are written from the South Dakota Driver License Manual (2024), and every answer tells you where to find the rule in the handbook. Free, with no sign-up.
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All 11 South Dakota practice tests
Each test mixes questions from every part of the handbook. Work through them in order, then use the simulator.
The South Dakota DPS knowledge test
Knowledge test on rules of the road and safe driving practices at a driver exam station, by appointment. You need 80% or higher to pass. Teens who complete a state-approved driver education course can have the permit knowledge test waived (the certificate is valid one year). DPS offers no sample test.
Source: South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Driver Licensing Program, checked 2026-10-27.
What the test covers
Our questions follow the handbook's chapters. The number of practice questions on each topic:
| Topic | Practice questions |
|---|---|
| Licensing laws and penalties | 48 |
| Safe and defensive driving | 45 |
| Road signs | 29 |
| Sharing the road | 26 |
| Alcohol and drugs | 16 |
| Right of way | 16 |
| Turns and intersections | 16 |
| Following and passing | 16 |
| Hazards, weather and night driving | 16 |
| Emergencies | 14 |
| Signals and pavement markings | 13 |
| Lanes, highways and freeways | 10 |
| Parking | 10 |
| Speed limits | 8 |
South Dakota learner's permit rules
- Minimum age: 14
- Hold the permit for at least 275 days (180 days with approved driver education scoring 80%+ on written and driving portions) on the Instruction Permit, then 6 months on the Restricted Minor's Permit before the road test
- 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 at night
- Supervising adult (parent, guardian or other adult) with a valid license and at least one year of driving experience, seated beside you
- 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 at night and 10 in bad weather (affidavit signed by a parent)
- No wireless communication device of any kind while driving (instruction and restricted permit holders)
- The permit is valid five years (or until lawful-presence documents expire)
- No traffic conviction in the 6 months before the restricted permit or operator's license
- Restricted Minor's Permit: drive alone 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. with parent permission; 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. only with a parent or guardian beside you, except direct trips to or from school, church, work or farm work. First 6 months: no passengers except immediate family or household members; after that, one passenger under 18 who is not family or household
- Parent or guardian consent (in person or a notarized Parental Consent Form) for the permit, the restricted permit and the operator's license
- No drive test is needed to upgrade to the Restricted Minor's Permit if you passed an approved driver education course within the last year. Otherwise the drive test may be scheduled on day 276 (day 181 with driver ed)
Fees: Instruction permit / restricted minor's permit / operator's license $38.00; Duplicate/replacement, name or address change $20.00; Motorcycle instruction permit $38.00.
The official handbook
Everything on the test comes from the South Dakota Driver License Manual, also available in Spanish. Read it alongside the practice tests. Our chapter-by-chapter guide.
Renewing your license
No age-based testing; a vision test is required at every renewal (license valid 5 years). Licenses expired more than 30 days require a knowledge test. Relatives can submit a Driver Evaluation Request for re-evaluation.
Questions
How many questions are on the South Dakota permit test?
The South Dakota DPS doesn't publish the number of questions. You need 80% correct to pass.
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in South Dakota?
14. You then hold the permit for at least 275 days (180 days with approved driver education scoring 80%+ on written and driving portions) on the Instruction Permit, then 6 months on the Restricted Minor's Permit before the road test and 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 at night.
What happens if I fail the South Dakota permit test?
You can retake it: Next working day after a failure; at least two weeks if caught cheating. 3 test attempts per fee paid, within 6 months. After 3 failures (or 6 months), you must pay the fee again.
What do I need to bring for the South Dakota permit test?
Appointment; Application (wet signature) and parent/guardian consent if under 18; One document proving date of birth, identity and lawful status (e.g., certified birth certificate, U.S. passport); Proof of Social Security number (card, W-2, 1099, paystub); Two documents proving South Dakota physical address, less than one year old (a parent's documents are acceptable for a minor); and more (see the full list).
What is the vision requirement in South Dakota?
20/40 or better with both eyes, and no worse than 20/50 in either eye, for a license without restrictions.
Independent practice tests, not affiliated with the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Driver Licensing Program. Questions written by us from the official handbook and checked against it.