South Dakota DPS exam simulator
The DPS doesn't publish how many questions its test has, but you need 80% to pass, so the simulator gives you 25 random questions from all 283 of ours with 20 correct to pass. You only see your answers at the end. Pass three in a row and you're ready for the real thing.
25 questions · 20 to pass
How the simulator works
- Every attempt draws a new random set of 25 questions from across the handbook.
- No feedback until you finish, as in the real test. Then you see your score and every question you missed, with the explanation and handbook reference.
- Your results stay in this browser. After three passes in a row you'll see "You're ready".
- The DPS doesn't publish a time limit for this test, so the clock just shows how long you've taken.
About the real South Dakota DPS 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.
- Attempts: 3 test attempts per fee paid, within 6 months. After 3 failures (or 6 months), you must pay the fee again.
- If you fail: Next working day after a failure; at least two weeks if caught cheating.
- Fee: $38 (the instruction permit / license fee covers testing)
On test day
- Bring the documents on the South Dakota what-to-bring list, and check you meet the minimum age (14).
- You'll take a vision test first: 20/40 or better with both eyes, and no worse than 20/50 in either eye, for a license without restrictions. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them.
- Read each question and every answer to the end before choosing; watch for words like "not" and "except".
- Review the hardest questions the night before: exact numbers are where most points are lost.
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.
Test format from the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Driver Licensing Program: official test information.