South Dakota motorcycle permit practice test
It's based on South Dakota Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual 18th Edition with South Dakota section). Practise South Dakota's own motorcycle rules below, then the full motorcycle manual tests.
South Dakota motorcycle rules
| Permit | Motorcycle Instruction Permit at 14 (vision + car/truck and motorcycle knowledge tests; $38; valid one year). Ride 6 a.m.-8 p.m. accompanied by a motorcycle-licensed driver 18+ with one year of experience on another motorcycle; no passengers. Minors hold it 275 days (180 with driver education, or 180 with driver ed + motorcycle safety course) before the Motorcycle Restricted Minor's Permit (drive test; ride alone 6 a.m.-8 p.m. with parent permission; held 6 months before operator's license at 16+). Driver License Manual rev. 11/2024 p. 9. |
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| Skills test or course | Motorcycle driving test at a Driver Exam Station by appointment (dry pavement required; helmet, boots, leathers recommended). The South Dakota Safety Council courses (April-October) administer the license test as the course's final step. |
| Helmet law | Partial: motorcycle and moped operators and passengers younger than 18 must wear helmets (teen motorcycle brochure Rev. 7/1/2025). |
| Passengers | No passengers on a motorcycle instruction permit. Restricted Minor's Permit: first 6 months only immediate family/household; then one non-family passenger under 18. |
South Dakota motorcycle law questions
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Question 1What is the minimum age for a South Dakota motorcycle instruction permit?
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B: 14. You must be at least 14 and pass the vision and knowledge (car/truck and motorcycle) tests. South Dakota Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual 18th Edition with South Dakota section): DLM: Motorcycle Instruction Permit (Under 18 years of age), page 9.
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Question 2Which knowledge tests are needed for a South Dakota motorcycle instruction permit?
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C: Both the car/truck and the motorcycle knowledge tests, plus vision. Applicants pass the vision test and the knowledge tests for car/truck and motorcycle. South Dakota Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual 18th Edition with South Dakota section): DLM: Motorcycle Instruction Permit, page 9.
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Question 3During what hours may a South Dakota motorcycle instruction permit holder ride?
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D: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.. The permit holder may ride from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. when properly accompanied. South Dakota Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual 18th Edition with South Dakota section): DLM: Motorcycle Instruction Permit (Restrictions), page 9.
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Question 4Who must accompany a South Dakota motorcycle instruction permit holder?
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C: A motorcycle-licensed driver at least 18 with one year of experience, riding another motorcycle. The supervisor must hold a motorcycle license, be at least 18, have at least one year of driving experience and ride another motorcycle along with the permit holder. South Dakota Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual 18th Edition with South Dakota section): DLM: Motorcycle Instruction Permit (Restrictions), page 9.
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Question 5May a South Dakota motorcycle instruction permit holder carry a passenger?
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B: No. No Motorcycle Instruction Permit holder may carry another person on the motorcycle. South Dakota Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual 18th Edition with South Dakota section): DLM: Motorcycle Instruction Permit (Restrictions), page 9.
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Question 6How long is a South Dakota motorcycle instruction permit valid?
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D: One year (or until legal-presence documents expire, if sooner). The permit is valid for one year or until the expiration of documents authorizing presence in the U.S., whichever is first. South Dakota Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual 18th Edition with South Dakota section): DLM: Motorcycle Instruction Permit, page 9.
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Question 7How long must a South Dakota minor without driver education hold a motorcycle instruction permit before upgrading to a Restricted Minor's Permit?
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D: 275 days. Minors must hold the permit continuously for 275 days, or 180 days with an approved driver education course. South Dakota Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual 18th Edition with South Dakota section): DLM: Motorcycle Instruction Permit (Under 18 years of age), page 9.
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Question 8How long must a South Dakota minor who completed driver education hold a motorcycle instruction permit before upgrading?
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C: 180 days. Completing an approved driver education course reduces the holding period to 180 days. South Dakota Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual 18th Edition with South Dakota section): DLM: Motorcycle Instruction Permit (Under 18 years of age), page 9.
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Question 9What does a South Dakota Motorcycle Restricted Minor's Permit allow?
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D: Riding alone from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. with parent/guardian permission. The Restricted Minor's Permit lets the holder ride from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. with the permission of a parent or legal guardian. South Dakota Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual 18th Edition with South Dakota section): DLM: Motorcycle Restricted Minor's Permit, page 9.
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Question 10What extra test is required for a South Dakota Motorcycle Restricted Minor's Permit beyond the permit's tests?
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A: A motorcycle drive test. The Restricted Minor's Permit requires vision, knowledge tests, a motorcycle drive test, the permit requirements and no traffic convictions in the past six months. South Dakota Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual 18th Edition with South Dakota section): DLM: Motorcycle Restricted Minor's Permit, page 9.
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Question 11How long must a South Dakota minor ride on a Restricted Minor's Permit before applying for a motorcycle operator's license?
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D: At least 6 months. The holder must drive on the Restricted Permit for at least 6 months before applying for the operator's license. South Dakota Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual 18th Edition with South Dakota section): DLM: Motorcycle Restricted Minor's Permit, page 9.
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Question 12What is the minimum age for a South Dakota motorcycle operator's license?
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D: 16. You must be at least 16 and pass vision, knowledge and motorcycle driving tests with no traffic convictions in the past six months. South Dakota Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual 18th Edition with South Dakota section): DLM: Motorcycle Operator's License, page 9.
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Question 13What score is needed to pass the South Dakota motorcycle knowledge test?
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A: 80% or higher. DPS requires a knowledge test score of 80% or higher, along with a vision test and motorcycle driving test. South Dakota Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual 18th Edition with South Dakota section): DPS: South Dakota Motorcycle License Information (web page).
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Question 14When will a South Dakota examiner not conduct a motorcycle driving test?
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C: When the pavement is not dry. The pavement must be dry to conduct a motorcycle driving test; wear a helmet, boots and leathers for the test. South Dakota Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual 18th Edition with South Dakota section): DPS: South Dakota Motorcycle License Information (web page).
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Question 15How can a South Dakota permit applicant have the knowledge test waived?
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D: Present a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course card (valid for one year). The knowledge test is waived with an MSF course card, which waives testing for one year. South Dakota Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual 18th Edition with South Dakota section): Teen GDL Class 2 Motorcycle brochure: Instruction Permit, page 1.
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Question 16In South Dakota, what is the difference between a moped and a motorcycle?
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A: A moped has an engine no larger than 50cc with no clutching or shifting; 51cc or more is a motorcycle. A moped has an engine no larger than 50 cc and doesn't require clutching or shifting; a motorcycle has 51 cc or more and needs a motorcycle permit or license. South Dakota Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual 18th Edition with South Dakota section): Teen GDL Class 2 Motorcycle brochure: FAQ's, page 2.
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Question 17What do you need to ride a moped in South Dakota?
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C: A Restricted Permit or full driver's license (valid Operator's License). A moped may be driven with a Restricted Permit or full driver's license; the DLM says moped operators must have a valid Operator's License. South Dakota Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual 18th Edition with South Dakota section): Teen GDL Class 2 Motorcycle brochure: FAQ's; DLM: Moped Operators, page 2.
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Question 18Under South Dakota's helmet law, who must wear a helmet?
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C: Motorcycle and moped operators and passengers younger than 18. All motorcycle and moped operators and passengers younger than 18 must wear helmets. South Dakota Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual 18th Edition with South Dakota section): Teen GDL Class 2 Motorcycle brochure: FAQ's, page 2.
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Question 19What happens if a South Dakota permit holder under 16 is convicted of violating the permit's restrictions?
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A: The permit is suspended for 30 days. A permit or license is suspended for 30 days if a holder under 16 is convicted of a traffic violation or of violating permit restrictions. South Dakota Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual 18th Edition with South Dakota section): Teen GDL Class 2 Motorcycle brochure: Penalties, page 1.
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Question 20During the first 6 months on a South Dakota motorcycle Restricted Permit, which passengers are allowed without adult supervision?
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D: Only immediate family or household members. For the first 6 months, no passengers except immediate family or household members; after that one non-family passenger under 18 is allowed. South Dakota Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual 18th Edition with South Dakota section): Teen GDL Class 2 Motorcycle brochure: Passenger Limit, page 1.
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Question 21What does a South Dakota motorcycle instruction permit cost?
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D: $38.00. The current Driver License Manual and DPS fee page list the motorcycle instruction permit at $38.00. South Dakota Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual 18th Edition with South Dakota section): DLM: Motorcycle Instruction Permit, page 9.
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Question 22How long must a new South Dakota resident wait before needing a South Dakota driver license?
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B: They need one if they live in South Dakota more than 90 days. You must have a South Dakota license if you live there more than 90 days (CDL holders within 30 days). South Dakota Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual 18th Edition with South Dakota section): General Information (motorcycle manual), page 2.
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Question 23What does the South Dakota motorcycle manual (MSF text) say about lane sharing?
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C: It is usually prohibited; cars and motorcycles need a full lane. Cars and motorcycles need a full lane to operate safely; lane sharing is usually prohibited. South Dakota Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual 18th Edition with South Dakota section): Lane Sharing, page 16.
Answer every question to see your score.
Full motorcycle practice tests
300 questions on riding skills and safety from the Motorcycle Operator Manual, which most states use.
Manual: South Dakota Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual 18th Edition with South Dakota section). Source: South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Driver Licensing Program, checked 2026-10-27.