How do I get my first driver's license in South Dakota?
Reviewed 2026-09-29 · Source: South Dakota Department of Public Safety
Ava's answer
South Dakota teens start with an instruction permit at 14, then a restricted minor's permit, then a full license at 16. All pass knowledge, vision, and road tests.
- Instruction permit: 14+, consent, knowledge and vision tests.
- Hold permit: 275 days, or 180 with driver's ed.
- Road test: May be waived with driver's ed certificate.
- Restricted minor's permit:
- Full license at 16:
Your South Dakota checklist
Tick items off as you go. Saved on this device only.
Steps
Documents to bring
Fees
| Instruction permit | $28.00 |
Where to go in person
Helpful services for this task
Optional, privately operated services related to first-time driver's license. Not government services, not required, and not endorsed by any agency. DMV.ai may be paid when you use them.
Find licensed providers in South Dakota
Official state lists of licensed businesses. Not sponsored, not ranked, and DMV.ai isn't paid for these links.
No sponsored offers for this task and state yet. Sponsored offers appear only after identity, terms, disclosures and links pass review.
South Dakota Study Guide + Ava coaching
One-time purchase · no subscription
$8.97
- Condensed study notes for your state's permit test
- Practice drills with Ava on the topics you miss
- Pass on your first try, or get your money back
Pass-or-refund: don't pass your official knowledge test on the first try and we refund you within 90 days. Terms. See what's inside. Sign-in required so your guide unlocks for your account. Not a government agency.
Related
Was this answer helpful?
Source
SD Driver Licensing Information for Teen Drivers and Parents · South Dakota Department of Public Safety · reviewed 2026-09-29
Limitations: Adult process and full fee schedule not detailed. Requirements vary by age; confirm with the agency before your visit.
DMV.ai is independent and not a government agency. It does not file applications or collect government fees. Confirm current requirements with the official agency. Report an issue