Free South Dakota permit practice tests with 74 exam-style questions, a timed mock exam sized to the real test, flashcards, a road-sign quiz, and an on-device AI tutor grounded in the official South Dakota driver handbook. Most South Dakota written knowledge tests require around 80% to pass.
About the South Dakota written test
Knowledge (written) test: Covers SD rules of the road, signs, and safe-driving practices. Passing score is 80%. Waived with an approved driver-education certificate. Retest after failure is permitted (bring fee).
Vision test: Screening required at application; corrective lenses may be noted as a restriction.
Road (skills) test: Required for the full operator's license. Tests vehicle control, observation, signaling, turning, backing, intersections, and parking. The applicant must supply a properly registered, insured, roadworthy vehicle.
Getting licensed in South Dakota
Instruction Permit (Stage 1): Available at age 14. The applicant must pass the knowledge (written) and vision tests. (The knowledge test is waived if the applicant presents a certificate showing completion of an approved driver-education course.) The permit holder may drive only when accompanied by a licensed driver at least 18 years old occupying the seat beside them.
Supervised-practice requirement: Before upgrading, the permit holder must complete 50 hours of adult-supervised driving, of which at least 10 hours must be in inclement weather and 10 hours after dark. A parent/guardian certifies the hours.
Restricted Minor's Permit (Stage 2): Available at age 16 after holding the instruction permit 180 days (reduced to 90 days if the applicant completed an approved driver-education course), with a clean record. Key restrictions (SDCL 32-12-12 / 32-12-12.5):
Unsupervised driving allowed 6:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. (with the parent/guardian's permission).
South Dakota written-test FAQ
What is the minimum age to apply for a South Dakota instruction permit?
14.
How can the knowledge test be waived?
By presenting a certificate for an approved driver-education course.
How many hours of adult-supervised driving are required on the instruction permit?
50 hours.
How many of those hours must be in inclement weather and after dark?
10 in inclement weather and 10 after dark.
Who must supervise an instruction-permit holder, and where must they sit?
A licensed driver at least 18, seated beside the permit holder.
At what age can you upgrade to a Restricted Minor's Permit, and how long must you have held the permit?
16, after holding the permit 180 days (90 days with driver ed).
During what hours may a restricted-permit holder drive unsupervised?