To get a driver’s license in South Dakota, you must complete a license application and pay the $28 application fee, provide the required documents (proof of lawful status in the United States, South Dakota residency, and Social Security number), pass a vision test, and pass a knowledge and driving test with a score of 80% or higher.
Turning 16 is a big milestone for teenagers because it marks the freedom to get your driver’s license. While the process can be complex and there are a lot of tests you must pass to be issued a license, knowing the steps to take to get there should be simple.
Here to guide you through the process of getting a driver’s license in South Dakota is car insurance
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Start earning nowWhat are the requirements for a driver’s license in South Dakota?
All people operating a motorized vehicle on South Dakota roadways must have a license. While the age to apply for a license differs among states, you must be at least 14 years old to apply for a driver’s license in South Dakota. But before you can be issued a license, you will need to collect the required documents.
Make sure you have these before heading to the DMV:
Proof of lawful status in the United States (birth certificate, passport, certificate of citizenship/naturalization permanent residence card, employment authorization card, or foreign passport with a US visa)
Proof of name change (if applicable)
Social Security card (new applicant), a W-2 (with full SSN), 1099, or pay stub
Two documents proving resident address in South Dakota
Note that all drivers under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian present when applying for a driver’s license.
What are the requirements for young drivers?
Applicants under 18 require parental consent to get an instructional permit before they can apply for a full license. They are also required to pass a knowledge test or must have completed a driver training course that is compliant with state regulations to get their permit.
This permit must be held for a minimum of 275 days or 180 days upon successful completion of a driver’s education course. Once they are issued an instructional permit, all drivers must be under constant supervision by a licensed adult at all times when on the road.
After the restriction period (275 days or 180 days), you are able to apply for a restricted minor's permit as long as you have not had any traffic convictions in the previous six months. You must pass a driving test at a designated driving test location
or have successfully passed and completed a driver education course approved by the state. A restricted driver’s license rules are as follows:
You can drive unsupervised between 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
You must drive with a parent or legal guardian between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m
You cannot have any passengers for the first six months from the issue date with the exception of immediate family or household residents
After six months you may have one passenger (not immediate family) in your vehicle
To get your full operator’s license, you must:
Meet all requirements for the instructional permit
Have held a restricted minor's permit for a minimum of 6 months
Have had no convictions for at least six months
Have written approval by a parent or legal guardian
The fees for licenses are $28 for an instructional permit, $28 for a restricted minor’s permit, and $28 for an operator license (fee is prorated for those between 17 and 20 years old).
You can find more information on South Dakota teen drivers here
. What are the requirements for out-of-state drivers?
If you’re driving in South Dakota from another state but not taking up permanent residency, you don’t need to worry about applying for a South Dakota driver’s license. However, if you’re moving to South Dakota, you will be required to get an out-of-state transfer.
The process is the same as for new applicants. You’ll need to collect the following required documents before heading to the DMV:
Proof of lawful status in the United States (birth certificate, passport, certificate of citizenship/naturalization permanent residence card, employment authorization card, or foreign passport with a US visa)
Proof of name change (if applicable)
Social Security Card (new applicants or out of state transfers without gold star), a W-2,1099, or pay stub showing full SSN
Two documents proving resident address in South Dakota
All documents must be original government-issued copies. Photocopies or handwritten documents will not be accepted.
How to get a driver’s license in South Dakota
Vision test
Before you can be issued a driver’s license, the DMV must ensure your vision is sufficient to drive!
South Dakota license requirements state that your vision must be 20/40 in your better eye for an unrestricted license or 20/60 in your better eye with restrictions.
Knowledge exam
All driver's license applicants are required to pass a knowledge test before they can obtain a license. This exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions about South Dakota traffic laws. You must achieve a minimum of 80% to pass the written test.
The South Dakota driver’s manual can be downloaded here
. It’s also recommended that you try a few practice tests before taking the actual test. If you fail the knowledge exam, you can retake it for a fee of $10. Road test
Once you have completed the vision exam and knowledge test, you’re ready to hit the road—for your driving exam! This is the final step before you can get your full South Dakota license.
An instructor from the South Dakota DMV will test your skills on the road with a road test. The first part of the exam includes a safety check that shows the examiner you have a thorough understanding of your vehicle.
You must provide your own vehicle for the driving exam. It must be registered, insured, and pass the safety requirements. Driving test appointments can be scheduled online
or by calling your local DMV office. Select the option or ask for "Driving Test Class E License." On the day of your road test, you must present the following documents:
Your South Dakota learner’s permit
The Certification of Driving Experience of a Minor with parental authorization that you have completed a minimum of 50 hours of behind the wheel driving experience, of which 10 hours were at night
An instructor will sit next to you and guide you through each of the maneuvers that you need to perform to pass your exam. You will be asked to perform the following:
Shift gears (if driving a manual)
Stopping quickly (you will be required to drive 20 miles per hour and then make a safe, quick stop when instructed)
Back up for a distance of 50 feet at a low speed looking to the rear
Stay in the proper lane of the road
Keep a safe distance from other vehicles
Use proper driving posture
Once your test is complete, your examiner will go over the mistakes you made before issuing your license at a South Dakota DMV. If you do not pass your driving exam, you can retake it on another day. You are allowed to retake the test up to three times when you submit your application and fees.
If you don’t pass after three attempts or you re-apply after six months, you will be required to pay the $28 fee again.
How to save money on car insurance in South Dakota
Once you’ve successfully completed your driver’s license requirements, it’s time to hit the road! But you’ll want to make sure your car is properly insured before doing so. Finding the policy and coverage you need can be confusing and challenging, but with Jerry
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