In South Dakota, you must be at least 14 years of age to obtain an instruction permit. Visit the South Dakota Teen Driver’s page here: https://dps.sd.gov/driver-licensing/south-dakota-licensing-information/teen-drivers

• To get your SD Instruction Permit, you and a guardian must visit a South Dakota licensing location with the required documents. Next, you take the written knowledge test (or have successfully completed a state-approved driver education course) to get your permit.
• You must hold the Instruction Permit for a minimum of 275 days (or 180 days if an approved driver education class has been successfully completed). With your instruction permit, you will need to drive under the supervision of a licensed adult at all times.  Driver education certificates can be used to waive testing for one year from the date of class completion
• After the above time period, you can apply for your Restricted Minor's Permit if you have not had any traffic convictions in the last six months. You must pass a drive test at a driver exam station location or have successfully completed a state-approved driver education course.  All drive tests must be scheduled.  With your restricted license, you are allowed to drive unaccompanied from 6:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.  You may drive with a legal guardian from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

To get your full operator’s license, you must:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Meet all of the above conditions of the South Dakota instruction permit
• Have driven on a South Dakota restricted minor's permit for at least 6 months
• Have driven conviction-free for six months
• Have your parent or guardian’s written approval

Information about the SD Graduated Driving Program can be found here:

https://dps.sd.gov/application/files/8015/1069/1261/South_Dakota_Teen_Drivers110-27-101.pdf

You must pass a knowledge test consisting of 25 multiple-choice questions based on the South Dakota Drivers Handbook. A score of 80% is required. You must answer 20 out of the 25 questions correctly to pass the South Dakota knowledge exam. Schedule your written test appointment here: https://apps.sd.gov/ps14schedulercovid/

Schedule your road test appointment here: https://apps.sd.gov/ps14schedulercovid/

The required documents can be found here:

https://dps.sd.gov/driver-licensing/required-documents

When applying for a South Dakota Instruction Permit, driver's license, or identification card for the first time, you must present originals of all of the following documents:

• Proof of lawful status in the United States
• Social Security Card showing full social security number (or other approved document on list)
• Two Proofs of Current, Residential/Physical Address
• Proof of Legal Name Change History (if applicable)
• Liability insurance information (not required for a beginner's permit or ID)

• The South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS) main phone number is (605) 773-3178
• The South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver Licensing phone number is (605) 773-6883

Email the South Dakota DPS here: https://dps.sd.gov/contact

• South Dakota’s Department of Revenue’s MVD website for Motor Vehicle services is: https://dor.sd.gov/individuals/motor-vehicle/
• The South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver’s License services page is: https://dps.sd.gov/driver-licensing
• The South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS) online services page is: https://apps.sd.gov/RV66Portal/userlogin.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2frv66portal%
• South Dakota DPS Driver’s License appointments can be made online here:

https://apps.sd.gov/ps14schedulercovid/

South Dakota DPS hours and locations and branch phone numbers can be found here: https://dps.sd.gov/contact/locations

If you are under 18, you must have your parent or guardian’s written approval

A vision test is required to obtain a South Dakota Instruction Permit and Driver’s License

A physical exam is not required to obtain a South Dakota Instruction Permit or Driver’s License

A photograph will be taken at the South Dakota DMV

• After passing the written knowledge test, you must hold the Instruction Permit for a minimum of 275 days (or 180 days if an approved driver education class has been successfully completed). With your instruction permit, you will need to drive under the supervision of a licensed adult at all times. Driver education certificates can be used to waive testing for one year from the date of class completion
• After the above time period, you can apply for your Restricted Minor's Permit if you have not had any traffic convictions in the last six months.  You must pass a drive test at a driver exam station location or have successfully completed a state-approved driver education course.  All drive tests must be scheduled. With your restricted license, you are allowed to drive unaccompanied from 6:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.  You may drive with a legal guardian from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.