South Dakota Driver's License Practice Test – Free Instruction Permit Prep

Practice for your South Dakota instruction permit with free South Dakota DMV practice tests updated for 2026. Questions cover the road rules, signs and safe-driving topics in the South Dakota Driver License Manual, with an instant explanation for every answer.

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Your South Dakota Permit Test Study Plan

All 10 tests are free, with no signup. Work down the steps, or jump to any test.

  1. Take the full practice tests

    Five tests of 50 questions each. Every answer is explained as soon as you pick it.

    Practice Test 1 50 questions Emergency Vehicle Red Signals · Multi-Lane Amber Warning Lights · Two-Lane Amber Warning Lights Practice Test 2 50 questions Yellow Warning Sign Color · Orange Construction Sign Color · SD Four-Second Following Distance Practice Test 3 50 questions Octagon Shape · Triangle Shape · Circle Shape Practice Test 4 50 questions Multi-Lane Amber Warning Lights · Slippery Road Technique · Hydroplaning Definition Practice Test 5 50 questions Move Over Violation Penalty · Circular Railroad Sign Shape · Pentagon School Sign Shape

  2. Review with the Quick Test

    25 mixed questions for a fast check on what you remember.

    Quick Test 25 questions SD New Resident License Deadline · Fatigue Definition · Drowsy Driving Response

  3. Drill with the Mini Tests

    Four short 12-question tests for a few minutes of practice a day.

    Mini Test 1 12 questions Fatigue Effect on Driving · Drowsy Driving Response · Mirror Adjustment Importance Mini Test 2 12 questions Lane Change Prerequisites · 4-Second Following Distance Purpose · Increase Following Distance Mini Test 3 12 questions Uncontrolled Intersection · White Edge Line · Curve Approach Mini Test 4 12 questions Parking Uphill With Curb · Parking Downhill With Curb · Signal Before Turning

  4. Read the South Dakota Driver License Manual

    The real test is based on the official manual. Use it to look up anything you missed.

    South Dakota Driver License ManualOfficial, from the state

  5. Take the real test

    Aim for 90% or higher on these tests first. Then take your written test with the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.

    SD teen driver informationOfficial state website

South Dakota Permit Test Facts

You can get a South Dakota instruction permit at 14 with a parent's or guardian's consent. You must pass the knowledge and vision tests, but the knowledge test is waived if you show a certificate proving you passed an approved driver education course within the last year. Make an appointment online or by calling 605-773-6883 (see the state's teen driver information).

Number of questions
25
Passing score
20 correct (80%)
Minimum age
14, with a parent's or guardian's consent
Permit fee
$38
Time limit
None
If you fail
Retake the next business day
Where
A driver exam station, by appointment (online or 605-773-6883)
Online testing
Yes, through KnowToDrive
Test languages
English and Spanish
Skip the test
Waived with a driver education certificate from the last year
Hold your permit
275 days (180 after driver's ed) before a restricted minor's permit
Supervised driving
50 hours, including 10 after dark and 10 in bad weather

South Dakota Permit Test FAQ

How old do you have to be to get an instruction permit in South Dakota?

At least 14. A parent or guardian must give consent, either in person at a driver exam station or with a notarized Parental Consent Form.

How many questions are on the South Dakota permit test?

The South Dakota knowledge test has 25 questions, and you need 20 correct (80%) to pass. It's waived if you show a certificate proving you passed an approved driver education course within the last year.

Can you skip the South Dakota permit test?

Yes. The knowledge test is waived if you show a certificate proving you passed an approved driver education course within the last year. You still take the vision test.

How do you schedule the South Dakota permit test?

Make an appointment online through the Department of Public Safety, or call 605-773-6883.

When can you get a restricted minor's permit in South Dakota?

After holding your instruction permit for 275 days (or 180 days after passing driver's ed), with 50 hours of adult-supervised driving, including 10 hours in inclement weather and 10 hours after dark (see the state's graduated licensing pamphlet).

Is this the same as the South Dakota DMV test?

Yes. These tests prepare you for the knowledge test given by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.

About These Tests

Questions and facts on this page are reviewed and approved by Brennan McIlwain, the site owner, before they're published. Official sources we check: South Dakota Driver License Manual, SD graduated licensing pamphlet, SD teen driver information. Spotted a mistake? Use "Report a mistake" under any question, or email contact@drivingpracticetests.com.