South Dakota driver's license
Get your first license in South Dakota after moving to the US.
How it goes
- 1You arriveYou have moved to South Dakota and you want to drive here.
- 2Your permitYou practice on the road with a learner permit.
- 3The written testYou take the written test.
- 4Behind the wheelYou take the drive test behind the wheel.
- Your licenseYou pass the tests, and the license is yours.
What it costs
A first license
$38
You pay this when you apply.
If you just arrived in the US
If you have no license to transfer
If you are a commercial driver, reapplying within 30 days of your application means no testing, and reapplying within one year means only the knowledge tests.
Documents you need
- Documents that are still validEach document has its own rule: a permanent resident card (I-551), employment authorization document (I-766 or I-688B), or foreign passport must be unexpired. A foreign passport must also carry a valid, unexpired United States visa and come with the approved I-94 form from your latest entry into the United States.
Tests you take
Eye test
A license with no restrictions requires vision of 20/40 or better with both eyes and no worse than 20/50 in either eye; corrective lenses count. Below 20/40, an eye specialist's statement on a department form is required and restrictions such as corrective lenses or no night driving can be added; failing to score 20/60 or better with both eyes means the license is denied.
Drive test
Yes
Tries you get on the written test
The Department of Public Safety can issue a temporary permit that lets you drive while it finishes reviewing your application. Keep it with you when you drive; it stops being valid when your license is issued or refused.
If you fail a test, you cannot re-test before the next working day.
Each fee paid gives you three tries within a six-month period; after three failures, or after the six months, you pay the fee again. You cannot re-test before the next working day, and you can wait longer if you want more time to study.
Practice questions for the written test
The driver license manual is available in English and Spanish at sd.gov/dps?id=cs_kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0043733. The state does not provide pre-tests or sample tests.
The knowledge test is drawn from the driver license manual: you cannot pass it unless you know the information in the manual.
Practising with your permit
Who can sit with you while you practise
A licensed driver who is at least 18 years old and has at least one year of driving experience must be in the seat beside you.
What to bring to the drive test
Who comes with you
No passengers or pets are allowed in the vehicle during the road test.
No passengers or pets are permitted in the vehicle during the road test.
The car and its insurance
You must bring your own vehicle for the road test. No pets or passengers are allowed in the vehicle during the test.
You must bring your own vehicle for the road test.
Where to go
Who gives the tests
The South Dakota Department of Public Safety, or any person its secretary authorizes.
Booking an appointment
You can schedule, change, or cancel an appointment at 432201.waitwell.us/locations.
Office locations
You can apply at any driver licensing location; the list is at experience.arcgis.com/experience/f8c4832760c74cc1a91f193c107c2f4b.
Other states
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Every source, quoted16 sources
Every fact on this page is quoted from the page that publishes it, in the words it uses.
“Driver License $38”
sd.gov/dpsChecked July 26, 2026
“If I reapply within one year of the date of this application only knowledge testing will be required, and if I apply within 30 days of this application no testing will be required.”
sd.gov/sys_attachment.doChecked July 27, 2026
“(3) A valid, unexpired permanent resident card (form I-551 issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security or Immigration and Naturalization Services); (4) An unexpired employment authorization document issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security (form I-766 or I-688B); (5) An unexpired foreign passport with a valid, unexpired United States visa affixed accompanied by the approved I-94 form documenting the applicant's most recent entrance into the United States;”
sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/32-12Checked August 1, 2026
“61:06:01:06. Driver license without restrictions. If an applicant's visual acuity is 20/40 or better with both eyes, but no worse than 20/50 in either eye, the applicant shall be issued a driver license with no restrictions.”
sdlegislature.gov/api/Rules/20161.docxChecked August 1, 2026
“Pass a driving test with a score of 80% or higher. During this test, you must demonstrate your ability to safely operate a vehicle and perform normal driving tasks.”
sd.gov/dpsChecked July 27, 2026
“The Department of Public Safety may issue a temporary permit allowing the applicant to operate a motor vehicle while the department is completing its investigation and determination of all facts relative to the applicant's right to receive a driver license. The temporary permit shall be in that person's immediate possession while operating a motor vehicle, and it shall be invalid when the applicant's license has been issued or for good cause has been refused.”
sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/32-12Checked August 1, 2026
“If you fail any of the tests, you may not re-test before the next working day.”
sd.gov/dpsChecked July 27, 2026
“If you fail any of the tests, you may not re-test before the next working day. You may wait longer if you want more time to study the manual or practice. You are allowed three opportunities to test for each fee paid within a six-month period.”
sd.gov/dpsChecked July 28, 2026
“Need to study a driver license manual ahead of your visit? Click here [href: https://www.sd.gov/dps?id=cs_kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0043733] to visit a page where you can find the manual in English or Spanish. We do not provide pre-tests or sample tests.”
sd.gov/dpsChecked August 4, 2026
“This manual gives you information on safe driving rules and practices to help you become a safe driver. Be sure to read the manual carefully and completely. Unless you know the information contained in this manual, you cannot pass the knowledge test.”
sd.gov/sys_attachment.doChecked July 27, 2026
“Drivers must furnish their own vehicles for road tests. Pets or passengers are not allowed in the vehicle during road tests.”
sd.gov/dpsChecked August 1, 2026
“Pets or passengers are not allowed in the vehicle during road tests.”
sd.gov/dpsChecked August 4, 2026
“Drivers must furnish their own vehicles for road tests.”
sd.gov/dpsChecked August 4, 2026
“shall include an actual demonstration of ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of a motor vehicle”
sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/32-12Checked August 1, 2026
“https://432201.waitwell.us/locations (SCHEDULE, CHANGE OR CANCEL APPOINTMENT - the WaitWell scheduler)”
sd.gov/dpsChecked August 4, 2026
“you can apply at any driver licensing location [href: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/f8c4832760c74cc1a91f193c107c2f4b]”
sd.gov/dpsChecked July 27, 2026
Applying for a driver's license in South Dakota?
Answer a few questions and see the steps that apply to you.