Your car starts to skid on a slippery road. You should:

Ease off the gas and steer where you want to go

Turn the wheel sharply the other way

When turning left at an intersection with a green light (no arrow), you must:

Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians

South Dakota DPS Permit Practice Test

Practice free with questions based on the official South Dakota driver handbook, with every answer explained.

Updated on 2026-11-06 · Ver en español

DMVPermitUSA is an independent study tool. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or operated by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety or any other government agency. Requirements were checked against official South Dakota sources (listed below) and can change: always confirm with the DPS before your test.

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South Dakota permit test at a glance

Agency	South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS)
Passing score	A score of at least 80%
Minimum permit age	14 years old
Permit holding period	275 days (180 days with approved driver education)
Supervised driving	50 hours, including 10 at night and 10 in bad weather
Provisional license from	age 14½
Full license	at 16
Test languages	The written knowledge test can be taken in English or Spanish, and the driver manual is available in both languages.
Official handbook	South Dakota Driver License Manual

Try 5 South Dakota permit test questions

In South Dakota, what is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers 21 and over? 0.02% / 0.05% / 0.08% / 0.10%. Answer: 0.08%. As in almost every state, the limit in South Dakota is 0.08% for drivers 21 and over; 0.04% for commercial drivers, and zero tolerance under 21.
Your car starts to skid on a slippery road. You should: Slam on the brakes / Ease off the gas and steer where you want to go / Turn the wheel sharply the other way / Accelerate out of the skid. Answer: Ease off the gas and steer where you want to go. Take your foot off the accelerator, avoid hard braking and steer smoothly in the direction you want the front of the car to go.
When turning left at an intersection with a green light (no arrow), you must: Go before oncoming traffic / Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians / Honk and turn / Wait for the light to turn red. Answer: Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. A solid green light allows a left turn only when it is safe: yield to oncoming vehicles and to pedestrians in the crosswalk.
A solid yellow line on your side of the center line means: Passing is allowed / Do not pass / Lane for turning only / Bicycle lane. Answer: Do not pass. A solid yellow line on your side means passing is not allowed. A broken line on your side means you may pass when it is safe.
A round yellow sign with a black X and two R letters means: Road closed / Railroad crossing ahead / Rest area / Roundabout ahead. Answer: Railroad crossing ahead. This advance warning sign tells you a railroad crossing is ahead: slow down, look and listen, and be ready to stop.

How the South Dakota DPS permit test works

The South Dakota knowledge test is a multiple-choice exam based on the official DPS handbook, the South Dakota Driver License Manual. To pass you need A score of at least 80%.

The written knowledge test can be taken in English or Spanish, and the driver manual is available in both languages.

South Dakota learner's permit requirements

In South Dakota you can apply for a learner's permit at 14. Applicants under 18 usually need a parent or guardian's consent.

Driver education is not required, but finishing an approved course shortens the instruction permit holding period from 275 to 180 days.

Before the road test, teen drivers must hold the permit for at least 275 days (180 days with approved driver education). Supervised driving required: 50 hours, including 10 at night and 10 in bad weather.

Proof of identity and date of birth (such as a birth certificate or passport).
Your Social Security number, if you have one.
Proof of South Dakota residency.
A vision screening and the knowledge test.

The DPS publishes the exact document list: check it before your appointment, especially if you want a REAL ID-compliant card.

South Dakota graduated driver licensing (GDL)

After the learner stage and the road test, teens can get a provisional (intermediate) license from age 14½.

With a restricted minor's permit, teens may drive alone from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. with parental permission; from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. a parent or guardian must sit beside them. For the first six months only immediate family or household members may ride along, then one non-family passenger under 18 is allowed.

Restrictions end and you hold a full, unrestricted license at 16, provided your record stays clean.

South Dakota rules worth knowing for the test

Signs and most rules are the same nationwide, but each state has its own laws — and the DPS test asks about them.

Instruction permit holders may drive only from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., with a licensed adult (18 or older, at least one year of experience) in the seat beside them.
Restricted minor's permit holders may not use any wireless communication device while driving.
A full operator's license is available at 16 after holding the restricted minor's permit for at least six months with no traffic convictions in the previous six months.
DPS does not provide official practice tests, so the driver manual is the main study source.

What the South Dakota knowledge test covers

Topics follow the chapters of the DPS handbook. These are the ones asked most often:

Road signs by shape and color (federal MUTCD standard): see the road signs guide.
Right-of-way at 4-way stops, left turns, crosswalks and for emergency vehicles: right-of-way rules.
Speed limits in mph and the 3-second following rule: speed guide.
Alcohol and drugs: the 0.08% BAC limit, zero tolerance under 21 and implied consent.
Traffic signals and pavement markings, parking, passing, and sharing the road with cyclists, motorcycles and trucks.

How to study for the South Dakota permit test

Read the official DPS handbook once cover to cover, then take practice tests by topic to find your weak spots. Once you consistently score above 90%, take a full timed mock exam.

Drill the numbers — ages, distances, speed and BAC limits — they are the most-missed questions. More tips in how to pass the permit test.

How to get your learner's permit in South Dakota

Check the minimum age In South Dakota, you can apply for a learner's permit at 14.
Complete the required course Driver education is not required, but finishing an approved course shortens the instruction permit holding period from 275 to 180 days.
Study the handbook and practice Read the official DPS handbook and take practice tests until you pass comfortably.
Gather your documents Proof of identity, Social Security number and South Dakota residency; parental consent if under 18.
Pass the vision and knowledge tests To pass you need A score of at least 80%.
Drive supervised Hold the permit for at least 275 days (180 days with approved driver education). Supervised driving: 50 hours, including 10 at night and 10 in bad weather.
Take the road test From age 14½ you can get a provisional license.

South Dakota permit test FAQ

What score do you need to pass the South Dakota permit test?

You need A score of at least 80%.

How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in South Dakota?

You can apply at 14. Applicants under 18 usually need a parent or guardian's consent.

How long do you have to hold your permit in South Dakota?

At least 275 days (180 days with approved driver education) for teen drivers. Supervised driving required: 50 hours, including 10 at night and 10 in bad weather.

Can I take the South Dakota permit test in Spanish?