South Dakota learner’s permit requirements
Everything here comes from South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Driver Licensing Program pages, handbooks or state law, and each fact links to its source. Where South Dakota doesn’t publish something, we say so rather than guess.
Last checked September 22, 2026.
At a glance
- Minimum age
- 14 years
- Fees
- $38 total
- Supervised driving
- 50 hours (10 at night)
- Where you take the test
- In person
The knowledge test and your permit
- Time limit
- None published
- Permit and test fees
- $38 totalThe $38 instruction permit fee covers up to three test attempts within six months; teens and adults pay the same, and the restricted minor's permit is also $38.Sources 123
- Minimum age for a permit
- 14 yearsInstruction permit at 14 with parent/guardian consent; knowledge test waived with an approved driver-education certificate issued within the last year.Sources 263
From permit to full license
- Instruction permit at 14 (vision + knowledge test, $38); supervised only, by a licensed adult with 1+ year experience seated beside the driver; 50 hours supervised driving incl. 10 at night and 10 in inclement weather.
- Hold 275 days (180 days with approved driver ed) before a Restricted Minor's Permit (drive alone 6 a.m.-10 p.m.; no non-family passengers for first 6 months, then one passenger under 18).
- Restricted permit held 6 months, conviction-free, then full Operator's License at 16.
Before you go
Rules and fees change. Confirm appointments, documents and current fees on the official South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Driver Licensing Program website: sd.gov.