South Dakota permit test: permits & licensing
Learner permit rules, graduated licensing, supervision, curfews and passenger limits. 17 questions.
What is the youngest age at which you can get a South Dakota Instruction Permit?
Keyboard: press 1–4 or A–D to answer, Enter for the next question, S to save, R to read aloud, P to pause reading, L to listen and answer.
Sample permits & licensing questions
What is the youngest age at which you can get a South Dakota Instruction Permit?
- A 15
- B 13
- C 16
- D 14
Show answer
D. 14
In South Dakota you can get an Instruction Permit at 14 by passing the vision and knowledge tests. A parent or guardian must consent for anyone under 18, and the permit only allows driving with a qualified adult beside you.
A 14-year-old has not taken driver education. How long must they hold the Instruction Permit before upgrading to a Restricted Minor's Permit?
- A 90 days
- B 180 days
- C 275 days
- D One full year
Show answer
C. 275 days
Minors must hold the Instruction Permit continuously for 275 days before upgrading. The period drops to 180 days if they pass an approved driver education course. The long holding period gives new drivers time to build supervised experience.
To qualify for the shorter 180-day Instruction Permit holding period, what must a minor achieve in an approved driver education course?
- A A score of 80% or better on both the written and driving portions
- B A score of 70% or better on the written portion only
- C Attendance at every class, with no minimum score
- D A score of 80% or better on the driving portion only
Show answer
A. A score of 80% or better on both the written and driving portions
Minors normally hold the Instruction Permit for 275 days. Successfully completing an approved Department of Education driver education course, meaning a score of 80% or better on both the written and driving portions, cuts that to 180 days. The course has to be passed, not just attended.
How many hours of adult-supervised driving must a minor complete on a South Dakota Instruction Permit?
- A 30 hours
- B 50 hours
- C 60 hours
- D 40 hours
Show answer
B. 50 hours
A minor must log 50 hours of adult-supervised driving on the Instruction Permit. That total must include 10 hours in inclement weather and 10 hours after dark, so new drivers practice in harder conditions before driving alone.