South Dakota DMV Permit Practice Test 2026

This page covers what you need to know for the South Dakota driver's license knowledge exam: how the test works, the South Dakota-specific rules that often show up on it, and sample questions with explained answers. Everything here is based on the official South Dakota driver's manual and state traffic code (sources are listed at the bottom). The real South Dakota test has 25 questions and you need 20 correct (80%) to pass.

When you're ready, take a free 25-question practice test that mixes South Dakota-specific questions with general driving questions, with an explanation after every answer. Each attempt draws a new set. No signup needed.

South Dakota Permit Test and Licensing Facts

Knowledge Test	25 questions, must score 20/25 (80%) to pass
Minimum Permit Age	14
Minimum License Age	16 (Restricted Minor's Permit)
Speed Limits	Highway: up to 80 mph \| Residential: 25 mph \| School Zone: 15 mph
DUI Law	BAC limit: 0.08% (Under 21: 0.02%)
Point System	Points range from 2 to 10. 15 points in 12 months or 22 in 24 months triggers suspension.

Rules Specific to South Dakota

On roads posted 35 mph or more, drivers must stay at least 200 feet behind a snowplow with its lights on
South Dakota allows 80 mph on certain interstate highways
South Dakota has no vehicle inspection requirement

Sample South Dakota Permit Test Questions

These questions cover rules that are specific to South Dakota. They're the ones people most often miss, because the answer differs from state to state.

For drivers under 21, having physical evidence of at least what BAC is an offense under state law?
- A. 0.00% BAC
- B. 0.02% BAC
- C. 0.05% BAC
- D. 0.08% BAC
Answer: 0.02% BAC. Underage alcohol-driving laws use a much lower BAC level than the adult DUI standard.
Child passenger law: a child must be in an approved child passenger restraint system when under what age AND under what weight?
- A. Under 4 years and under 30 pounds
- B. Under 5 years and under 40 pounds
- C. Under 6 years and under 50 pounds
- D. Under 8 years and under 57 pounds
Answer: Under 5 years and under 40 pounds. Use a restraint that fits the child and is installed correctly every trip.
Move Over law on a two-lane highway: at least how far before the stopped authorized vehicle must you begin slowing as required by statute?
- A. At least 100 feet
- B. At least 200 feet
- C. At least 300 feet
- D. At least 500 feet
Answer: At least 300 feet. Slow down early and proceed with caution to protect people working along the roadway.
If you cannot change lanes for a stopped authorized vehicle on a two-lane road, how much must you reduce speed relative to the posted limit (when the posted limit is above 20 mph)?
- A. At least 5 mph less than the posted limit
- B. At least 10 mph less than the posted limit
- C. At least 15 mph less than the posted limit
- D. At least 20 mph less than the posted limit
Answer: At least 20 mph less than the posted limit. The law requires a significant speed reduction when you cannot safely move over.
Parking rule: you must not park within what distance of a fire hydrant?
- A. Within 10 feet
- B. Within 15 feet
- C. Within 20 feet
- D. Within 30 feet
Answer: Within 15 feet. Keep hydrants clear so emergency crews can access them without delay.
What is the minimum age for a South Dakota Instruction Permit?
- A. 13
- B. 14
- C. 15
- D. 16
Answer: 14. You must be at least 14 and pass the vision and knowledge tests.
How much adult-supervised driving must a South Dakota Instruction Permit holder complete?
- A. 30 hours
- B. 40 hours, 10 at night
- C. 50 hours, including 10 in bad weather and 10 after dark
- D. 60 hours
Answer: 50 hours, including 10 in bad weather and 10 after dark. Permit holders must complete 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 in inclement weather and 10 after dark.
Who must sit beside a South Dakota Instruction Permit holder?
- A. Any adult
- B. A licensed adult with at least one year of driving experience
- C. A parent only
- D. A licensed driver 25 or older
Answer: A licensed adult with at least one year of driving experience. The supervising adult must hold a license, have at least a year of driving experience, and sit beside the permit holder.
Can South Dakota Instruction Permit and Restricted Minor's Permit holders use a phone while driving?
- A. Yes, hands-free
- B. No, no wireless communication devices at all
- C. Yes, at stop signs
- D. Only for navigation
Answer: No, no wireless communication devices at all. Permit holders may not use any type of wireless communication device while driving on public roads.
What is the minimum age for a South Dakota Restricted Minor's Permit under the current manual?
- A. 14
- B. 14½
- C. 15
- D. 16
Answer: 16. The current manual says you must be at least 16, have met the Instruction Permit requirements, passed the driving test, and had no violations in the prior six months.
With a South Dakota restricted permit, when may a minor drive with parental permission and no supervisor?
- A. Any time
- B. 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- C. 5 a.m. to midnight
- D. Daylight only
Answer: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.. The holder may drive from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. with a parent's or guardian's permission; other hours require supervision.
On a South Dakota road posted 35 mph or more, how far must you stay behind a snowplow with its lights on?
- A. 50 feet
- B. 100 feet
- C. 200 feet
- D. 500 feet
Answer: 200 feet. The law requires you to stay at least 200 feet behind a snowplow with red or amber lights on.
When must you dim your high beams in South Dakota?
- A. Within 200 feet of an oncoming vehicle
- B. Within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle, and when closer than 500 feet behind another vehicle
- C. Only in cities
- D. Never on highways
Answer: Within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle, and when closer than 500 feet behind another vehicle. Dim within 500 feet (about a block) of an oncoming vehicle, and use low beams when closer than 500 feet behind another vehicle.
How many points trigger a South Dakota license suspension?
- A. 10 in 12 months
- B. 12 in 12 months
- C. 15 in 12 months or 22 in 24 months
- D. 20 in 36 months
Answer: 15 in 12 months or 22 in 24 months. Accumulating 15 points in 12 months or 22 points in 24 months makes you subject to suspension.
How long is a first point-system suspension in South Dakota?
- A. 30 days
- B. 60 days
- C. 6 months
- D. 1 year
Answer: 60 days. First suspension: 60 days. Second: 6 months. Later suspensions: 1 year.
What is the fine range for a first South Dakota alcohol conviction?
- A. $100 to $500
- B. $300 to $1,000
- C. $500 to $2,000
- D. $1,000 to $5,000
Answer: $300 to $1,000. A first conviction brings a $300–$1,000 fine plus costs, 15 to 365 days in jail, and a 90–365 day suspension or revocation.
What following distance does the South Dakota manual recommend at minimum?
- A. 2 seconds
- B. 3 seconds
- C. 4 seconds
- D. 6 seconds
Answer: 4 seconds. Always try to keep a minimum following distance of 4 seconds.
Who must wear seat belts in South Dakota?
- A. Only the driver
- B. Drivers, front seat passengers, and children under 18
- C. Everyone in the vehicle over 18
- D. Only children
Answer: Drivers, front seat passengers, and children under 18. The law requires drivers, front-seat passengers, and children under 18 to wear appropriate restraints.

South Dakota Permit Test FAQ

How many questions are on the South Dakota permit test?

The South Dakota knowledge test has 25 multiple-choice questions. You need at least 20 correct answers (80%) to pass.

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

The minimum age for a learner's permit in South Dakota is 14. The minimum age for a driver's license is 16 (Restricted Minor's Permit).

What is the legal blood alcohol limit in South Dakota?

South Dakota calls impaired driving DUI. The limit is 0.08% BAC for drivers 21 and over, and 0.02% for drivers under 21.

How does the South Dakota driver point system work?

Points range from 2 to 10. 15 points in 12 months or 22 in 24 months triggers suspension.

What are the default speed limits in South Dakota?

Typical limits in South Dakota are up to 80 mph on highways, 25 mph in residential areas and 15 mph in school zones. Posted signs always take priority.

Sources

The facts and questions on this page are based on the following official South Dakota government sources:

Facts and questions last checked against the South Dakota Driver License Manual on September 26, 2026.

Laws change. Always check the current South Dakota driver's manual before your test. This site is unofficial and not affiliated with any South Dakota government agency.