Master the South Dakota DPS Permit Test
South Dakota's DMV knowledge test has 25 questions and requires 20 correct to pass. Applicants can begin at age 14 and must log 50 supervised hours, including 10 at night, before moving toward a Minor's Restricted License. Preparing for CDL? Check here
No signup required • No ads • Updated for 2026
DMV Question Bank1. The South Dakota driver's license
25 questions available
2. An Introduction to Driving
54 questions available
DMV Question BankHow to Pass the South Dakota DPS Permit Test
Before you set off to explore the sights around the majestic Mount Rushmore or exploring the Black Hills or navigate the streets of South Dakota, you must pass the DPS written knowledge exam. The state sets a high bar, requiring a passing score of 80% (getting at least 20 out of 25 questions right). Avoid the frustration of failing, paying extra fees, and waiting to retake the test. Our practice tests are designed to get you ready on the first try.
Mastering the rules of the road is easy with our interactive study tools. We help you lock down essential topics like Road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices along with other fundamental driving concepts. Begin preparing today with our South Dakota DPS Exam State Guide or the official South Dakota Driver Handbook.
Quick glance at the South Dakota DPS Permit Test
Your South Dakota DPS Test, Broken Down by Topic
Know exactly what to study before test day. Explore 6 essential South Dakota DPS topics, with clear explanations, key rules, helpful tips, and targeted practice questions for each one.
Learn what matters. Practice with purpose. Walk into the DPS prepared.
Ready to put these tips into practice?
Start with our free practice questions and see how you perform, then upgrade to access our complete study system.
Free South Dakota DPS Practice Test PDF
Download our comprehensive practice test booklet with 50 South Dakota-specific questions. Ideal for printing, studying offline, or taking offline mock exams!
- 50 Real Exam Questions covering signs, signals, and laws
- Answer Key included with the correct answer for every question
- 100% mapped to the official 2026 SD DPS Handbook
- Print-friendly layout for convenient pen-and-paper practice
Your Questions Answered
Quick answers to the most common questions about the South Dakota DPS test
How many questions are on the South Dakota DPS permit test, and what is the passing score?
What is the minimum age to get an Instruction Permit in South Dakota?
Who is legally qualified to supervise a permit driver in South Dakota?
How long must you hold a South Dakota Instruction Permit before taking the drive test?
How many supervised driving hours does South Dakota require?
What driving hours and passenger limits apply to South Dakota Restricted Minor’s Permits?
- Driving Hours: Unaccompanied driving is permitted only between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. over direct routes between residence, school, or employment.
- Night Curfew: Driving between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. requires a licensed parent or legal guardian in the vehicle.
- Passenger Limit (First 6 Months): May carry only ONE non-family passenger under age 18 without a parent present.
- Wireless Device Ban: Complete ban on using cell phones while driving for minor permit holders.
What is South Dakota’s "Open Range" livestock law?
What are the default statutory speed limits in South Dakota when unposted?
- School Zones: 20 mph (or 15 mph where posted).
- Urban & Residential Districts: 25 mph.
- Gravel / Unpaved County Roads: 55 mph.
- Paved Two-Lane Rural State Highways: 65 mph.
- Four-Lane Divided Highways: 70 mph.
- Rural Interstate Freeways (I-90, I-29): 80 mph (South Dakota permits 80 mph on rural interstates).
What are the legal parking distance rules in South Dakota?
- Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
- Within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.
- Within 30 feet of a stop sign, yield sign, or traffic control signal.
- Within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing.
- Within 20 feet of a fire station driveway entrance (or 75 feet across the street).
- When parallel parked, wheels must be within 12 inches of the roadside curb.
What are South Dakota’s Zero Tolerance underage drinking laws and adult DUI limits?
Know the Questions Before You Take the Test
Questions are manually curated by the DMV Question Bank content team using the South Dakota DPS Handbook (2026). Each page in the DPS handbook is mapped to real permit test questions – so you practice with questions that closely mirror the actual DPS test.
SD DPS Practice Test 1
10 questions
SD DPS Practice Test 2
10 questions
SD DPS Practice Test 3
10 questions
SD DPS Practice Test 4
10 questions
SD DPS Practice Test 5
10 questions
Try the Exact 25-Question Format
Matches the real SD DPS test — 25 questions, need 20 to pass (80%)
Full Question Bank
350+ exam-like questions
Hard Questions
Tricky questions people miss
Road Signs Guide
Master all traffic signs
Our content team reviews the official South Dakota DPS handbook regularly and interviews recent test takers to ensure every question in our question bank is accurate, up to date, and aligned with current test standards.
Helpful Tips & Resources
Master every aspect of the South Dakota DMV test with our expert guides and insider knowledge.
Official SD DPS Audio Handbook
Listen to the entire South Dakota driver manual read aloud. Study hands-free on your commute or workout.
Learner's Document Checklist
Know exactly what to bring to the DPS — ID, proof of residency, SSN card, and more. No surprises.
Find SD DPS Offices
Hours, locations & wait times near you
Study Offline (PDF)
Printable practice tests & answer keys
SD Exact Test
Practice with the exact number of questions on the official test
Driving Schools
Verified behind-the-wheel instruction near you
