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Based on South Dakota DPS Handbook 2026

South Dakota DMV Permit Practice Test 25 Questions 2026

Medium difficulty
⏱ ~15 min
πŸ“Š Avg. first-try score: 71%

Perfect for: Learner's permit applicants β€’ First-time license applicants in South Dakota

This practice test mirrors the exact format of the real SD DMV permit test: 25 multiple-choice questions, need 20/25 to pass (80%). Topics covered match the official 2026 South Dakota DPS Driver Handbook.

How the SD DMV Permit Test Works

The South Dakota knowledge test is administered in person at any South Dakota DPS driver license office. Understanding the format helps you prepare effectively and avoid surprises on test day.

DetailDPS Requirement
Number of questions25 multiple-choice
Passing score20/25 (80%)
Questions you can missUp to 5
Time limitNo time limit (take your time)
Test formatIn-person at DMV offices or Online where eligible
Retake wait periodCan retake after 1 day if failed

What the 25 Questions Cover

The DPS knowledge test draws questions from across the official South Dakota Driver Handbook. Here is a breakdown of the topic areas and approximate number of questions in each category.

Topic AreaApprox. Questions
Traffic laws & speed limits~6 questions
Road signs & signals~5 questions
Safe driving practices~4 questions
GDL rules & teen driving restrictions~4 questions
Alcohol & drug laws~4 questions
Right-of-way & parking rules~3 questions

Study Tip

Focus on state-specific rules that differ from neighboring states β€” GDL ages, curfew times, BAC thresholds, and department-specific retake policies are frequently tested and easy to confuse.

Interactive Exam Simulator

SD DMV Permit Practice Test β€” 25 Questions

Question 1 of 250% Complete

South Dakota is one of only a few states where a teenager can apply for a learner's permit at age 14. What type of permit is issued at age 14 in South Dakota?

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Questions are created and maintained by the DMV Question Bank content team following a rigorous editorial process. Content is updated regularly to reflect the latest South Dakota Driver Handbook and South Dakota traffic laws.

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Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the South Dakota DPS permit test, and what is the passing score?
The South Dakota DPS knowledge test has 25 multiple-choice questions based on the South Dakota Driver License Manual. You need to answer at least 20 correctly (80%) to pass. You can miss up to 5 questions.
What is the minimum age to get an Instruction Permit in South Dakota?
South Dakota allows teenagers to apply for an Instruction Permit at age 14 with parental consent after passing the written knowledge test and vision screening.
Who is legally qualified to supervise a permit driver in South Dakota?
Under South Dakota law, a permit driver must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 18 years old and has at least 1 year of driving experience (or parent/guardian) in the front seat.
How long must you hold a South Dakota Instruction Permit before the road test?
Teens must hold their permit for at least 180 days (or 90 days if completing an approved Driver Education course) before taking the road test for a Restricted Minor’s Permit at age 14Β½.
How many supervised driving hours does South Dakota require?
South Dakota requires 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including at least 10 hours in inclement weather or at night, certified on the official Driving Log by a parent/guardian.
What curfew and passenger limits apply to SD Restricted Minor's Permit holders?
Restricted permit holders may drive unaccompanied only between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. and cannot carry more than 1 non-family passenger under 18 for the first 6 months. Cell phones are banned.
What is South Dakota's 'Open Range' livestock law?
In rural open range areas, livestock may legally roam on roadways. Motorists are legally responsible for watching for and avoiding collisions with livestock.
What are the default statutory speed limits in South Dakota?
Unless posted otherwise, speed limits in South Dakota are: 20 mph in school zones; 25 mph in urban/residential districts; 55 mph on gravel roads; 65 mph on highways; and 80 mph on rural interstates.
What parking distance rules are tested on the South Dakota DPS exam?
In South Dakota, you cannot park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, 20 feet of a crosswalk, 30 feet of a stop sign or signal, or 50 feet of a railroad track. Parallel parking must be within 12 inches of the curb.
What are South Dakota's Zero Tolerance DUI laws for drivers under 21?
South Dakota enforces a 0.02% Zero Tolerance BAC limit for drivers under 21 (0.08% for adults). Underage DUI or chemical test refusal carries a mandatory license suspension/revocation.

Related South Dakota Resources

Full SD DMV Practice Test Bank

Hundreds of South Dakota-specific practice questions

SD DMV Permit Test Guide

Eligibility, fees, documents, and office locations

Official South Dakota Driver Handbook

Read or download the 2026 DPS handbook

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