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South Dakota permit test: permits, licenses and the point system

License and permit types, required tests, restrictions, renewals, loss of driving privileges, instruction and restricted minor's permits and the point system. 20 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.

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Rules to remember10 key permits, licenses and the point system rulesShow the rules
  1. Holders of a valid out-of-state non-commercial license must apply for a South Dakota license within 90 days of becoming a resident. (p. 5)
  2. In South Dakota you can get an Instruction Permit at 14 if you pass the vision and knowledge tests. (p. 8)
  3. Instruction Permit holders may not use any type of wireless communication device while driving on public roads. (p. 8)
  4. A Restricted Minor's Permit allows driving from 6 a.m. (p. 8)
  5. Minors must hold the Instruction Permit for 275 days before upgrading, or 180 days if they pass an approved driver education course. (p. 8)
  6. The 50 supervised hours must include 10 hours in inclement weather and 10 hours after dark. (p. 8)
  7. The supervising adult must hold a valid driver's license, have at least one year of driving experience and sit beside the permit holder. (p. 8)
  8. When the holder reaches age 18, the Restricted Minor's Permit automatically converts to an Operator's License. (p. 8)
  9. Someone caught cheating cannot re-test the next day and must wait at least two weeks. (p. 10)
  10. If you fail a test, you may not re-test before the next working day. (p. 10)

Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.

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Sample permits, licenses and the point system questions

  1. 1.What is the youngest age at which you can get a South Dakota Instruction Permit?

    • A16 years old
    • B14 years old
    • C15 years old
    • D13 years old
    Show the answer

    ✓ B. 14 years old

    In South Dakota you can get an Instruction Permit at 14 if you pass the vision and knowledge tests.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (English) (REVISED 11/2024), page 8

  2. 2.A driver without proof of insurance is convicted. For how long must they then file SR22 proof of insurance?

    • A3 years
    • B5 years
    • C2 years
    • D1 year
    Show the answer

    ✓ A. 3 years

    A conviction for no proof of financial responsibility requires filing SR22 proof of insurance for 3 years from the date of eligibility.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (English) (REVISED 11/2024), page 14

  3. 3.How many hours of adult-supervised driving must an Instruction Permit holder under 18 complete?

    • A30 hours
    • B50 hours
    • C40 hours
    • D60 hours
    Show the answer

    ✓ B. 50 hours

    Permit holders must log 50 hours of adult-supervised driving, including 10 hours in bad weather and 10 hours after dark.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (English) (REVISED 11/2024), page 8

  4. 4.Where must the supervising adult sit while an Instruction Permit holder drives?

    • AIn the back seat behind the driver
    • BAnywhere in the vehicle
    • CIn the seat beside the driver
    • DIn a separate vehicle that follows
    Show the answer

    ✓ C. In the seat beside the driver

    The supervising adult must be seated beside the Instruction Permit holder.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (English) (REVISED 11/2024), page 8