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South Dakota Driver Handbook

This manual is published by SD DPS. Open it on the agency site — that copy is always the current edition.

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South Dakota Driver Handbook

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Published by SD DPS

We do not host a copy of this manual. The button above opens the current edition on the SD DPS website, which is always the authoritative version.

Testing at a Glance for South Dakota

Once you've read the handbook, here's what to expect at the SD DPS knowledge test.

Question count

25

Passing score

80%

Test fee

$28

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Documents You'll Need When You Take the South Dakota Test

Certified birth certificate, Social Security card, two pieces of mail proving residence (in applicant's or parent's name); parental consent if under 18.

South Dakota-Specific Rules Covered in This Handbook

Rules unique to South Dakota that SD DPS weights heavily in the knowledge test — you'll see these in the handbook chapters.

  • gavel Instruction permit available at age 14 (one of youngest minimums in U.S.)
  • gavel Must hold instruction permit 275 days (or 180 with driver's ed) before restricted minor's permit
  • gavel 50 hours supervised driving required, including 10 hrs inclement weather and 10 hrs after dark
  • gavel Restricted minor's permit bans driving 10 p.m.-6 a.m. without parent/guardian
  • gavel All wireless device use banned while driving on instruction/restricted permit

After You Pass: South Dakota License Renewal

License valid for

5 years

Renewal fee

$28

Renew early

Up to 180 days before expiration

arrow_forward Full South Dakota renewal guide

More South Dakota Driving Resources

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South Dakota Practice Tests

Free 25-question practice sets sourced from this handbook.

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SD DPS Offices Near You

Addresses, hours, and directions for every South Dakota DMV location.

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Renew Your South Dakota License

Fees, timing, online eligibility, and REAL ID requirements.

South Dakota Handbook FAQ

Is this the official South Dakota driver handbook?

We do not host a copy of it. SD DPS publishes the official manual on its own website, and the button above opens that edition — always the authoritative one.

What documents does SD DPS require when I show up for the test?

Certified birth certificate, Social Security card, two pieces of mail proving residence (in applicant's or parent's name); parental consent if under 18.

How is the South Dakota knowledge test administered after I finish reading?

Knowledge test on rules of road and safe driving; passing score 80% or higher.

Do I have to read the whole South Dakota handbook to pass the test?

The SD DPS test has 25 questions and you need 20 correct (80%) to pass. All questions come from the handbook, but strategic readers focus on Signs, Right-of-Way, and Signaling first — those chapters carry the most test weight.

How current is this South Dakota handbook version?

SD DPS reissues the handbook when state law changes. Because we link straight to the agency, the button above always opens whatever edition is current.

Where do I actually take the South Dakota test after reading the handbook?

At any SD DPS location. Use our /dmv-near-me/sd finder for the nearest office with address, hours, and phone.

Is the South Dakota driver handbook free to download?

Yes. SD DPS publishes it free as a PDF. If a website is charging to "download" the handbook, it's a scam — the state's official version is always free.

Can I read the South Dakota handbook on my phone?

Yes. The SD DPS site serves the manual as a PDF that opens fine on a phone.