South Dakota Motorcycle Knowledge Test — FAQ

The South Dakota motorcycle knowledge test has 25 multiple-choice questions drawn from the Motorcycle Operator Manual. The 25-question count comes from third-party sources; the South Dakota DPS publishes the passing standard but not an exact count.

You must score 80% or higher, which is 20 of 25 questions correct. The 80% standard is stated by South Dakota Driver Licensing for the knowledge test.

Your test fee allows three attempts to pass within a six-month period. After three attempts, or after six months, you must pay the fee again before testing (SDCL 32-12-2).

You can apply for a motorcycle instruction permit at age 14. A full motorcycle license (endorsement) is available at 16.

A permit holder may ride only between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., and must be accompanied by a licensed motorcycle operator who is at least 18 and has a year of riding experience, on a separate motorcycle. The permit is valid for one year.

You pass a vision screening and a written knowledge test at a driver licensing exam station. The motorcycle instruction permit fee is $28.

Yes. If you complete a state-approved Basic Rider Course within one year, the course waives both the written knowledge test and the on-cycle riding (skills) test at the driver licensing office.

Without a course waiver, most riders pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skill test. The skill test checks basic vehicle control and crash-avoidance maneuvers such as stopping, turning, and swerving.

Only riders and passengers under 18 are required by law to wear a DOT-compliant helmet (SDCL 32-20-4). Riders 18 and older may legally ride without one, though the manual strongly recommends a helmet for everyone.

Yes — for every rider, at every age. You must wear glasses or goggles unless your motorcycle has a windshield of sufficient height (SDCL 32-20-4.1). This rule is broader than the helmet law. Tinted eye protection should not be worn after dark.

No. The motorcycle knowledge test is a separate test based on the Motorcycle Operator Manual. If you do not already hold a South Dakota driver license, you must also meet the regular driver license requirements.

At a minimum it needs a headlight, taillight and brake light, both front and rear brakes, turn signals, a horn, and two mirrors (Motorcycle Operator Manual).

To carry a passenger you need the motorcycle passenger endorsement, which requires passing a knowledge test and a road skills test while carrying a passenger. A three-wheel or sidecar motorcycle uses its own sidecar/trike endorsement.

Study the South Dakota Motorcycle Operator Manual, which is the standardized Motorcycle Safety Foundation Motorcycle Operator Manual, 18th Edition (June 2020), with a South Dakota Department of Public Safety section added at the front.

An adult is legally intoxicated at a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher. Riders under 21 face a much lower limit of 0.00% to 0.02%. Refusing a breath test brings a mandatory license suspension.

The South Dakota motorcycle instruction permit fee is $28, and converting the permit is also $28. Always confirm current fees with the Driver Licensing Program before you go.

Apply at a South Dakota driver licensing exam station. The Driver Licensing Program is part of the Department of Public Safety in Pierre; details and locations are at dps.sd.gov or by calling 605-773-6883.

The manual urges you to keep the headlight on at all times — during the day a motorcycle with its light on is about twice as likely to be noticed by other drivers.