What to do, what to bring, and what to expect at the DPS office — start to finish.
A South Dakota motorcycle instruction permit lets you practice riding under supervision while you prepare for a full motorcycle endorsement. You apply in person at a driver licensing exam station, and the knowledge test is based on the South Dakota Motorcycle Operator Manual.
The steps below follow the official South Dakota Driver Licensing process. Always confirm current fees and accepted documents at dps.sd.gov before you go.
You can apply for a motorcycle instruction permit at age 14. You must meet South Dakota's identity, residence and Social Security documentation requirements, and you cannot have a suspended or revoked driving privilege in any state.
Study the South Dakota Motorcycle Operator Manual — the MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual, 18th Edition, with a South Dakota front section. The knowledge test questions come from it.
At the exam station you take a vision screening and the motorcycle knowledge test. You need 80% — 20 of 25 questions — to pass. Your fee covers three attempts within six months.
The motorcycle instruction permit fee is $28. The permit is valid for one year.
On the permit you may ride only between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., and you must be accompanied by a licensed motorcycle operator who is at least 18 and has a year of riding experience, riding a separate motorcycle. Carry approved eye protection unless your bike has a windshield, and wear a helmet if you are under 18.
When you are ready, pass the on-cycle skill test (or complete an approved Basic Rider Course within a year to waive both tests) to add the motorcycle endorsement to your license. The full endorsement is available at age 16.
Check the official DPS page for current fees and accepted forms of payment.
Source: Some test details are confirmed by the state agency; the rest reflect the consensus of major rider-education sources. dps.sd.gov states the written test must be passed at 80% or higher; the 25-question count is the third-party consensus. The manual is the standardized MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual, 18th Edition (June 2020), with a South Dakota DPS front section (Revised October 2020).