Step-by-step guide to South Dakota's Graduated Driver Licensing program — from first permit at 14 to full license at 16.
Anyone at least 14 years old can apply for an Instruction Permit. Pass the vision test and knowledge test at any SD exam station. Parent or legal guardian consent is required for all applicants under 18.
The permit is valid for 5 years. The cost is $28.
While on the permit: Must drive under adult supervision — supervisor must have a valid license, sit beside you, and have at least 1 year of driving experience. No wireless communication devices while driving.
Hold the Instruction Permit for a minimum of 275 days before upgrading — OR 180 days if you successfully complete an approved Department of Education driver education course (must score 80% or better on both the written and driving portions).
Complete a minimum of 50 hours of supervised driving on the permit, including:
• 10 hours of night driving
• 10 hours in inclement weather conditions
After completing permit requirements, pass the driving (road) test to get a Restricted Minor's Permit. You must not have been convicted of a traffic violation in the 6 months prior to application.
Cost: $28. Valid for 5 years or until age 18, when it automatically converts to an Operator's License.
You must hold the Restricted Minor's Permit for a minimum of 6 months. No passengers except immediate family or household members for the first 6 months.
To get a full Operator's License you must be at least 16 years old, complete all Instruction Permit and Restricted Minor's Permit requirements, and not have been convicted of a traffic violation in the past 6 months.
Cost: $28. Valid for 5 years.
If you're under 21, your license expires 30 days after your 21st birthday. You may renew up to 180 days before expiration.
Drive alone 6 AM – 10 PM with parent/guardian permission · Drive with parent/guardian beside you any hour · Drive to/from work, school event, church/church event after 10 PM · Drive farm machinery (not subject to registration)
No driving alone after 10 PM (unless going to/from work, school, church, or farm work) · No passengers other than immediate family or household for first 6 months · No wireless communication devices while driving at any time
Every application requires: A completed application form (available at the exam station or online) and 2 documents proving your South Dakota physical address (must be less than 1 year old).
Acceptable address documents include: utility bill, bank statement, pay stub, mortgage document, rent receipt, tax document, phone bill, homeowner's insurance, or school transcript/report card.
Identity documents must be originals — no photocopies. A hospital-issued birth certificate is not acceptable; it must be a certified copy with the state seal.
• A parent or legal guardian can withdraw consent for a minor's driving privileges at any time. The minor must restart the licensing process, or wait until age 18.
• A traffic violation conviction while under 16 triggers a 30-day suspension. A second violation or Class 1 Misdemeanor/Felony results in a 180-day suspension or until the driver's 16th birthday, whichever is longer.
• Permit and restricted permit holders may not use any wireless communication device — including mobile phones, text messaging devices, and personal digital assistants — while operating a motor vehicle (p.8).
• All applicants under 18 must have parent or guardian present at the exam station for every application.
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