The knowledge test has a significant failure rate. Here's exactly what to study and how to walk in prepared.
The South Dakota DPS knowledge test is 25 questions. You must answer at least 20 correctly (80%) to pass — meaning you can miss up to 5. There is no time limit.
You have 3 attempts per $28 fee within a 6-month period. If you fail 3 times, you pay again. If you fail, you must wait until the next working day before retesting — use that time to study the topics you missed.
Tests are taken at any South Dakota exam station. As of the current manual, you must schedule an appointment online at dps.sd.gov/driver-licensing or by phone at 605-773-6883.
Know: 0.08% (21+), 0.02% under 21 (Zero Tolerance), 0.04% CDL. 1st DWI: $300–$1,000 fine, 90–365 day suspension. Refusal = 1-year loss. SR22 required for 3 years after conviction.
Suspension at 15 pts/12 months or 22 pts/24 months. DWI = 10 pts + mandatory revocation. Reckless = 8. Eluding/drag racing = 6. Failure to yield/improper passing = 4. Stop sign = 3.
Permit at 14. Hold 275 days (180 with driver ed). Restricted permit: drive alone 6AM–10PM; 10PM–6AM parent must sit beside. No passengers except immediate family for first 6 months.
South Dakota law requires at least 3 feet clearance when passing a bicycle at 35 mph or below, and 6 feet when the speed limit is above 35 mph. Violating this is a Class 2 misdemeanor.
Always maintain a minimum following distance of 4 seconds from the vehicle ahead. Increase to more in slippery roads, bad weather, when towing, or when following motorcyclists.
Signal at least 100 feet before making a turn or changing lanes. At higher speeds (highway), signaling 4–5 seconds before the turn is better. Turn off signal after completing the maneuver.
You MUST stop for a school bus displaying red flashing lights — from any direction — unless the roadway is separated by a physical barrier. Proceed slowly after lights stop and arm retracts.
Dim high beams within 500 feet of oncoming traffic and when following another vehicle within 500 feet. Use low beams in fog, rain, or snow — high beams reflect and reduce visibility.
When parallel parking, the finished position must be within 12 inches of the curb. On a rural highway, at least 15 feet of road width must remain clear and the vehicle must be visible 500 feet in both directions.
Children under 5 must be in an approved restraint system. Children under 5 but weighing 40+ lbs may use a seatbelt alone. Children 12 and under should ride in the rear seat. All front-seat passengers must wear seatbelts.
Start with the 25-question exam simulator to see which areas you're weak in before deep study.
Memorize all the numbers — BAC limits, following distance, signal distance, point thresholds. These show up on every test.
The Weak Spots mode saves every question you got wrong. Replay it until you're hitting 90%+ before scheduling your test.
Download the SD Driver License Manual from dps.sd.gov/driver-licensing. The test comes from this manual specifically.
Specific numbers (distances, BAC levels, fees) are either right or wrong. Use the cheat sheet to drill these until memorized.
Sign questions are visual — shape and color matter as much as meaning. Use the Road Signs Quiz mode to practice all 43 signs.
530+ questions based on the official South Dakota DPS Driver License Manual. Free, no signup required.
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