Driving Tests

South Dakota Permit Test: What's on It, the 80% Pass Mark and Retakes

informational·how to guide·Published June 21, 2026

What is on the South Dakota permit test, and what score do you need?

The South Dakota knowledge test covers rules of the road and safe-driving practices, and you need a score of 80% or higher. You also pass a vision test. You take both at a driver exam station by appointment. After a fail, you can retest on the next working day. One $38 fee gives you three tries within six months.

Where the South Dakota permit test facts come from

This guide uses the South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS) page on driver license testing, South Dakota Codified Laws (SDCL) 32-12-2 and the current South Dakota Driver License Manual. It also uses the DPS pages on appointments, licensing information, teen drivers, fees and manuals, the DPS Teen Driver Pamphlet, and SDCL 32-12-4 and 32-12-126. DPS gives no question count or time limit for the knowledge test, so ask DPS when you book. The rules are as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the South Dakota Department of Public Safety (dps.sd.gov) before you drive.

What is on the South Dakota instruction permit test?

For a first instruction permit, you pass a vision test and a knowledge test at a driver exam station. The knowledge test covers rules of the road and safe-driving practices. State law adds that the license examination checks your eyesight, your ability to read and understand highway signs, and your knowledge of South Dakota traffic laws. Try our free question on which tests a first permit needs.

How do you pass, and how is the vision test scored?

You need 80% or higher on the knowledge test. The driving test, which comes later, also needs 80% or higher.
For a license with no restrictions, the manual sets 20/40 or better with both eyes and no worse than 20/50 in either eye. If you wear glasses or contacts for the vision test, you must wear them when you drive (see our free question on glasses and the vision test). If you do not pass, bring a statement from an optometrist or ophthalmologist that you can see well enough to drive safely. Then you can continue the exam.

How to take the permit test in South Dakota

1
Check your age and get consent
You must be 14 to get an instruction permit. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come with you. The parent or guardian signs consent in person at the exam station, or you bring a notarized Parental Consent Form.
2
Book an appointment
All visits to an exam station to take a test need an appointment. Book online, or call (605) 773-6883 and press 6, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central Time, Monday to Friday (closed on state holidays).
3
Study the manual
Read the whole current South Dakota Driver License Manual before your appointment. It holds the information you need to know for the test.
4
Pass the vision and knowledge tests
At the exam station, pay the $38 instruction permit fee, have your photo taken and take both tests. If you pass, you get the permit.

Is there an official South Dakota practice test?

DPS says there is no sample test and that it does not give pre-tests. You cannot pass the knowledge test unless you know what is in the manual. The manual's Test Your Knowledge section has 10 multiple-choice questions (a, b or c) with the correct answers. For more practice, use our free South Dakota practice test. It is not from DPS, and it is not the official test.

Can driver education replace the permit test?

DPS says a driver education certificate can waive testing for one year from the date you finish a state-approved course. Without a certificate, you take the knowledge test. A passed course also cuts the time you must hold the permit before the restricted minor's permit, from 275 days to 180 days. See how the driver's ed permit wait works.

South Dakota permit test retake rules at a glance

South Dakota permit test retake rules at a glance
Case	What happens
You fail a test	You cannot retest before the next working day. You may wait longer to study.
Tries for one fee	Three tries within six months of the date you apply.
Three fails in six months	You pay the fee again.
Caught cheating on the knowledge test	You wait at least two weeks to test again.

Can you take the South Dakota permit test in Spanish?

Yes. State law lets you take the written knowledge test in Spanish or English. DPS also has a Spanish manual, but it is an older edition, so check each rule in the current English manual. Our free practice test is in English only. For interpreters at the driving test, see our guide to the South Dakota permit test in Spanish.

Key takeaways

You need 80% or higher on the knowledge test, which covers rules of the road and safe-driving practices. You also pass a vision test.
Book an appointment for the test. Under 18, a parent or guardian comes with you.
After a fail, retest on the next working day or later. One $38 fee gives three tries in six months.
DPS has no sample test. Study the whole manual and its Test Your Knowledge section.
Next step: practice on the free South Dakota practice test.

South Dakota permit test: common questions

Can I take the South Dakota permit test online?

Plan to go in person. DPS says all visits to an exam station to take a test need an appointment, and your photo is taken at a Driver Licensing location. You can book the appointment online or by phone. If you have your confirmation number, you can change or cancel the appointment online.

Can I take the permit test at any exam station in South Dakota?

If you are at least 14 and have the required documents, you can apply at any driver licensing location. Non-U.S. citizens must apply at a state Driver Licensing location. In Sioux Falls, the Express Station does not offer testing, so book the main Sioux Falls Driver Exam Station at 1501 South Highline Avenue, Suite 1B.

Can I bring my kids to the South Dakota knowledge test?

DPS asks you not to bring children or pets to a knowledge test appointment, because they are not allowed in the testing area. Plan for someone to watch them so you can focus on the test. Later, at a road test, pets and passengers cannot ride in the car.

Do I have to take the knowledge test again if my license expired?

Yes, if your South Dakota license has been expired for more than 30 days. You must visit an exam station in person and pass the knowledge test, and you need an appointment for it. With a motorcycle endorsement (Class 2 license), you pass both the operator's knowledge test and the motorcycle knowledge test.