South Dakota DMV written test
South Dakota DMV Cheat Sheet
The South Dakota knowledge test facts in one place, checked against South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS) sources and last verified November 2026.
The numbers
South Dakota DMV test numbers to memorize
The South Dakota knowledge test has 25 questions and you need 20 correct, which is 80 percent. You can miss 5. The test is given by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS).
25
Questions on the test
20
80% to pass
Correct answers needed
5
Questions you can miss
14
Minimum age
- Time limit
- The agency does not publish a time limit for the knowledge test, so we do not state one.
- Test fee on record
- $28. The agency's fee page decides exactly what this covers, so confirm it before you go.
- Format
- Computer-based at DPS driver exam station
- Online test
- Not offered. You test in person.
- Appointment
- Required. Appointments required for knowledge tests. Schedule online or by calling (605) 773-6883. Walk-ins may be accepted but appointments are strongly encouraged.
Before you go
Documents to bring in South Dakota
The South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS) asks for these documents for the permit test. Check the agency's current list before you go, because requirements change.
0 of 4 done
- Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
- Social Security card
- Proof of South Dakota residency
- Parental consent (if under 18)
If you fail
If you fail: South Dakota retake rules
You can retake the test the next business day. After 3 failed attempts within 6 months, you must reapply and pay all fees again.
- Attempt limit: 3.
- Retest fee: the agency does not publish a per-attempt retest fee that we could confirm.
- Application closed: applicant must re-apply and pay the application fee again before any further testing.
Some retake details for South Dakota are not published by the agency (Agency does not publish: retake fee), so confirm them with DPS before you rely on them.
Who can test
Age and permit rules in South Dakota
- Under 18
- Must be at least 14 to get an instruction permit. Must have parental consent. Must hold permit for 180 days before taking road test. Restricted to daylight driving and one non-family passenger under 18.
- Permit versus license
- An instruction permit allows supervised driving with a licensed driver 18+ in the front seat. Must hold for at least 180 days before road test. The restricted minor's permit (age 14-16) limits driving to daylight hours.
- Where the test is given
- In-person at any South Dakota DPS driver exam station.
- How you get results
- Immediate. Pass/fail displayed on screen after completing the test.
Study material
Languages and handbook
Our record of exam languages for South Dakota: English and Spanish. This list is flagged for verification because the agency does not clearly say which languages the exam itself is given in (a handbook can be published in more languages than the exam), so confirm with DPS before you rely on it.
The study source is the South Dakota Driver License Manual (2024-2025 edition).
From learner data
Most missed South Dakota practice questions
These free South Dakota questions have the lowest correct rates among learners on DMV IQ. Percentages are rounded to the nearest 5 and only questions with enough answers are listed. Each one shows the right answer, so read the reasoning in the handbook, not just the answer.
- 1
If you double your speed, your braking distance increases by about:
Four times
About 30% get it right
- 2
A hand signal with the left arm extended downward means:
Slowing down or stopping
About 50% get it right
- 3
If the road is wet, you should reduce your speed by:
5-10 mph or more
About 50% get it right
- 4
A center lane marked on both sides by a solid yellow line and a broken yellow line is used for:
Left turns from either direction
About 50% get it right
- 5
If you move to a new address, you must notify the DMV within:
A time set by your state
About 60% get it right
- 6
School zone speed limits are typically:
15-25 mph when children are present
About 60% get it right
Your plan
Free South Dakota study checklist
Work through the free practice runs and topic cards, and tick each one off. Your ticks stay on this device.
Test yourself on the South Dakota questions
Free practice tests and topic cards, each question with a hint and an explanation from the driver manual.
Start free practice test 1