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The Exam Simulator mimics the actual exam. It will stop once you reach the maximum number of allowed mistakes.
SD DMV Written Test Simulator – Study Online 2025
Dreaming of the day that you drive through South Dakota to savor its scenic beauty from your own car? Looking forward to seeing the sights from Needles Highway or one of the state’s scenic byways? One of the main things you must do is pass the official DMV knowledge test, which covers the South Dakota rules of the road and safe driving practices. All aspiring drivers, regardless of their age, are required to pass this test. If you’re under 18 or need to practice driving under supervision, passing the knowledge test is also a key requirement for obtaining an instruction permit.
The knowledge test consists of 25 questions and has a passing score of 80%. The test is based on the official driver’s manual (South Dakota DMV Handbook (SD Driver's Manual) 2025), which the DMV urges you to read. Are you thinking, “Oh, is that all? Sounds easy!” Think again! Reportedly, a whopping 70% of applicants fail the South Dakota knowledge test on their first try.
Clearly, a better approach is needed.
We have created a test preparation program with a suite of tools to help you pass the knowledge test. These tools include an audiobook version of the entire driver’s manual and a series of practice tests ordered in increasing levels of difficulty. The practice tests are based on the official manual and come with an automated assistant to help you with hints and explanations of the correct answers. Once you’ve used our tools, you’ll know more than enough about driving to pass the knowledge test. We guarantee it – or your money back!
Do you tend to experience test anxiety when taking official tests? If so, we have another practice test for you to try: our special Exam Simulator test. This test operates in Simulated Exam Mode to closely resemble official knowledge test conditions. The test consists of 25 questions based on the official manual, just like the test questions on the official DMV permit test. The passing score is 80%, just like the official permit test. There are no hints, no explanations, and no automated assistant. The test ends prematurely if you fail it (i.e., if you miss 20% of the questions). This test gives you a realistic formal exam experience.
This Exam Simulator is so realistic that you may experience some test anxiety while taking it. However, by showing you what the official written test experience will be like, the Exam Simulator may reduce your fear of the unknown and your anxiety about the official written test.
Good luck!
Authored and curated by Steven Litvintchouk, M.S.
Chief Educational Researcher (ACES member)
Methodology & Editorial Policy
Last verified for accuracy: October 2025 (reviewed weekly)
What to expect on the actual SD permit test
questions
correct answers to pass
passing score
minimum age to apply
More SD DMV written exam resources
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We know how Driver's Ed goes
Noses sneeze. Babies cry. Frustration groans. And when it's finally time to take your test, you're sweating. Thirty minutes later, you're crying. Because despite your best efforts. You failed. Next thing you know, you're chasing a Waymo in circles to get home (embarrassing!).
At Driving Tests, we know emotions can get in the way of doing what you need to do. So we deliver Driver's Ed that makes it easy to start, and even easier to finish. We get you DMV Smart ASAP. Testing you with real, up-to-date questions. Backing up tricky driving situations with easy-to-grasp visuals & engaging practice tests that reaffirm what you know, and test you again on what you don't. So by the time test day comes - you *own* the DMV. Your only worry? Convincing the proctor you didn't cheat ;)
The Exam Simulator mimics the actual exam. It will stop once you reach the maximum number of allowed mistakes.