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  • 0  (4 mistakes allowed to pass)

Free South Dakota DMV Permit Practice Test 2025

Average pass rate for driving tests in South Dakota: 47%.
Average pass rate for this test: 53%.
Easy
6 min
Score distribution:
90-100=>10%
80-89=>18%
70-79=>27%
60-69=>24%
<60%=>20%
Avg. first-try score: 70%
Perfect for:
Learner’s permit applicants
First‑time adult applicants

To obtain your South Dakota DMV driver’s permit, you must pass a vision screening and the written permit knowledge test. (If you’re under 18, you don’t have to pass the knowledge test if you completed an approved driver education course within the past year.) The knowledge test consists of 25 multiple-choice questions covering traffic laws, safe driving practices, driving under the influence, vehicle inspection, emergencies, and sharing the road, as outlined in the state’s South Dakota DMV 2025 Driver’s Manual. To pass, you must score at least 80% (20 out of 25 questions). If you fail the knowledge test, you must wait until the next business day and pay a retest fee for every three attempts. Our practice resources make sure that doesn’t happen.

Our free online South Dakota DMV Permit Practice Test is updated for November 2025. It mimics actual exam conditions and speeds the learning process by providing immediate feedback on any missed questions instead of at the end of the assessment.

Real exam-style pitfalls you’ll practice:
Common Traps
Distractors
Trick Wording
Double Negatives
Free South Dakota DMV Permit Practice Test 2025
SD DMV driver's license
Based on the official SD Driver HandbookHandbook‑based (2025) + exam‑taker feedback

How to use this practice test

  1. Start here. Take this short practice test and read the explanations as you go. This is one of 4 free South Dakota practice tests available on our site. Avg. finish time: 6 min.
  2. Cover more ground. Take all tests (different questions - no-repeats across sets).
  3. Finish strong. Try the Exam Simulator for a full-length, exam‑style run.

Why this works

  • Exam-like questions. Built from the current handbook + patterns recent test-takers report. These questions reflect what's actually being asked at the DMV right now. Explanations cite the DMV handbook section.
  • On-question help. AI Assistant explains tricky items in plain language.
  • Performance Insights. See your weak topics and what to study next.

Actual DMV permit test: What to expect?

The South Dakota permit test has 25 questions. You must get 20 correct (80%) to pass.
25 questions
20 to pass (80%)
  • Where: Any South Dakota DMV office (find locations)
  • Bring: ID + SSN + residency proof + permit/license fee (see checklist)
  • If you fail: Retake the next day.
  • Commonly missed: headlight usage and when to turn them on, roundabouts and lane usage, and safe following distance (3-second rule).
Steven Litvintchouk, M.S., Chief Educational Researcher at Driving-Tests.org

Authored and fact-checked by Steven Litvintchouk, M.S.

Chief Educational Researcher, Driving‑Tests.org (ACES member)

Verified for accuracy November 2025

Methodology & Editorial Policy

Real South Dakota drivers who passed first try

Verified student reviews • Shared with permission

I only missed one question.
I studied the test while I was in Taiwan, but I took it in the state of South Dakota. I missed only one question about yield/waiting sign, which I dont think it was part of your test, or the test I studied. But thats okay, the rest was good and I passed fine. Thank you.
K
Perfect tools for practicing!
Just be reminded that you may need to also read more about the punishments for all different violations. I completed almost all the practice questions, and I got 18 correct in a roll and passed the permit. Definitely worth it.
S
This is an excellent method to prepare for the exam.
I felt overly prepared after going through all the sections and the exam felt so easy. I missed only one question, but out of boredom - I knew the correct answer.
RP

About the South Dakota learner permit

The Instruction Permit is the first phase of South Dakota’s Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program for drivers under 18. You can apply for this as early as age 14, but must drive accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 18 years old. After turning 16 and holding your instruction permit for 180 days, you can apply for a restricted minor’s permit. This permit allows you to drive alone, but only from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM (with some exceptions for school, work, or church events). You must also have completed an approved driver education course and have no traffic convictions for the past six months. You can apply for your full license at age 16, provided you’ve held the restricted minor’s permit for six months and have had no traffic convictions during this period. If you’re over 18, you must obtain an instruction permit and then pass the road test to upgrade to an unrestricted license.

Once you’re ready to apply for the permit, go to the DMV with proof of identity (birth certificate, passport), your Social Security card, two proofs of residence (utility bill, bank statement), and signed consent from a parent or guardian (in person) if you’re under 18. Submit the documents, pass a vision screening, pay the fee, and pass the official written test.

We know what it takes to pass. And we’ve got the proof.

Driver’s Ed is - nobody wants to set foot inside the DMV. That’s why millions of learners trust us for simple, visual, effective prep.

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We are an officially recognized FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training provider and a proud partner to over 2,500 libraries. We work with safety organizations like GHSA and the National Safety Council to help create safer roads for everyone.

A smarter way to study

Challenge Bank™

Our trademarked system automatically saves questions you miss, creating personalized tests that target your weak spots until you’ve mastered the material.

AI-powered feedback

Get smarter as you study. Our new AI-powered feedback provides detailed, question-level insights to help you understand the why behind each answer.

Interactive handbook

Go beyond the boring black-and-white manual. Our interactive handbook lets you read, listen with an MP3 audio version, or even chat with it to find the information you need, faster.