South Dakota
What South Dakota asks of a teen driver before the first license, from the practice hours to the road test.
50hours
of supervised practice, including 10 at night
- Permit
- Instruction Permit
- License
- Restricted Minor’s Permit
- Practice can start at
- 14 years old
Depends on your answer
Did your child pass a state-approved driver education course with 80% or better?
- YesThe wait drops to 180 days, and a course passed within the past year waives the drive test. The goal stays at 50 hours.
- Not yetThe wait stays at 275 days.
Before the road test
- 275 days on the permitThe instruction permit is held 275 days, or 180 days after an approved driver education course. The drive test can be booked from the 276th day.
- Minimum age14, plus the wait on the instruction permit
- Six-month clean recordA traffic conviction in the six months before applying delays the restricted permit.
- 10 hours in bad weatherRain, snow, ice, or fog. These hours are part of the 50.
- Signed affidavitA parent or guardian signs it at the exam station in front of the examiner, or in front of a notary.
When they can drive
- 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.Only a parent or guardian may ride along.
Where this comes from
- Driver licensing information for teen drivers and parents
- South Dakota teen driver graduated licensing
- Affidavit of Completion of Required Supervised Driving
- Supervised Driving Log
- South Dakota Driver License Manual
- SDCL 32-12-11 — instruction permit
- SDCL 32-12-12 — restricted minor’s permit
Moonroof checked these sources on October 9, 2026. Rules change, so check with the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Driver Licensing Program before booking the road test.