SD Permit Test: 2026 Guide

The South Dakota DPS Knowledge Test has 25 questions, and you need 20 correct answers (80%) to pass. The test fee is $28. The questions are based on the South Dakota Driver License Manual. Try 10 free sample questions below, or take the full 25-question South Dakota practice test.

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SD Permit Test at a glance

Official name	South Dakota DPS Knowledge Test
Questions	25
Pass mark	20 of 25 correct (80%)
Test fee	$28
Time	Approx. 25 minutes
Official handbook	South Dakota Driver License Manual
Free practice test	25 questions with answers

Getting Your Instruction Permit in SD: Your 4-Step Checklist

Step 1: Are You Eligible?
- Applicants must be at least 14 years old.
- You are required to pass a vision screening and knowledge test.
Step 2: What ID Do I Need?

You'll need a birth certificate, a Social Security card, and two documents proving your residential address.
Step 3: How Much Does the Test Cost?

The fee for the instruction permit is $28.
Step 4: Understanding the Test Format

The knowledge test has 25 multiple-choice questions. To pass, you must answer at least 20 questions correctly (80%).
Step 5: Instruction Permit Rules & Restrictions

While driving with an Instruction Permit, you must be accompanied by a licensed driver with at least one year of driving experience seated next to you.

Free South Dakota practice questions

The first 10 questions of South Dakota Practice Test 1. The full practice test has 25 questions.

1. How must a supervising driver accompany a Motorcycle Instruction Permit holder?
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Answer: d) By driving another motorcycle along with the permit holder.

The supervising driver must be driving another motorcycle along with the permit holder.
2. Who is eligible for a proration of license fees?
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Answer: a) Applicants under 21 years of age issued less than a 5-year license.

A proration of fees is given to applicants under 21 years of age who are being issued less than a 5-year license.
3. When should you avoid wearing sunglasses or colored lenses while driving?
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Answer: a) When driving at night or on an overcast day.

Do not wear sunglasses or colored lenses when driving at night or on an overcast day.
4. What color combination is used for work zone signs?
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Answer: c) Orange background with black letters.

Work zone signs have an orange background and black letters or symbols.
5. What is the license penalty for a second Zero Tolerance offense (Under 21)?
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Answer: d) 180-day loss of license.

A second or subsequent Zero Tolerance offense is punishable by a 180-day loss of driver license.
6. What does a "THINK" sign installed on a state highway represent?
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Answer: c) A memorial for a person killed in a crash at that location.

The "THINK" sign program erects a sign as a memorial for each person killed in a crash at that location.
7. Which of the following activities is prohibited by state law while driving?
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Answer: d) Texting or social networking

Texting, reading texts, and social networking are prohibited by state law.
8. What is a major safety risk of driving with worn tires?
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Answer: b) Increased chance of hydroplaning.

Worn tires have reduced tread, which increases the risk of hydroplaning on wet roads and suffering a flat tire.
9. How should you return the steering wheel to the straight position after a turn?
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Answer: c) Straighten it out by hand.

When you complete a turn, straighten out the steering wheel by hand. Letting it slip through your fingers could be dangerous.
10. When turning left on a steady green light, who has the right-of-way?
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Answer: a) Oncoming traffic.

If turning left, a steady green traffic light means you may turn, but only when safe to do so. Oncoming traffic has the right-of-way.

Take the full 25-question South Dakota practice test

SD Permit Test: common questions

How many questions are on the SD Permit Test?

The South Dakota DPS Knowledge Test has 25 questions.

How many questions can you miss on the SD Permit Test?

You need 20 of 25 correct (80%), so you can miss up to 5 questions.

How much does the SD Permit Test cost?

The South Dakota test fee is $28. Fees change, so confirm the amount with the licensing office before you go.

How long does the SD Permit Test take?

Approx. 25 minutes.

What should I study for the SD Permit Test?

Study the South Dakota Driver License Manual; the test questions are based on it. Then check yourself with a practice test: FlashPath's free South Dakota Practice Test 1 has 25 questions with answers and explanations.

Is the FlashPath South Dakota practice test free?

Yes. Practice Test 1 (25 questions) is free on this site and in the app, with no sign-up. The app has 224 more South Dakota practice questions across Practice Tests 2 to 10; full access is a subscription.

What is the FlashPath Pass Guarantee?

If you have a paid FlashPath subscription and don't pass the SD Permit Test, your next month is free. Email us within 30 days of the test with your store order ID and your result.

Guarantee terms: FlashPath Pass Guarantee.

South Dakota guides

Study for the test

Get your licence

Road test and rules

The FlashPath app

FlashPath (on the App Store as "DMV Permit Written Test 2026") is an iPhone and Android app for the South Dakota DPS Knowledge Test, rated 4.9 from 65 App Store ratings, with 247 South Dakota questions across 10 practice tests, an explanation for every answer, missed-question review, an exam simulator and a Pass Guarantee (another month free if you don't pass).