The Ultimate South Dakota Road Test Checklist: Be Prepared, Not Surprised

The day of your South Dakota driving test is the final practical step toward the freedom of holding a driver's license. It's completely normal to feel nervous, but the most effective way to combat those nerves is to be thoroughly prepared. Arriving at the driver exam station knowing your vehicle is compliant and your paperwork is in order lets you focus on what really matters: demonstrating your safe driving skills.

This ultimate checklist is designed to ensure you walk in ready for success, covering the required documents, the essential condition of your test vehicle, and the skills the examiner will be evaluating.

Part 1: Your Vehicle Requirements Checklist

Before the driving portion of the test begins, the examiner will conduct a safety inspection of the vehicle you bring. If your car fails this inspection, your test will be canceled on the spot, and you will have to reschedule. A few days before your test, carefully go through this list with the car you plan to use.

Valid Registration and Insurance: You must have current, valid proof of registration and liability insurance for the vehicle.
License Plates: The vehicle must have both a front and rear license plate, clean and securely mounted.
Brakes: The brakes must be in good working order. The examiner will check to ensure the brake lights illuminate when the pedal is pressed.
Turn Signals: Both front and rear turn signals (left and right) must function correctly.
Headlights and Taillights: Ensure all lights are operational.
Horn: The horn must be audible. The examiner will ask you to honk it.
Tires: Tires must have adequate tread depth and be properly inflated. Bald or damaged tires are grounds for rejection.
Windshield: The windshield must be free of large cracks or chips that obstruct the driver's view.
Windows: The driver's side window must be able to roll down.
Doors: The driver and front passenger doors must open and close properly from both the inside and the outside.
Seatbelts: The seatbelts for both the driver and the examiner must be easily accessible and fully functional.
Mirrors: The vehicle must have functional side and rearview mirrors that are properly adjusted.
Cleanliness and Safety: The passenger compartment, especially the front seat where the examiner will sit, must be reasonably clean and free of clutter or loose items that could become a hazard.
No Warning Lights: The dashboard must be free of any illuminated warning lights, such as "Check Engine," "ABS," or "Airbag" lights.

Part 2: Your Personal Document Checklist

Forgetting a single piece of paper is a common and frustrating reason for a canceled test. Gather these items the day before your appointment.

Your Valid South Dakota Instruction Permit: You must have your physical permit with you.
A Licensed Supervising Driver: You must be accompanied to the exam station by a licensed driver. For teen drivers, this must be a parent or guardian.
Valid Driver's License of Your Supervising Driver: The person accompanying you must present their valid driver's license.
For Teen Drivers (Under 18), Also Bring:
- Parental Consent: Your parent or legal guardian must be present to give their written consent for you to be issued a restricted or full license.
- Proof of Driver's Ed (if applicable): If you are applying for a restricted permit after only 90 days, you must have your certificate of completion from a state-approved driver education course.
Appointment Confirmation: It's a good idea to have a copy (digital or printed) of your road test appointment confirmation.
Payment for Fees: Be prepared to pay the license fee after you successfully pass the test.

Part 3: The Driving Skills Checklist

The South Dakota road test is a comprehensive evaluation of your ability to safely operate a vehicle in a variety of common situations. The examiner will give clear instructions and will be scoring you on the following skills:

Vehicle Control: Smoothly starting, stopping, accelerating, and braking.
Turns: Executing right and left turns correctly, using your turn signal at the proper time, and turning into the correct lane.
Backing Up: You will be required to back the vehicle in a straight line for a distance, looking over your right shoulder.
Stopping: Coming to a smooth, complete stop at stop signs, traffic lights, and crosswalks.
Parking: You may be tested on various parking maneuvers, which could include parking on a hill and parallel parking. It is essential to practice these.
Lane Usage: Keeping the vehicle centered in the lane and making safe and proper lane changes.
Speed Control: Maintaining a speed that is appropriate for the conditions and obeying all posted speed limits.
Following Distance: Keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.
Observation Skills: The examiner is constantly evaluating your awareness. This means checking your mirrors frequently, scanning intersections before entering them, and physically turning your head to check your blind spots before changing lanes or merging.
Yielding Right-of-Way: Correctly yielding to other vehicles and pedestrians as required by law.

By using this checklist to prepare your vehicle, your documents, and your driving skills, you can walk into your driving test with the confidence you need to succeed. Good luck!