Motor vehicle crashes doesn't have to be the number one killer of teens. With the right education, training, and parental guidance, we can help smash this trend. On this page, you’ll find information and resources for teens who are ready to get behind the wheel.
Instruction Permits
- To be eligible to get your instruction permit, you must be 14 years of age.
- You will need to visit a South Dakota Driver Licensing location in-person and bring the required documents (see Teen Driver Documents section below).
- Documents include a certified copy of the applicant's birth certificate, applicant's original social security card, and two pieces of mail proving the applicant's physical address (for more information, see the Required Documents link in the Teen Driver Documents section at the bottom of the page).
- You will then need to take a knowledge test or have successfully completed a state-approved driver education course* to get your permit.
- Note: All visits to an exam station to take a test require an appointment. Click here to schedule.
- *Driver education certificates can be sued to waive testing for one year from the date of course completion.
- The permit must be held for 275 days if you have not completed driver education or 180 days if you have successfully completed an approved driver education course.
- For those who have not taken driver education, you may schedule an appointment for your behind-the-wheel test on the 276th day or later.
- For those who have successfully completed an approved driver education course, you may schedule your appointment on the 181st day or later.
- You will need to drive under adult supervision. The adult must be a parent/guardian or other adult with a valid driver license and at least one year of driving experience. The adult must be seated beside you when you are driving.
- You must have a minimum of 50 hours of parent/guardian supervised driving (including 10 hours at night and 10 hours in inclement weather) to upgrade to a Restricted Permit.
- When the permit holder and parent/guardian return to an exam station to upgrade to a Restricted Permit, the parent will need to sign the "Supervised Driving Affidavit" affirming the permit holder has completed the required supervised driving (see Teen Driver Documents section at bottom of page for a link to the form).
- Use this student driving log to record the hours driven (the .pdf document will be moved to your Downloads folder when you click on it).
- Use this affidavit (the .pdf document will be moved to your Downloads folder when you click on it) to certify a minor has completed 50 hours of parent/guardian-supervised driving since the issuance of the Instruction Permit.
- When the permit holder and parent/guardian return to an exam station to upgrade to a Restricted Permit, the parent will need to sign the "Supervised Driving Affidavit" affirming the permit holder has completed the required supervised driving (see Teen Driver Documents section at bottom of page for a link to the form).
Restricted Permits
- You must be 14 years old and have met the conditions of an Instruction Permit (see above).
- Anyone under 18 years of age must hold a Restricted Permit for 6 months and meet all other requirements before upgrading to a full Operator's License.
- Applicant must be conviction-free for 6 months prior to upgrading.
- Anyone driving on a Restricted Permit cannot have any passengers outside their immediate family or household for 6 months from the initial Restricted Permit issuance date.
- You may drive alone (with a parent/guardian's permission) between the hours of 6AM to 10PM. Between 10PM and 6AM, you must have a parent/legal guardian seated next to you with the following exceptions:
- You may drive alone after 10PM if you are taking the most direct route and traveling to/from:
- School or school event
- Church or church event
- Work
- Driving agricultural machinery (not subject to registration) or doing farm-related work
- You may drive alone after 10PM if you are taking the most direct route and traveling to/from:
- Anyone who has driven on a Restricted Permit for 6 months or more may have only ONE passenger outside their immediate family or household.
Operator's License
To upgrade to an Operator's License, you...
- Must be 16 years of age,
- Must have met the requirements of an Instruction Permit (see above),
- Also must have driven on a Restricted Permit for a minimum of 6 months (see above).
- Must not have any traffic convictions within the last 6 months.
If you have questions or need help scheduling an appointment, please call (605) 773-6883 between 9AM-4PM Central Time Monday-Friday (closed on state holidays) or email us.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and how can I get my license?
In South Dakota, you must be at least 14 years of age to obtain an instruction permit. See the Instruction Permit section above for more information. You must hold this permit for a minimum of 275 days (if you have not successfully completed an approved Driver's Ed course) or 180 days if you have successfully completed an approved driver education class. With your instruction permit, you will need to drive under the supervision of a licensed adult at all times.
After this time period, you can apply for your Restricted Minor's Permit if you have not had any traffic convictions in the last 6 months. You must pass a drive test at a driver exam station (unless you have successfully completed a state-approved driver education course). All drive tests must be scheduled. You must provide a street-legal (licensed) vehicle for the drive test.
With your restricted license:
- You will be able to drive unaccompanied from 6:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
- You may drive with a legal guardian from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
- You may not have any passengers outside of your immediate family or household for the first 6 months from the permit issuance date.
- After driving on a restricted permit for 6 months, you may carry only 1 passenger who is not part of your immediate family or household.
To get your full operator’s license, you must:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Meet all conditions of the Instruction Permit
- Have driven on a Restricted Minor's Permit for at least 6 months
- Have been conviction-free for 6 months
- Have your parent or guardian’s written approval
This pamphlet explains South Dakota’s Graduated License Program. This brochure explains the Class 2 Motorcycle graduated driver license program for teens. (Clicking on these links will move the .pdf document to your Downloads folder -- look for them there!)
How can I lose my permit or license?
A parent or guardian may cancel your license or permit through a written request.
If you are under 16 years old at the time of violation and hold an Instruction or Restricted Permit, you will be subject to these suspensions:
- For any first Class 2 misdemeanor traffic conviction or a first conviction of a violation of the conditions of any instruction or restricted minor’s permit, you will receive a suspension for 30 days, or as otherwise required by law
- For a second Class 2 misdemeanor traffic conviction, a second conviction of the conditions of any instruction or restricted minor's permit, a felony, or any Class 1 misdemeanor traffic conviction, you will receive a suspension for 180 days or until the driver's 16th birthday, whichever is longer.
If you are under 18 years old at the time of violation and are driving prior to the issuance of any permit or license, you will be subject to these suspensions:
- For any first Class 2 misdemeanor traffic conviction, you will be issued a suspension for 30 days, or as otherwise required by law;
- For a second Class 2 misdemeanor traffic conviction, a felony, of a Class 1 misdemeanor traffic conviction, you will be issued a suspension for 180 days or until the driver's 16th birthday, whichever is longer.
Where can I find Driver Education & Study Tools?
On the Driving Manuals page, you can find resources to help you study for your knowledge and skills tests. You’ll also find information on driver education.
Where can I find helpful information/resources about teen driving?
- Alive at 25: A classroom-based defensive driving course designed for those under age 25.
- AAA Teen Driver Safety: Online resources for parents and teens on supervised driving.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Teen Driver Safety information.
- American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) Model Mentor Guide.
- Teen Driver Brochure: Information about getting your South Dakota instruction permit and driver’s license (clicking on the link will move the document into your Downloads folder -- please look for it there).
- Teen Motorcycle Driver Brochure: Information to help teens get their SD motorcycle (class 2) permit (clicking on the link will move the document into your Downloads folder -- please look for it there).
Any tips or resources for parents of teen drivers?
Teaching your teen to drive can be a stressful time. Follow these tips to help instill solid, safe-driving practices:
Less is More.
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- Though you may want to buy your teen a new car, opt for a choice that’s older, large and solid. These cars can be safer, more reliable and better for learning.
- Ban your teen from driving with passengers for the first year.
Be a Motivational Coach.
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- Give instructions in real time and check frequently to make sure your teen understands.
- Point things out as they happen.
- Act as a co-pilot rather than a taskmaster.
- Commit to 100 hours of supervised instruction (only two hours per week for a year).
Reinforce Safety.
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- Teach by example; always wear your seatbelt and don’t text and drive.
- Strongly enforce seatbelt use.
- Set a driving curfew and limit driving during inclement weather.
- Teach your teen to drive defensively.
- Teach your teen the three-second rule to allow space in case of emergency.
Continue to Supervise After Licensing.
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- Schedule driving check-ups once a week with your teen.
- Continue to limit passengers.
- Hold them accountable for their actions.
- Show them the big picture of owning a car, such as teaching about insurance, registration and vehicle maintenance.
Didn't find what you were looking here?Visit our home page for a list of other services we offer and additional information you might find helpful. You can also email us or call us at (605) 773-6883 between 9AM-4PM Central Time Monday-Friday (closed on state holidays). |
**The documents below will be moved to your Downloads folder when you click on them -- please look for them there!
| **TEEN DRIVER DOCUMENTS** |