Driver Licensing Information for Teen Drivers and Parents

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!)

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.

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.

• 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).

Teaching your teen to drive can be a stressful time. Follow these tips to help instill solid, safe-driving practices:

Less is More.

• • 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.

• • 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.

• • 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.

• • 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.