South Dakota Commercial Driver License (CDL) Information

The Department of Public Safety Has Extended
the CDL Medical Certification Deadline to August 29, 2026

South Dakota Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders with a K‑restriction were originally required to update their medical certification status before July 1, 2026, or their CDL would be downgraded. This requirement is tied to the state’s adoption of federal regulations that mandate most CDL holders maintain a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (medical card). Drivers who previously self‑certified as EA (Excepted Intrastate) and have a K‑restriction must ensure their medical certification status is updated with the South Dakota Driver Licensing Program to keep their CDL valid.

However, the Department of Public Safety has extended the deadline for submitting a valid medical certificate to August 29, 2026. No enforcement actions, penalties, or CDL downgrades related to missing medical certificates will occur before January 1, 2027. Standard compliance procedures - including downgrading CDLs for missing medical certificates - will resume on January 1, 2027, for any driver who has not submitted an updated medical certificate by the extended deadline.

CLICK HERE TO GET ALL THE DETAILS

If you plan to visit the Sioux Falls Driver Exam Station at 1501 S. Highline Avenue, Suite 1B - there is no parking available for oversized vehicles (semi trucks, long trailers, or RVs/campers).

Entry-Level Driver Training (EDLT)

FMCA's Entry Level Driver Training became a requirement on February 7, 2022.  This includes those applying to:

• Obtain a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time;
• Upgrade an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL; or
• Obtain a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time.

FMCSA Video on ELDT Eligibility for Drivers

Looking for information on which drivers are required to take entry-level driver training?  The FMCSA has released a video to help answer this question. 

Training Provider Registry (TPR)

The FMCSA Training Provider Registry will retain a record of which CDL applicants have completed the new ELDT training and certification process outlined in the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations.  

For more information about the ELDT regulations and the Training Provider Registry (TPR), click here.  There are no state-specific CDL training requirements.

Beware of FMSCA scam concerning your CDL

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has been notified of a phishing scam that you may receive from the FMCSA “Assistant of Administration” claiming you need to “complete your most recent up-to-date membership License certificate.” If you receive any suspicious email from info@fmcsa.dot.gov or any other entity that you are not expecting or looks suspicious, please delete the email from your inbox. Once the email has been deleted from your in-box, go into your deleted mail folder and delete it from your deleted mailbox.  Doing this will limit the exposure of the phishing email.

Note: The only legitimate way to log in to the Training Provider Registry is via login.gov.  Never enter your email address and password into a third-party website claiming to give you access to the Training Provider Registry.

Apply for a South Dakota CDL

You must have a South Dakota Commercial Driver License (CDL) if you’re operating a vehicle:

• With a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 or more pounds or any such vehicle towing a trailer with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or more
• Designed to transport 16 or more people (including the driver)
• Any size vehicle which requires hazardous materials placards or is carrying material listed as a select agent or toxin in 49 CFR Part 73
  
  

To apply for your South Dakota CDL or Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), you’ll need to have a valid South Dakota Driver License and a few other things:

• Completed license application form with original signature (see CDL Documents section below). Electronic, digital, or stamped signatures are not allowed on the application form.
• Other required documents
• $43 application fee (plus $20 for each endorsement test)

You’ll also need to take a CDL driving skills test at a third-party testing site. Keep in mind that drive tests must be scheduled at least two business days in advance, and you must drive on your CLP for 14 days prior to taking the drive test. Third-party testers charge $150 plus tax for a driving skills test. No testing is required to transfer a valid CDL from another state unless you are applying for a hazardous materials endorsement.

For motor carrier information including rules, ports of entry and permitting, visit South Dakota Truck Info.