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South Dakota DMV Test Questions and Answers

These are the questions about South Dakota's own rules: permit, license, fines, speed and parking. Signs and rules shared by all states are on separate pages.

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Alcohol and drugs

7 questions

  1. #1

    In South Dakota, a driver 21 or older is legally intoxicated starting at what blood alcohol content (BAC)?

    1. 0.05%
    2. 0.08%
    3. 0.10%
    4. 0.12%

    Answer: B. South Dakota: 0.08% BAC or higher is the legal limit for drivers 21 and older.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), Alcohol and the LawIf you have a BAC of 0.08% or more, your driver's license and/or driving privileges may be revoked

  2. #2

    In South Dakota, a driver under 21 violates the law starting at what BAC?

    1. 0.00% (any alcohol)
    2. 0.02%
    3. 0.04%
    4. 0.05%

    Answer: B. South Dakota: for drivers under 21 the limit is 0.02%.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), Alcohol and the LawIn South Dakota, if you are under 21, you can also be arrested for alcohol impairment at 0.02%.

  3. #3

    In South Dakota, by driving on public roads you have agreed to:

    1. Carry a spare tire
    2. Take a chemical test for alcohol or drugs if lawfully asked
    3. Let police search your phone
    4. Pay all tolls in cash

    Answer: B. South Dakota has an implied consent law: refusing a lawful chemical test leads to license suspension.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), Alcohol, Other Drugs, and DrivingYou give your consent for a chemical test whenever you drive on a public highway.

  4. #4

    In South Dakota, if you refuse a chemical test for alcohol for the first time, your license is suspended for:

    1. 6 months
    2. 9 months
    3. 12 months
    4. 18 months

    Answer: C. South Dakota: a first refusal means a 12 months license suspension.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), Alcohol and the LawYou can lose your driver's license for one year if you refuse to take a BAC test.

  5. #5

    In South Dakota, a first Zero Tolerance offense (driver under 21 with a BAC of 0.02% or more) is punishable by a fine and loss of license for:

    1. 7 days
    2. 30 days
    3. 180 days
    4. 1 year

    Answer: B. Zero Tolerance: first offense, 30-day license loss; second or subsequent offense, 180 days.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), Alcohol and the LawFirst offense is a Class 2 misdemeanor which is punishable by a fine and a 30-day loss of driver license.

  6. #6

    According to the South Dakota manual, a first conviction for an alcohol violation may bring a fine of:

    1. $50 to $100
    2. $100 to $250
    3. $2,500 to $5,000
    4. $300 to $1,000 plus court costs

    Answer: D. A first conviction: $300 to $1,000 plus court costs, possibly 15 to 365 days in jail and 90 to 365 days of license suspension or revocation.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), Alcohol and the Lawyou may be fined from $300 to $1,000 plus court costs

  7. #7

    After a DWI conviction in South Dakota, you must present an SR22 insurance filing and maintain it for:

    1. 3 years from the eligibility date
    2. 6 months
    3. 1 year
    4. 10 years

    Answer: A. Upon a DWI conviction you must present an SR22 filing to the Department of Public Safety and keep it for 3 years from the eligibility date.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), Alcohol, Other Drugs, and DrivingMAINTAIN THIS INSURANCE FOR 3 YEARS FROM THE ELIGIBILITY DATE

License rules

17 questions

  1. #8

    In South Dakota, the night driving limit for new drivers with a provisional (intermediate) license starts at what time?

    1. 9 p.m.
    2. 10 p.m.
    3. 11 p.m.
    4. Midnight

    Answer: B. South Dakota: the night limit for provisional drivers starts at 10 p.m.; the handbook lists any exceptions.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), Types of Driver's Licenses and Driver's PermitsDuring the hours of 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. the minor must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian

  2. #9

    In South Dakota, how many of the required supervised practice hours must be at night?

    1. 10 hours
    2. 20 hours
    3. 30 hours
    4. 40 hours

    Answer: A. South Dakota: at least 10 hours of the practice must be at night.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), Types of Driver's Licenses and Driver's Permitsmust include 10 hours in inclement weather and 10 hours after dark

  3. #10

    In South Dakota, what is the minimum age to get a learner's permit?

    1. 12 years old
    2. 14 years old
    3. 14½ years old
    4. 15 years old

    Answer: B. South Dakota: you can apply for a learner's permit at 14 years old.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), Types of Driver's Licenses and Driver's PermitsTo obtain an Instruction Permit, you must be at least 14 years of age

  4. #11

    In South Dakota, what point total can lead to license suspension?

    1. 12 points in 24 months
    2. 12 points in 36 months
    3. 15 points in 12 months
    4. 15 points in 24 months

    Answer: C. South Dakota: 15 points in 12 months can lead to suspension.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), South Dakota Point SystemAny operator who accumulates 15 points in any 12 consecutive months, or 22 points in any 24 consecutive months, is subject to a driver license suspension.

  5. #12

    In South Dakota, a standard adult driver's license must usually be renewed every:

    1. 4 years
    2. 5 years
    3. 6 years
    4. 8 years

    Answer: B. South Dakota: a standard license is usually valid for 5 years.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), Driver License RenewalYour driver license is valid for 5 years

  6. #13

    In South Dakota, how many hours of supervised driving practice must a teen complete before the road test?

    1. 30 hours
    2. 40 hours
    3. 50 hours
    4. 60 hours

    Answer: C. South Dakota: at least 50 hours of supervised driving are required.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), Types of Driver's Licenses and Driver's PermitsThe driver must complete 50 hours of adult supervised driving on an Instruction Permit

  7. #14

    In South Dakota, at first a provisional (teen) driver may carry how many passengers under 21 who are not family members, unless an adult supervisor is present?

    1. 0
    2. 1
    3. 2
    4. 3

    Answer: A. South Dakota: no more than 0 non-family passenger(s) under 21 at first, unless supervised.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), Types of Driver's Licenses and Driver's Permitsno passengers are allowed except for immediate family or members of household for first 6 months on the Restricted Permit

  8. #15

    A new South Dakota resident with a valid out-of-state non-commercial license must apply for a South Dakota license within:

    1. 30 days
    2. 90 days
    3. 10 days
    4. 1 year

    Answer: B. Non-commercial license holders have 90 days after establishing residency; CDL holders have 30 days.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), Licensing Requirementsyou are required to apply for a South Dakota driver license within 90 days of establishing residency

  9. #16

    In South Dakota, a driver aged 14 to 17 who has not taken driver education must hold the Instruction Permit continuously for how long before upgrading it?

    1. 90 days
    2. 180 days
    3. 275 days
    4. 365 days

    Answer: C. 275 days, or 180 days after successfully completing an approved driver education course.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), Types of Driver's Licenses and Driver's Permitsmust hold the valid permit continuously for 275 days

  10. #17

    In South Dakota, successfully completing an approved driver education course (80% or better) shortens the required Instruction Permit holding period to:

    1. 180 days
    2. 90 days
    3. 275 days
    4. 30 days

    Answer: A. With a score of 80% or better on both the written and driving portions of driver education, the period is 180 days instead of 275.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), Types of Driver's Licenses and Driver's Permits180 days if successful completion

  11. #18

    In South Dakota, a Restricted Minor's Permit holder must drive on that permit for a minimum of:

    1. 30 days
    2. 3 months
    3. 1 year
    4. 6 months

    Answer: D. At least 6 months; during the first 6 months no passengers are allowed except immediate family or household members.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), Types of Driver's Licenses and Driver's PermitsThe Restricted Permit holder must drive on the Restricted Permit for a minimum of 6 months

  12. #19

    In South Dakota, a Restricted Minor's Permit holder may drive alone after 10 p.m. only when taking the most direct route to or from:

    1. A friend's house
    2. Church or a church event
    3. A shopping mall
    4. A movie theater

    Answer: B. Allowed trips: school or a school event, church or a church event, work, and driving ag machinery or doing farm work.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), Types of Driver's Licenses and Driver's PermitsChurch or church event

  13. #20

    In South Dakota, the minimum age for an Operator's License is:

    1. 14 years old
    2. 15 years old
    3. 16 years old
    4. 18 years old

    Answer: C. At least 16, after passing the vision, knowledge and driving tests; minors must first complete the permit requirements.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), Types of Driver's Licenses and Driver's PermitsTo obtain an Operator's License, you must be at least 16 years of age

  14. #21

    Besides 15 points in 12 months, South Dakota may suspend your license if you accumulate how many points in any 24 consecutive months?

    1. 12 points
    2. 15 points
    3. 18 points
    4. 22 points

    Answer: D. Suspension: 15 points in any 12 consecutive months, or 22 points in any 24 consecutive months.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), South Dakota Point Systemor 22 points in any 24 consecutive months

  15. #22

    Under the South Dakota point system, a first suspension lasts:

    1. 60 days
    2. 30 days
    3. 6 months
    4. 1 year

    Answer: A. First suspension: 60 days; second: 6 months; subsequent: 1 year.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), South Dakota Point SystemFirst Suspension 60 days

  16. #23

    Under the South Dakota point system, how many points are assessed for a speeding conviction?

    1. 2 points
    2. 4 points
    3. None
    4. 3 points

    Answer: C. South Dakota assesses no points for speeding, standing, parking, equipment, size or weight violations.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), South Dakota Point SystemNo points will be assessed for speeding, standing, parking, equipment, size or weight violations

  17. #24

    To get a South Dakota driver license without restrictions, your vision with both eyes must be at least:

    1. 20/20
    2. 20/40
    3. 20/70
    4. 20/100

    Answer: B. 20/40 or better with both eyes, and no worse than 20/50 in either eye.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), Visionan applicant must score 20/40 or better with both eyes, but no worse than 20/50 in either eye

Parking

2 questions

  1. #25

    In South Dakota, when you parallel park, your wheels must be no more than how far from the curb?

    1. 6 inches
    2. 12 inches
    3. 18 inches
    4. 24 inches

    Answer: B. South Dakota: park with your wheels within 12 inches of the curb.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), Parallel Parkingthe vehicle should be within 12 inches of the curb or edge of the road

  2. #26

    If you park on a South Dakota rural highway, how much road width must be left for other traffic to pass?

    1. At least 15 feet
    2. At least 5 feet
    3. At least 8 feet
    4. At least 30 feet

    Answer: A. Leave at least 15 feet of road width; the vehicle must be visible for at least 500 feet in either direction, with parking lights and taillights on when dark.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), No-Parking ZonesIf parked on a rural highway, there must be at least 15 feet of road width for other traffic to pass the vehicle.

Rules of the road

20 questions

  1. #27

    In South Dakota, how far should a driver sit from the steering-wheel airbag cover?

    1. 6 inches
    2. 10 inches
    3. 12 inches
    4. 18 inches

    Answer: B. South Dakota: sit at least 10 inches from the airbag cover (center of the wheel to your breastbone).

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), Adjusting Your SeatThere should be 10 inches between your chest and the steering wheel.

  2. #28

    In South Dakota, children must ride in a child safety seat (car seat) until at least what age?

    1. 4 years old
    2. 5 years old
    3. 6 years old
    4. 7 years old

    Answer: B. South Dakota: children ride in a car seat until at least 5 years old.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), Child Passenger Safety Lawstransporting a child under five years of age on the streets and highways of this state shall properly secure the child in a child passenger restraint system

  3. #29

    In South Dakota, the recommended minimum following distance in good conditions is at least:

    1. 2 seconds
    2. 3 seconds
    3. 4 seconds
    4. 5 seconds

    Answer: C. South Dakota: keep at least 4 seconds behind the vehicle ahead; add more in bad weather.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), Cushion of Space (Space Management)Always try to keep a minimum following distance of 4 seconds between your car and the vehicle in front.

  4. #30

    In South Dakota, you must use low beams when you are following another vehicle within:

    1. 350 feet
    2. 500 feet
    3. 1,000 feet
    4. 1,500 feet

    Answer: B. South Dakota: use low beams within 500 feet of a vehicle you are following.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), CommunicatingUse the low beams when you are closer than 500 feet behind another vehicle

  5. #31

    In South Dakota, you must dim your high beams when an oncoming vehicle is within:

    1. 300 feet
    2. 350 feet
    3. 500 feet
    4. 1,000 feet

    Answer: C. South Dakota: switch to low beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), CommunicatingDim the high beams whenever you come within 500 feet (about a one block distance) of an oncoming vehicle.

  6. #32

    In South Dakota, you approach a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights on the shoulder of a multi-lane road. You must:

    1. Keep your speed and lane
    2. Move out of the lane next to it if safe, or slow down
    3. Stop behind it
    4. Honk to warn the workers

    Answer: B. South Dakota Move Over law: change lanes away from the stopped vehicle when safe; if you cannot, slow down.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), Attention (Move Over law)merge into the lane farthest from the vehicle

  7. #33

    In South Dakota, if you cannot change lanes away from a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights, you must slow to how far below the speed limit?

    1. 15 mph
    2. 20 mph
    3. 25 mph
    4. 30 mph

    Answer: B. South Dakota: slow to 20 mph below the posted limit when you cannot move over.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), Attention (Move Over law)motorists must slow to a speed that is at least twenty miles per hour less than the posted speed limit

  8. #34

    In South Dakota, may you turn right on a steady red light?

    1. Never
    2. Yes, after a full stop and yielding, unless a sign prohibits it
    3. Yes, without stopping if the way is clear
    4. Only between midnight and 6 a.m.

    Answer: B. South Dakota: right on red is allowed after a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and traffic, unless a sign says NO TURN ON RED.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), Traffic Signalsyou may turn after coming to a complete stop if it is safe to do so and if there is no sign prohibiting turning on a red light

  9. #35

    In South Dakota, how far ahead should you scan the road while driving?

    1. 10 seconds
    2. 12 seconds
    3. 15 seconds
    4. 20 seconds

    Answer: D. South Dakota: look at least 20 seconds ahead of your vehicle.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), Visual SearchIdeally, you should try to look at what is occurring 20 to 30 seconds in front of the car.

  10. #36

    In South Dakota, you must signal at least how far before you turn or change lanes?

    1. 75 feet
    2. 100 feet
    3. 150 feet
    4. 200 feet

    Answer: B. South Dakota: signal at least 100 feet before you turn or change lanes.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), CommunicatingSignal 100 feet before the intended turn.

  11. #37

    In South Dakota, a U-turn is not allowed if you cannot see approaching traffic for at least:

    1. 350 feet
    2. 500 feet
    3. 1,000 feet
    4. 1,500 feet

    Answer: B. South Dakota: do not make a U-turn unless you can see approaching traffic 500 feet away.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), U-Turnswhere the vehicle cannot be seen by the driver of any other vehicle with 500 feet approaching from any direction

  12. #38

    In South Dakota, what happens to traffic fines for speeding in a highway work zone?

    1. They are cancelled
    2. They can be doubled
    3. They are the same as anywhere else
    4. They are paid by the construction company

    Answer: B. South Dakota: fines for speeding in work zones can be doubled.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), Work ZonesFines for speeding in a work zone may be doubled.

  13. #39

    In South Dakota, may Instruction Permit and Restricted Minor's Permit holders use a cell phone while driving?

    1. No, they may not use any type of wireless communication device
    2. Yes, but only with a hands-free device
    3. Yes, for calls but not texts
    4. Yes, at red lights only

    Answer: A. Permit holders may not use any type of wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), Driver DistractionsInstruction and Restricted permit holders may not use any type of wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle.

  14. #40

    Under South Dakota law, which of these is prohibited for every driver while driving?

    1. Listening to the radio
    2. Using the defroster
    3. Talking with passengers
    4. Texting, reading texts and social networking

    Answer: D. State law prohibits texting, reading texts and social networking while driving.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), Driver DistractionsTexting, reading texts, and social networking is prohibited by state law.

  15. #41

    On a South Dakota highway with two or more lanes in your direction, you approach a stopped vehicle using amber, yellow or blue warning lights. You must merge into the lane farthest from it at least:

    1. 300 feet before the vehicle
    2. 100 feet before the vehicle
    3. 50 feet before the vehicle
    4. Only when you are next to it

    Answer: A. Merge into the farthest lane at least 300 feet before the vehicle; on two-lane highways, slow to at least 20 mph below the posted limit.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), Attention (Move Over law)merge into the lane farthest from the vehicle at least three hundred feet before the vehicle

  16. #42

    In South Dakota, when you approach from any direction a stopped emergency vehicle that is using red visual signals, you must:

    1. Slow to 20 mph below the limit and keep going
    2. Sound your horn and continue
    3. Come to a complete stop before reaching it, then proceed with caution only when safe
    4. Speed up to clear the area quickly

    Answer: C. With red signals, every driver from any direction must stop completely before reaching the vehicle and may then proceed with caution when safe, unless directed otherwise.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), Attention (Move Over law)to come to a complete stop before reaching the stopped emergency vehicle

  17. #43

    On South Dakota roads with a posted limit of 35 mph or more, how far behind a snowplow with red or amber lights on must you stay?

    1. At least 100 feet
    2. At least 200 feet
    3. At least 500 feet
    4. At least 50 feet

    Answer: B. The law requires staying at least 200 feet behind a snowplow when its red or amber lights are on.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), Winter Driving Safety Tipsthe law requires drivers to stay at least 200 feet behind a snowplow when its red or amber lights are on

  18. #44

    In South Dakota, the windshield side wings and side windows next to the driver may not be tinted so that light transmittance falls below:

    1. 5%
    2. 10%
    3. 20%
    4. 35%

    Answer: D. Front side glass: no less than 35% light transmittance; rear windows: no less than 20%.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), Windshield & Windowsadhesive film, or other application that reduces the light transmittance to a level below 35%

  19. #45

    In South Dakota, you do not have to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights or an extended stop arm only when:

    1. You are running late
    2. The roadway is separated by a physical barrier
    3. You are on a four-lane road without a barrier
    4. No children are visible

    Answer: B. You must always stop for such a bus unless the roadway is separated by a physical barrier.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), Rules for School BusesYou must always stop for a school bus that has its red lights flashing or its stop arm extended at all times unless the roadway is separated by a physical barrier.

  20. #46

    In South Dakota, which vehicles in a funeral procession must obey traffic signs and signals?

    1. Every vehicle
    2. Only the last vehicle
    3. Only the first vehicle
    4. None of them

    Answer: C. Only the first vehicle must obey signs and signals; all vehicles in the procession must have headlights on. Do not cut into a procession.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), Yielding Right-of-WayOnly the first vehicle in a funeral procession must obey traffic signs and signals.

Safety

1 questions

  1. #47

    In South Dakota, a child under 5 may be secured with a seatbelt instead of a child restraint system if the child weighs at least:

    1. 20 pounds
    2. 30 pounds
    3. 40 pounds
    4. 60 pounds

    Answer: C. Children under 5 must ride in a child restraint system, but a child who weighs at least 40 pounds may use a seatbelt.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), Child Passenger Safety LawsThe requirements of this section are met if the child is under five years of age and is at least forty pounds in weight by securing the child in a seatbelt.

Sharing the road

2 questions

  1. #48

    In South Dakota, when you pass a bicyclist where the posted limit is 35 mph or less, you must leave at least:

    1. 2 feet
    2. 3 feet
    3. 4 feet
    4. 10 feet

    Answer: B. At least 3 feet where the limit is 35 mph or less, and at least 6 feet where it is over 35 mph.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), Passingshall allow a minimum of a three foot separation between the right side of the driver's vehicle

  2. #49

    In South Dakota, when you pass a bicyclist where the posted limit is greater than 35 mph, you must leave at least:

    1. 3 feet
    2. 4 feet
    3. 6 feet
    4. 10 feet

    Answer: C. Over 35 mph the minimum is 6 feet; at 35 mph or less it is 3 feet. You may partially cross the center line if it is safe.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual (2025), Passingshall allow a minimum of six feet separation if the posted limit is greater than thirty-five miles per hour
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