Updated for 2026

South Dakota SD DPS (South Dakota Department of Public Safety)

Comprehensive study guide for the 2026 driver's knowledge exam. Everything you need to know about laws, fees, and requirements.

Total Questions

25

Passing Score

20

Standard Fee

$28.00 (Instruction Permit / Driver License)

Testing System

computerized touchscreen (available in English and Spanish)

Critical Failure Factors

A leading cause of failure in South Dakota is the lack of knowledge regarding 'Uncontrolled Intersections' (common on rural gravel roads) and the critical legal distinction between 'No Travel Advised' (you can drive but at your own risk) and 'Road Closed' (driving is a crime with huge fines).

Legal Statutes & Driving Codes

South Dakota traffic laws are uniquely adapted to its vast rural spaces and severe winter climate. A critical legal concept for all drivers is the 'Move Over Law', which was significantly expanded as of July 1, 2025. Drivers are now required to move over a lane or slow down not just for emergency vehicles, but for ANY vehicle on the shoulder displaying flashing amber, yellow, or blue lights—this includes tow trucks, maintenance crews, and even stranded motorists with hazard lights on. Failure to do so is a Class 2 misdemeanor. Another vital area of law involves 'Open Range' vs. 'Stock Laws'. In designated 'Open Range' areas (mostly West River), livestock like cattle and horses have the legal right of way. If you hit a cow in these areas, you may be liable to the rancher for the loss of the animal. Conversely, in 'Stock Law' districts, owners must fence their animals in. Drivers must also master the rules for 'Uncontrolled Intersections'; at rural intersections with no yield or stop signs, you must yield to the vehicle on your right. If you enter such an intersection while speeding, you automatically forfeit the right of way. For teen drivers, South Dakota has one of the youngest licensing ages in the nation. The Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program allows for an Instruction Permit at age 14. However, the restrictions are tight: permit holders cannot drive between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Passenger restrictions dictate that for the first 6 months of a Restricted Minor's Permit, ONLY immediate family members are allowed in the vehicle. After 6 months, only one non-family passenger is permitted. Regarding motorcycles, while helmets are only mandatory for riders under 18, eye protection (glasses, goggles, or a face shield) is mandatory for ALL operators unless the bike has a windshield. Finally, the speed limit on rural interstates is 80 mph, one of the highest in the US, but the 'Basic Speed Rule' applies: driving 80 mph on icy roads is illegal regardless of the sign.

Statistical Realities

Driving in South Dakota involves survival knowledge that goes beyond simple traffic rules. The most severe penalties in the state are reserved for violating winter road closures. Drivers must understand the massive legal difference between 'No Travel Advised' and 'Road Closed'. 'No Travel Advised' means the road is dangerous, but legal to drive on; if you get stuck, plows may not come for you until the storm passes. However, driving on a road marked 'Road Closed' (typically Interstate 90 or 29 during blizzards) is a civil and criminal offense. Violators can be fined up to $1,000 and, crucially, can be forced to pay the cost of their own rescue, which is capped at $10,000. This law exists to protect first responders. Wildlife is another major hazard; South Dakota is famous for its pheasant population. While hitting a deer is dangerous, swerving to avoid a pheasant or small animal is a leading cause of rollover accidents on gravel roads. The manual advises: 'Don't Veer for Deer' (or pheasants)—brake firmly and stay in your lane. Another unique cultural event is the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in August. During this time, the population of the state swells, and highway traffic patterns change drastically. Drivers must be hyper-vigilant for motorcycles, which may be hidden in blind spots. Regarding the test itself, the exam is concise: 25 questions, 20 correct to pass (80%). The questions are randomized but often focus on specific fines and the 'Implied Consent' law (refusal of a chemical test results in immediate license revocation for a year). Also, South Dakota allows the use of studded tires, but only between October 1 and April 30; using them outside these dates carries a fine to protect the pavement. Finally, be aware that many rural highways have 'rumble strips' on the centerline, not just the shoulder, to prevent head-on collisions caused by drowsy driving on long, straight stretches.