South Dakota Driver's Handbook and Study Guide
Last verified: 2026-03
Here is everything you need to study the South Dakota Driver License Manual in South Dakota. This guide links to the official handbook and breaks down the chapters and most-tested topics so you can prepare for your permit test.
Most-Tested Topics for Your Permit Test
Focus your study time on these topics. They appear most often on the South Dakota permit knowledge test.
- Traffic signs and signals
- Right-of-way rules
- Speed limits
- Parking rules
- DUI/DWI laws
What Is in the South Dakota Driver License Manual
Traffic Signs and Signals
Covers the meaning of regulatory, warning, and guide signs, plus traffic signal rules and flashing light procedures.
Right-of-Way Rules
Explains who goes first at intersections, crosswalks, roundabouts, and when merging onto highways.
Safe Driving Practices
Covers following distance, lane changes, passing, scanning for hazards, and driving in bad weather.
Parking Rules
Describes legal and illegal parking situations, parallel parking steps, and curb color meanings.
Alcohol and Drug Laws
Explains South Dakota DUI laws, BAC limits, implied consent, and penalties for impaired driving.
Rural and Winter Driving
Covers driving on gravel roads, sharing roads with farm equipment, and handling blizzard conditions.
South Dakota-Specific Information
South Dakota's knowledge test has 25 questions and requires a 20-correct (80%) passing score. South Dakota allows an instruction permit at age 14, one of the youngest in the nation. The handbook covers gravel road driving, wildlife crossing hazards (especially deer), and winter blizzard conditions common across the state's rural highways.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can read the South Dakota Driver License Manual online.
- Traffic signs and signals
- Right-of-way rules
- Speed limits
- Parking rules
- DUI/DWI laws
The South Dakota Driver License Manual covers 6 chapters, from traffic signs and right-of-way rules to safe driving practices and state-specific laws.
Ready to Apply for Your Learner's Permit?
Once you have studied the handbook, the next step is applying for your permit at the South Dakota Department of Public Safety Driver Licensing Program.
View South Dakota learner's permit requirementsPrefer to learn online?
Complete a state-approved driving course from home on your own schedule. Same certifications, same insurance discounts.
View Online CoursesThis information is based on South Dakota Department of Public Safety Driver Licensing Program guidelines. Handbook content can change. Visit the official South Dakota Department of Public Safety Driver Licensing Program website for the most current driver's handbook.