How to Get Your Driver's License in South Dakota

Last verified: 2026-03

Here is how to get your driver's license in South Dakota. South Dakota uses a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system with 3 stages. You can get a full unrestricted license at age 16.

GDL Stages in South Dakota

1

Learner's Permit

Age 14+ 6 months minimum

Requirements

  • Pass written knowledge test
  • Pass vision screening
  • Parental consent if under 18

Restrictions

  • Must be accompanied by a licensed driver age 18 or older
2

Restricted Minor's Permit

Age 14.5+ 18 months minimum

Requirements

  • Hold learner's permit for at least 6 months or turn 14 and a half
  • Pass road skills test

Restrictions

  • No driving between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
  • Passenger restrictions may be set by parent
3

Full Unrestricted License

Age 16+

Requirements

  • Turn 16

Restricted License Rules

  • No driving between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. for restricted minor's permit holders.
  • Passenger restrictions are largely left to parental discretion rather than being set by statute.

How restrictions lift: Restrictions lift when the driver turns 16.

Road Test Overview

What Is Tested

  • Vehicle control
  • Turning and lane changes
  • Parking
  • Obeying traffic signals and signs
  • Speed management
  • Yielding right of way

Adult Licensing Pathway

If you are 18 or older, you do not need to complete the full GDL process. Drivers 16 and older can hold a full license. Adults 18+ who have never been licensed must still pass knowledge and road tests.

South Dakota-Specific Information

South Dakota has the youngest licensing ages in the nation, allowing a learner's permit at 14 and a restricted license at 14 and a half. The state does not have a strong statutory passenger restriction, instead relying on parents to set limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

You must be at least 16 years old to get an unrestricted full driver's license in South Dakota.

South Dakota uses a 3-stage Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system: Learner's Permit, Restricted Minor's Permit, Full Unrestricted License.

  • No driving between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. for restricted minor's permit holders.
  • Passenger restrictions are largely left to parental discretion rather than being set by statute.

Adults age 18 and older in South Dakota can apply for a license directly without going through the GDL stages. Drivers 16 and older can hold a full license. Adults 18+ who have never been licensed must still pass knowledge and road tests.

Need your permit first?

Start with the learner's permit before your full license.

South Dakota learner's permit guide

Check drivers ed requirements

Find out if drivers ed is required in South Dakota.

South Dakota drivers ed requirements

Prefer to learn online?

Complete a state-approved driving course from home on your own schedule. Same certifications, same insurance discounts.

View Online Courses

This information is based on South Dakota Department of Public Safety guidelines. Requirements can change. Visit the official South Dakota Department of Public Safety website for the most current information.