How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in South Dakota?

You must be at least 14 years old to get a learner's permit in South Dakota. You must hold your permit for at least 6 months before moving to the next stage.

What are the restrictions for an intermediate license in South Dakota?

South Dakota intermediate license holders must be at least 14.75 years old. There is a curfew from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

When can you get a full unrestricted license in South Dakota?

In South Dakota, you can get a full unrestricted driver's license at age 16.

South Dakota Graduated Driver License (GDL) Laws

Last verified: 2026-03

South Dakota uses a graduated driver license (GDL) system to help new drivers build skills in stages. Here is a breakdown of each stage, the requirements, and the restrictions you need to know.

Stage 1

Learner's Permit

Minimum age

Stage 2

Intermediate License

14.75

Minimum age

Stage 3

Full License

Minimum age

Stage 1: Learner's Permit

Minimum age: 14
Holding period: 6 months
Supervised driving hours: 50 hours
Nighttime driving hours: 10 hours
Supervisor minimum age: 18 years old

Stage 2: Intermediate (Provisional) License

Minimum age: 14.75
Curfew hours: 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Passenger exceptions: No non-family passengers for first 6 months; 1 passenger under 18 after 6 months. Family members exempt.
Cell phone use banned: No

Stage 3: Full Unrestricted License

Minimum age for full license

At this age, all GDL restrictions are removed and you can drive without limits on passengers, curfew, or supervision.

Penalties for GDL Violations

Violations can result in fines, license suspension, and extension of restricted period

South Dakota-Specific Information

South Dakota has among the youngest driving ages: permit at 14, restricted license at 14.5, and full license at 16. Requires 50 hours of supervised practice including 10 nighttime hours and 10 hours in adverse weather conditions. Holding period varies by driver education completion.

Frequently Asked Questions

A graduated driver license (GDL) is a system that lets new drivers in South Dakota gain experience in stages. You start with a learner's permit, move to an intermediate license, and then earn a full unrestricted license. Each stage has its own rules and restrictions.

You can get your learner's permit in South Dakota at age 14. You must hold your permit for at least 6 months before moving to the intermediate license stage.

During the intermediate license stage, South Dakota restricts driving between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM. This curfew is in place until you get your full unrestricted license at age 16.

You can get your full unrestricted driver's license in South Dakota at age 16. At that point, all GDL restrictions on curfew, passengers, and supervision are removed.

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This information is based on nonprofit-research sources. Requirements can change. Visit your state's official DMV website for the most current information.