What do flashing yellow or amber lights on a school bus mean?

The bus driver is signaling for you to pass

There is a hazard on the road ahead

When is passing on the right permitted?

When the vehicle in front of you is making a left turn

When the vehicle in front of you is driving slower than the speed limit

Which passengers have to wear a seat belt?

The driver and all front-seat passengers 18 and older

What should you do before driving in snowy conditions?

Remove snow and ice from windows, lights, and mirrors

Let the engine warm up for at least 40 minutes

Why must you be prepared to stop when driving behind a school bus and approaching a railroad crossing?

Because school buses must stop before crossing the tracks

Because buses usually get stuck on the railroad tracks

Because buses are prohibited from crossing railroad tracks

Does your trailer need to be equipped with independent braking?

Yes, if the gross weight exceeds 3,000 lbs

Yes, if the gross weight exceeds 5,000 lbs

What does the child restraint law mean for children of different ages?

Children must be properly seated in a restraint appropriate for their age, size and weight

All children should be seated in the same way

Children should be seated in the front seat

When should you begin slowing down when exiting the freeway?

After entering the deceleration lane

Before entering the deceleration lane

Before signaling your intention to exit

What does this sign mean?

Left lane may turn left or go straight ahead. Right lane may only turn right

Left lane may only turn left. Right lane may only turn right

Left lane may turn in any direction. Right lane may only turn right

You're traveling along a street with parked vehicles on the right-hand side. Why should you keep your speed down?

Children may run out from between the vehicles

Oncoming traffic can see you more clearly

You’re driving on a well-lit road at night. How will using low-beam headlights help?

Other drivers will be able to see you more easily

You can drive at a much higher speed

When may you turn left from a one-way street into another one-way street?

Only if traffic on the ‘new’ street flows to the left

Only if traffic on the ‘new’ street flows to the right

What should you do during an acceleration skid?

Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and take your foot off the gas pedal

Let go of the steering wheel and take your foot off the gas pedal

Accelerate and keep a firm grip on the steering wheel

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South Dakota DPS Permit Practice Tests (2026)

Master the rules of the road in the Mount Rushmore State and pass your DPS permit test with confidence. Start preparing today with our updated 2026 practice tests!

Your journey begins here

easy

Recommended to start

Practice test #1

20 questions

This practice test is a great place to start. It will test your understanding of fundamental driving rules. Based on the South Dakota Driver Handbook, the questions are designed to closely resemble those on the actual exam.

Weak Areas Assessment

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medium

Practice test #2

25 questions

Ready to test your road signs knowledge? This road signs practice test challenges you to accurately identify a wide variety of signs in a test-like format.

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hard

Practice test #3

30 questions

Challenge your knowledge and ensure you’re fully prepared. This test includes complex and in-depth questions to test how well you’ve mastered South Dakota traffic laws and road rules. Use this test to push your understanding to the next level.

Start

The Next Step

Video-Based South Dakota Driver’s Handbook

We’ve turned the boring South Dakota manual into an engaging video course. Certified instructors explain every rule simply, paired with text to help it stick. Perfect for visual learners.

Questions Verified for South Dakota

Based on the 2026 South Dakota Handbook

Last verified: August 3, 2026

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Advanced Features

Realistic Driving Simulations

Time to test the rules in action to see if you understand them. Our realistic simulations help you build confidence, ingrain the rules, and learn safe driving habits without the pressure.

exam

Exam simulator

25 questions

This is as close to the real South Dakota DPS permit test as it gets. With 25 questions covering the same topics you’ll encounter on the actual exam, this test mimics the real deal. You’ll need 20 correct answers to pass, just as on the real exam.

Exam Readiness Assessment

Pass rate: 20/25

Start

Extra Support

Guides

Downloadable guides to use right before your test or if you want to quickly refresh your knowledge.

End of Preparation

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South Dakota WRITTEN EXAM

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Dynamic question looping

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Smart diagnostic assessments

Detects critical knowledge gaps (e.g., Right-of-Way vs. Signs) so you can fix any critical knowledge gaps

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South Dakota Permit Test & Driver’s License FAQ

What is a South Dakota instruction permit?
It's the first step for new drivers aged 14 and up, allowing supervised driving practice.
How do I apply for an instruction permit in South Dakota?
Visit a driver exam station with a parent or guardian, provide the required documents (proof of identity, birth date, and citizenship), permit application form, and pass a vision screening and a knowledge test.
Are there driving restrictions with a permit?
All new drivers with a learner's permit are required to be accompanied by a licensed driver at least 18 years old at all times while operating a motor vehicle.
What is a restricted minor's permit?
It is the next license in the GDL program and allows unsupervised driving from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. To receive your minor's permit, you first need to pass the road test. The road test will test your ability to safely and correctly operate a motor vehicle, including performing key maneuvers, following road signs, and more.
What are the requirements to get a minor's permit?
You must have first held your instruction permit for at least 180 days without any traffic convictions (or 275 days if you haven't completed a driver's education program).

You will also need to provide proof of 50 hours of parent/guardian-supervised driving (10 of those at night and 10 during inclement weather), which should be recorded in the student's driving log.
Do I need parental consent to get a permit?
Yes, a parent or guardian must co-sign the permit application.
How many questions are on the South Dakota permit test?
The South Dakota DPS permit test consists of 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 questions correctly to get a passing score (80%).
Can I retake the test if I fail?
Yes, but you must wait at least one day before retesting.

South Dakota DPS Permit Practice Tests (2026)

Your journey begins here

Practice test #1

Practice test #2

Practice test #3

Video-Based South Dakota Driver’s Handbook

Realistic Driving Simulations

Exam simulator

Guides

PASS THE OFFICIAL South Dakota WRITTEN EXAM

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Zutobi is the science-backed way to study

South Dakota Permit Test & Driver’s License FAQ

What is a South Dakota instruction permit?

How do I apply for an instruction permit in South Dakota?

Are there driving restrictions with a permit?

What is a restricted minor's permit?

What are the requirements to get a minor's permit?

Do I need parental consent to get a permit?

How many questions are on the South Dakota permit test?

Can I retake the test if I fail?

PASS THE OFFICIAL
South Dakota WRITTEN EXAM