South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Driver Licensing Program
South Dakota road test: how the SD DPS scores it
How South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Driver Licensing Program scores the South Dakota road test, the sourced facts that change how you prepare for it, and what ends an attempt on the spot.
- Exam Simulator25 questions, pass with 20, scored the way SD DPS scores it
- Practice Test 120 questions, a broad first pass across signs, right of way, rules and safety
- Road Signs Full197 questions, every sign, signal and pavement marking question
- Laws and Limits12 questions drawn from the SDCL ch. 32-12
What the South Dakota road test weighs.
Each note below is specific to South Dakota, read from South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Driver Licensing Program materials, so you know what its examiners weight and what its offices expect on the day.
Applicants must provide their own vehicle for the road test, and pets or extra passengers are not allowed inside during the test.
South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Driver Licensing ProgramTesting is by appointment only, booked online or by phone with the Driver Licensing Program.
South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Driver Licensing ProgramWhat has to be done before the road test.
South Dakota gates the road test behind these, each read from the agency's own page and dated.
Supervised practice logged first
South Dakota makes you log 50 hours of supervised driving, 10 of them at night before the road test.
South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Driver Licensing Information for Teen Drivers and Parents, verified 2026-08-28Permit held before the test
The permit has to be held for 9.2 months (275 days) without driver education; 6 months (180 days) with an approved driver education course months in South Dakota before you can attempt the road test.
South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Driver Licensing Information for Teen Drivers and Parents, verified 2026-08-28Automatic fails and test day.
See what can end a road test immediately before your appointment.