South Dakota Road Signs & Driver Knowledge Test Exam Guide

The knowledge test covers rules of the road and safe-driving practices, with road-sign recognition woven into that same content rather than tested as a standalone section. Drivers seeking a motorcycle endorsement (Class 2 license) must additionally pass a separate motorcycle knowledge test on top of the operator's knowledge test.

• Traffic sign meanings and shapes
• Rules of the road and right-of-way
• Safe-driving practices
• Motorcycle-specific rules (motorcycle endorsement applicants only)

South Dakota's own site provides driving manuals to study from but does not publish an official sample test, which is why a dedicated practice test is useful preparation.

Fees vary by document type: an Instruction Permit costs $38, a standard Driver License costs $38, a Commercial Driver License costs $43, and a duplicate or replacement license costs $20.

• Instruction Permit: $38
• Driver License: $38
• Commercial Driver License (CDL): $43
• Duplicate/Replacement License: $20

For any fee not listed here, confirm the current amount against the South Dakota driver license fee schedule.

Both the knowledge test and the driving skills test require a score of 80% or higher to pass. South Dakota's official materials do not publish an exact question count or time limit, so check the current South Dakota driver's manual for the latest format details before your test appointment.

You get three opportunities to test for each fee paid within a six-month period, but after any failed attempt you must wait until the next working day to retest.