A 3-minute lesson from the South Dakota course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
At the exam station you'll have your photo taken and pass a vision test and a knowledge test, then later a drive test. Knowing the retest rules and the restriction codes saves you surprises.
The exam steps:
Photo: taken every time you come in
Vision test: if you wear glasses or contacts for it, you must wear them whenever driving
Knowledge test: rules of the road and safe driving practices
Driving test: normal driving tasks, never anything against the law (must be scheduled)
If you fail the vision test, you must bring a statement from an optometrist or ophthalmologist certifying you can see well enough to drive safely before continuing.
Transferring a valid out-of-state license requires no testing unless you have a hazardous materials endorsement. All licenses and IDs must be surrendered, and the other state's credentials become invalid.
You fail the knowledge test on Tuesday morning. The earliest you can retest is Wednesday, the next working day, and the same fee still covers you, since each fee allows 3 attempts within 6 months.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
What is the fee for a regular Driver License or Instruction Permit in South Dakota?
$15.00
$33.00
$28.00
$50.00
Answer: $28.00
The fee for a Regular Driver License or Instruction Permit is $28.00.