Top Instruction Permit

Obtaining a South Dakota license as a teen is either a two-step or three-step process, depending on what age you begin the process. But, don't worry...we'll walk you through the different scenarios.

Oh, if you're 18 and older, the following does not apply to you. Follow the road map described in our Applying for a New License section instead.

But, for everyone between 14-18, listen up...

For starters, bring a certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid United States passport, or an approved tribe identification card along with one other acceptable form of identification to the exam station. You'll also be asked for your social security number.

If you're not a citizen of the country, bring a valid Naturalization and Immigration record that vouches for your stay in the United States.

Also, keep in mind that the examiners reserve the right to ask anyone for more documentation or information than is normally required.

Now, when you come to the exam station, make sure to bring your parent or legal guardian with you.

The next thing to do is to complete a driver license application.

Once you've finished with that, you'll need to pass a vision and a knowledge test:

• Vision

  If you need the aid of glasses or contact lenses to pass this test, then you'll need to wear them when driving. If you fail the test, your eye doctor will need to complete a vision statement that verifies that you see well enough to drive.

• Knowledge

  This test will quiz you on driving rules, procedures and techniques. You should prepare for the test by thoroughly studying the Driver Manual.

If you pass both tests and fork over $8, you'll be given an instruction permit valid for one year. If the permit expires, and you're still under 18 when it does, you'll need to get another permit.

The permit allows you to begin driving! You'll be expected to develop your driving skills and safety awareness level to the point where you're capable of passing the driving test.

You'll need to have the permit for a minimum of 180 days (continuously).
However, if you successfully complete an approved state driver education course, you'll only need to have your permit for 90 continuous days.

The permit has some restrictions. You must have a licensed driver who is a least 18 and has a minimum of one year of driving experience sitting in the passenger seat, if you're driving between 6 a.m.-10 p.m. You'll need to have your parent or legal guardian with you if it's between 10 p.m.-6 a.m.

Once you've held the instruction permit for the required length of time, and if you haven't any traffic violations within the last six months, you can move on to a restricted minor's permit.

However, this is where age comes into play. If you are over 16, you can skip the restricted minor's permit and apply for a driver's license.

Top Restricted Minor's Permit

To get this permit, you'll need to pass the dreaded driving test. But, that's what you've been practicing for the last few months, right? Anyway, the test will determine your ability to safely handle routine, everyday driving maneuvers and procedures.

To take the test, head back to the exam station. Some stations will require you to make an appointment for the test. Driving tests will not begin in the hour before closing time.

If you pass the test, you'll be given a restricted minor's permit at a cost of $8, which is valid for five years. (If you're not a resident of the United States, your license will expire in five years or when your visa ends, whichever comes first.)

This permit has fewer restrictions than the instruction permit. You may drive by yourself between 6 a.m.-10 p.m., as long as you have the permission of your parent or legal guardian. If you want to drive outside of those hours, you'll need to have your parent or legal guardian with you.

Once you've turned 16, and if you don't have any traffic violations within the last six months, you may convert the permit into a license at the exam station.

Top Practice Exam

To give you a heads-up on what to expect on the written exam, The Unofficial DMV Guide strongly recommends taking a trial run on a practice test. It will allow you to gauge your road acumen without must-pass-now pressures.

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