Other License Info

The subject of driver licensing in South Dakota is a broad one, and we've done our best to cover the highlights in our different sections.

However, some information doesn't fit neatly into these sections, so we thought we'd briefly mention it here. We'll also give you some helpful links to assist you if you'd like to do further research on your own.

License Ineligibility

We've already told you who can apply for a license. You can't
get a license, however, if you:

• Are under 14 years old

• Currently have an out-of-state license that's either revoked or suspended

• Owe more than $1,000 in child support; a one-time, six-month temporary license may be issued instead

• Are illegally in the country

Types of Driver's Licenses

Here are the license classifications in South Dakota:

• Class 1―Car, truck, moped

• Class 2―Car, truck, motorcycle

• Class 3―Motorcycle only

• Class A, B, C―Commercial

• Class A3, B3, C3―Commercial with motorcycle

Mopeds

Yes, a moped is considered a motorcycle in South Dakota. So are mini-bikes, motorscooters, and motorized bicycles. Why? Because state law defines a motorcycle as "any motorized two- or three-wheeled vehicle, except a tractor or farm implement."

This means that anyone who drives a moped (or the other types listed) needs to have a motorcycle license.

Some mopeds, however, are excluded if they fall under the following classification:

• "If a combustion engine is used, the maximum piston or rotor displacement shall be 50 cubic centimeters of the number of chambers in such power source. The power source shall be equipped with a power drive system that functions directly or automatically only, not requiring clutching, or shifting by the operator after the drive system is engaged."

Living Will

On the driver's license application, there is a box that you may check to indicate if you do or don't have a living will that covers the withholding or removal of life support. Your selection will then be indicated on your license.

Durable Power of Attorney

If you have a durable power of attorney, you may indicate this by checking the appropriate box on the driver's license application. Your choice will then be noted on your license.

Peak and Off-Peak Exam Station Times

According to the state, the exam stations are least busy mid-day, mid-week, and mid-month. So, if you go on Wednesday the 27th at 10 a.m., you should be just fine.

The busiest periods are before and after a holiday weekend, Friday afternoons, and Tuesdays.

Also, keep in mind that exam stations are under-staffed between 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., thus increasing the likelihood of a longer wait.

Links

Here are some helpful official state links:

Exam station locations

Driver Licensing Program

Driver Licensing Program FAQs

Contact Information

• South Dakota Licensing Program

• 118 West Capitol Ave.

• Pierre, S.D. 57501

• Phone: (800) 952-3696

• E-mail: dps.sdlicensinginfo@state.sd.us

• Director: Cynthia D. Gerber