Obtaining an instruction permit is generally the first step that a beginner driver takes toward becoming a fully licensed driver in South Dakota. You are eligible to apply for an instruction permit if you are at least 14 years old and:

• you have never been licensed to operate a vehicle, or
• you are a new resident of South Dakota who has been licensed in another state, but your driver's license has been expired for longer than six months

HOW TO OBTAIN AN ORIGINAL INSTRUCTION PERMIT

1. Download a copy of the South Dakota Driver's Manual, or get a hard copy by visiting a local DMV exam station.
2. If you are under 18 years of age, your parent or guardian must accompany you to sign the application.
3. Visit your local DMV exam station to submit the Driver License Application form. You must bring with you:
4. Proofs of Identity of identity, age and address (one primary document and another document either primary or secondary). If you have changed your name, you must bring documents that support and clearly indicate your current name.
5. Your Social Security card.
6. The fee of $8 for the instruction permit payable by cash or check (credit cards are not accepted).
7. You will be given a written knowledge test and an eye screening at the Driver License Center. If you pass these tests, you will be issued an instruction permit, which is valid for one year.

When driving with an instruction permit between 6 am and 10 pm you must be accompanied by a licensed driver age of 18 or older who has held a license for at least a year. This person must sit beside you. When driving between 10 pm and 6 am your parent or guardian must sit beside you in the vehicle. NOTE: Minors at least 14 years of age, but less than 18 years of age, must hold the valid permit continuously for 180 days (90 days if they have successfully completed an approved Department of Education driver education course) prior to upgrade of permit to a Restricted Minor's permit or Operator's License. If under 18 years of age and the Instruction Permit expires, a minor would be required to obtain another Instruction Permit for either the 90-day or 180-day requirement.

THE RESTRICTED MINOR'S PERMIT

To obtain a Restricted Minor's Permit, you must be at least 14 years of age and pass the vision, knowledge, and driving test. You will also have to complete the requirements of the Instruction Permit, and have not been convicted of a traffic violation during the past six months prior to obtaining the Restricted Minor's Permit. RESTRICTIONS: Entitles the holder, while having the permit in his immediate physical possession, to operate a motor vehicle during the hours of 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. if the motor vehicle is being operated with the permission of the minor's parent or legal guardian; and during the hours of 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. if the minor's parent or legal guardian is occupying a seat beside the driver.

THE UNRESTRICTED OPERATOR'S LICENSE

A full, unrestricted license may be issued when you are at least 16 years old. If under the age of 18, you must complete the requirements of the instruction permit to obtain an operator's license. Also there should be no traffic convictions against you over the previous six months.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• For more information, see our Beginner Drivers section.
• See also Applying for a Drivers License.
• See also Driver's Education, Driving Schools and Practice Tests.
• Bear in mind that in order to drive legally in the state of South Dakota, you must have valid auto insurance. See our Auto Insurance section for more information, or to obtain a competitive quote on car insurance.