South Dakota Permit Practice Test

1. In South Dakota, what is the youngest age to get an instruction permit?

1. 14 years old (correct answer)
2. 15 years old
3. 16 years old
4. 15 and a half

Answer: A. In South Dakota you can get an instruction permit at age 14, which is earlier than in most states.

South Dakota handbook, page 8.

2. In South Dakota, what is the rule about phones for instruction permit holders while driving?

1. Hands-free calls are allowed
2. Texting is allowed when stopped
3. Calls to parents are allowed
4. No wireless device may be used (correct answer)

Answer: D. A South Dakota instruction permit holder may not use any kind of wireless communication device while driving, so all attention stays on learning to drive.

South Dakota handbook, page 8.

3. In South Dakota, what is the highest posted speed limit on rural stretches of interstate?

1. 65 mph
2. 70 mph
3. 75 mph
4. 80 mph (correct answer)

Answer: D. Since 2015, South Dakota law allows up to 80 mph on interstates, and rural stretches may be posted at 80 mph, though the limit is lower near towns.

4. In South Dakota, on a two-lane highway, how much must you slow down for a vehicle on the shoulder with warning lights (limit above 20 mph)?

1. At least 20 mph below the limit (correct answer)
2. At least 5 mph below the limit
3. At least 10 mph below the limit
4. To exactly 15 mph

Answer: A. Under the South Dakota Move Over law, on a two-lane highway you must slow to at least 20 mph below the posted limit before passing a vehicle with warning lights on the shoulder.

South Dakota handbook, page 2.

5. In South Dakota, during which hours may an instruction permit holder drive with any qualified licensed adult beside them?

1. 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
2. 5 a.m. to midnight
3. 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. (correct answer)
4. 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Answer: C. A South Dakota instruction permit allows driving from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. with a qualified licensed adult beside you; from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. it must be your parent or guardian.