South Dakota Online Driver Education and South Dakota Licensing Procedures

So you've taken your first step towards becoming a new driver in South Dakota? Congratulations!

As you probably already know, driving is a valuable skill, but can also be extremely dangerous. Therefore, to help new teen drivers develop safe driving habits during their first few years behind the wheel, the State of South Dakota has implemented a graduated driver license program for South Dakota drivers who are under the age of 18.

We’ve summarized a few things you’ll need to know as you begin the process of becoming a licensed driver in South Dakota.

South Dakota Instruction Permit (aka--Learners Permit)

• You may apply for an instruction permit at age 14 in South Dakota.
• Please take the following paperwork with you to your local driver's license office:
• Birth certificate (original or certified copy)
• Social Security card
• Your parent/guardian needs to be present to sign your application form

At the driver's license office, you will be given a vision screening exam, and then a written test. If you pass it, you will be issued an instruction per permit to drive.

Instruction permit restrictions:

• You may only drive if a licensed 18-year-old driver (with at least 1 year of driving experience) is actively supervising your driving from the front passenger seat.
• Everyone in the car must be buckled-up!

South Dakota Operator License

You may apply for an operator license provided you have met the following requirements:

• You've had an instruction permit for at least 180 days (or 90 days if you've completed a state-approved drivers education course!), and kept a clean driving record

When you're ready to "go for it", head back down to your neighborhood driver's license office, with the same ID forms you took the last time along with your instruction permit. You will have to pass a road test to get your operator license, which is valid for 5 years.

South Dakota Auto Insurance & Financial Responsibility Laws

State law requires that you have at least a certain amount of auto insurance/liability coverage on any vehicle you drive. The minimum amount of liability coverage required in South Carolina is as follows:

• $25,000--personal injury (1 person)
• $50,000--personal injury (2 or more persons)
• $25,000--property damage per accident

Note: in South Dakota you must also obtain coverage for underinsured/uninsured motorists! Please contact the DMV for more information.

Driving without the required amount of auto insurance is a crime. If you are found to be driving while uninsured, you risk losing your license and paying a hefty fine.

South Dakota Drunk Driving Laws

Drinking while under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited in South Dakota, and the law is strictly enforced.

Upon your FIRST South Dakota DUI conviction, you will face the following penalties:

• 1 year in Jail
• $1,000 fine
• 30 days to 1 year of license suspension

Further DUI convictions will result in even more severe penalties, including extended jail time, fines, and the revocation of your driver's license.

South Dakota Cell Phone & Text-Messaging Laws

South Dakota currently has no laws prohibiting the use of cell phones while driving. However, that does not mean it's safe to use them while driving! If you cannot wait until you get to your destination to talk to or text somebody, please find a safe place to park and then talk & text all you want.

South Dakota Drivers Education

For more information on approved drivers education courses available to teen-age drivers in South Dakota, please visit the South Dakota Dept. of Public Safety (DPS) website.