Taking the DPS permit test in South Dakota does not have to be a scary process. Use this study guide, and take a permit practice test to help make passing the test easy.
Every new driver looking to obtain a permit in the state of South Dakota should study the South Dakota official Driver License Manual issued by the state. The manual will tell you everything you need to know to prepare for the permit test and for driving on the road.
All applicants hoping to qualify for a permit will need to take the written knowledge test to assess their knowledge of state driving regulations and safe driving practices. The written permit test in South Dakota consists of 25 multiple choice questions. It takes a score of at least 80 percent to pass the test, which would require 20 correct answers on the test. The written test can only be taken one time each day and three times in each application process.
Since the South Dakota permit driving test is concerned primarily with driving laws and safe driving, those chapters should be thoroughly before taking the exam to make sure you pass the first time. The most important sections to study in the driver's manual are:
- Rules of the Road (Page 22) This chapter provides the details of South Dakota driving laws. Take extra time to study the road signs and signals since they will likely be found on the permit test.
- Safe Driving Tips (Page 34) The act of driving is a lot more than just steering accelerating and braking. This part of the handbook covers concepts that can help you become a safe driver. Topics such as basic driving maneuvers, dealing with variable road conditions, handling various driving situations and sharing the road are covered.
- Sharing the Road (Page 55) discusses how to be conscious of driving around large busses and trucks.
- Be in Shape to Drive (Page 57) Pay special attention to the information on the ways that your driving can be impaired. Count on a few questions about the rules and consequences of drinking and driving on the permit test
A good way to see if you have adequately studied the South Dakota drivers manual is to take an online practice test. This will help you get comfortable with answering test questions similar to those found on the actual test. Then you will be ready when the time comes to take the knowledge test at the DPS office.
