South Dakota Driver’s License Guide - Amazon Web...

South DakotaDriver’s License Guide

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ContentsTable of

Starting the Journey

11

4

Getting Your First South Dakota License

Replacing Your License

Official Forms

Getting an South Dakota ID Card


Updating Your License Information

Renewing Your License

Reinstating Your License

Vehicle Safety Tips

6

11

13

15

17

18

21

22

26

DPS Hours and Locations

27



Welcome to the world of driving in South Dakota! Obtaining your license is one of the most gratifying moments in your life. Our purpose through this guide is to make sure you get to that moment with as little stress or complications as possible.

Getting your driver’s license in South Dakota is a smooth sailing process that only requires that you prepare slightly before embarking on the adventure. That is where we come in, we are here to help you know exactly what it is you need to prepare and how to prepare it properly.

This process will only take a small amount of your time. In fact, the guide is specifically organized towards ensuring that you are able to get through things as quickly as possible. Jam-packed with information regarding everything from obtaining your learner’s permit, driver’s license, or ID card all the way to how to renew, replace, or updating these items. We will make getting ready to drive on the friendly South Dakota roads fast and easy. So, enjoy as we make life a bit less complicated.


All Drivers You must also remember that the roads aren’t always safe. Therefore, it is in your best interest to fully prepare for whatever may your way before you begin driving. When you begin driving, you not only take on the responsibility for your safety, but you also take on the responsibility of the safety of your passengers and all passengers in the vehicles around you. So, in order to best prepare yourself to take on that responsibility, it is always wise to follow the testing procedure established by the Department of Public Safety.

When obtaining a new driver’s license or permit, you will be required to take a vision, knowledge and driving exams which will help the DPS test your ability to safely drive in South Dakota. When you renew your license, only a vision exam will be required, unless the license is expired, in which case, you would have to pass a knowledge exam as well. Continue reading to find more about each of these examinations.

Vision Exam

Getting your vision checked before you obtain your learner’s permit or driver’s license is essential to ensure that you are physically capable of driving. The exam is very straight forward and will only require that you have a minimum vision of 20/40. Otherwise, if you fail your vision exam, you are required to get corrective lenses. It will state on your license whether you must drive while wearing corrective lenses by having a code representing “corrective lenses” for any officials who see your license.

If you are not able to pass the vision test, even with corrective lenses, you need to have an eye doctor examine you and send a report to the DPS outlining the conditions of your vision to drive. This statement will then be reviewed and the DPS will let you know if you are eligible for a driver’s license in South Dakota.

Written Exam

When it comes to obtaining your learner’s permit, you need to take a written exam first. At first, it may seem

intimidating to take the exam, but once you understand how the process goes it will be less frightening to you.

In order to prepare for the written exam, you need to review all information regarding driver safety, traffic laws, and all South Dakota laws. The exam is available in multiple languages for those who are not fluent in English and require language assistance.

All the information you need to study to prepare for the test can be found in the South Dakota Driver’s license Manual. If you choose to follow an approved instruction program, you will learn about all the topics covered in the knowledge exam. Driver’s education is not mandatory, though.


https://dps.sd.gov/resource-library/South-Dakota-Driver-Manual-2016.pdf-517

Driving Test

Taking a driving test is necessary in order for the DPS to determine your driving skills level. The first part of the exam, which includes a safety check, will show the examiner that you have an acceptable level regarding your vehicle. When you go to take your driving test, you are required to provide a vehicle that is both insured and passes the safety requirements. Continue to read the points below to understand better what will happen during your test from start to finish!

Before taking your driving test, you need to schedule an appointment at least 48 hours in advance. You can do this by phone, calling 1-800-952-3696, or online. On the day of your appointment, make sure to take with you any document required to obtain the permit or license you will be applying for.

During the exam, a DPS representative will accompany you in the front passenger seat and give you instructions to perform typical driving maneuvers, such as:

Parking.

Be careful not to break any laws, perform dangerous actions or do anything that contributes to an accident. Follow the directions given by the instructor at all times. Failure to do this will cause you to fail the test.

In case you fail, you are allowed to take the test again during the next business day. If you fail more than three times within a six-month term, you are required to pay the fee again.

Using lanes properly.

Accelerating and braking.

Approaching intersections.

Backing up the vehicle.


Teen Drivers If you’re a teenager on the brink of entering adulthood, chances are you’re currently dreaming of obtaining your driver’s license. Well, we are here to help you make that dream a reality! We will outline and help you to better understand each procedure you must complete to obtain your license. As a new driver, it is important that you carefully read through each step and fully understand how everything operates. This is to ensure that you avoid any complications, but also to be sure that you are well prepared to take on your responsibilities on the road.

South Dakota has a three-step graduated license program that will gradually guide you towards your full unrestricted driver’s license, but while you learn, you will be subject to certain restrictions based on your instruction level. Continue reading to find more about this three-step process.

Step 1: Instruction Permit

An instruction permit is a special license meant only for learning purposes. With your permit, you are allowed to practice driving with an instructor or in a driver’s education course only. To be eligible to obtain a permit in South Dakota, you must be at least 14 years old. You will have to go to a DPS office in person accompanied by your parents or guardians. Gather the following documents before making the trip:

ONE proof of identity, date of birth and lawful status, such as a certified birth certificate or a valid U.S. passport.

ONE proof of Social Security Number, such as your Social Security card.

TWO proofs of residence, such as utility bills, phone bills or bank statements.

Your parents must sign giving you consent to get your permit and you are asked to pass a vision and a knowledge test. There is a $28 fee that must be paid, and then you will be issued a permit to drive while supervised by a licensed driver, 18 years of age or older. This permit will be valid for a year.

There are some restrictions that you must abide by while learning to drive with your instruction permit:

You may not drive between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., unless there is an emergency, you are traveling to or from a school-sponsored activity or you are being supervised by your parent or legal guardian.

You may only travel with one passenger under 18 years of age in the car, unless they are your immediate family members.

You may not use any type of mobile communication device while driving.

You must always carry your permit while practicing.

Step 2: Driver’s Education

After obtaining your permit, you are be ready to enroll in a Driver’s Education course. You may ask your school for courses approved by the Department of Education. Driver’s education is not necessary as long as you meet the required practice time: 90 days if you take a driver’s education course or 180 days if you don’t take an approved course.

When you successfully complete this requirement and if you are at least 16 years old, you will be allowed to apply for an Operator License.Click here for a complete list of documents you may

provide.


https://dps.sd.gov/driver-licensing

Step 3: Operator License

To get your full operator license, you need to pass a driving test first. You have to go to a testing location with your parents on the day of your appointment. After passing your driving test, your parents must sign the application form, giving you permission to obtain your license. You must not have any conviction or restriction on your record. Remember to take with you your current unexpired permit and your identification documents:


ONE proof of Social Security Number, such as your Social Security card.


Click here for a complete list of documents you may provide.

After presenting all the documents, you need to have your photograph taken and then you will receive your unrestricted driver’s license. This license will be valid for five years.



Congratulations! If you have gone through the steps of getting your Driver’s Permit in South Dakota, you are now only one step closer to of obtaining your driver’s license. And we’re sure you are more than ready to finish the process.

Well, no need to worry because the process is almost over! Now it’s only a matter of mastering the art of driving to get your license. All that is required now is that you follow the steps below that best fit your situation to officially hold that brand new license.

With your Operator License at hand, you will be allowed to drive in South Dakota without restrictions. After the initial five-year period is over, you have to go to a DPS agency and pass a vision test before renewing.

Getting YourFirst South Dakota License



ONE proof of Social Security Number, such as your Social Security card, W-2 form or pay stub with your Social Security Number and full name.


To obtain a license in South Dakota, you must not have any pending restrictions or unpaid fines on your record.

important to make sure that you obtain a valid driver’s license within this term. Let’s begin so you can obtain your South Dakota license as soon as possible! To transfer your license to South Dakota, simply go to a driver’s license office and take your valid out-of-state driver’s license. You will be required to pass a vision test and surrender your license. You must also present the following documents:




Adult Drivers: Never Had A Driver’s License If you are 18 years old or older, have never had a license and are now looking to obtaining one then, you have come to the right place. Getting a license for first-time drivers is a very simple process through the state of South Dakota by first following the steps on how to apply.

You have the option to apply for an Instruction Permit if you think you may need to practice while supervised by a more experienced licensed driver. If you believe you can handle a vehicle safely, you may go to a DPS office and apply for an Operator License. You will be required to pass the knowledge and driving tests, so make sure you have prepared beforehand by studying the driver’s manual and practicing with your Instruction Permit.

Documents

You have to provide the following documents when you apply for your license:

Click here for a complete list of documents you may provide.

Then, you will be issued your Operator License that will be valid for five years. The fee for a driver’s license in South Dakota is $28.

Adult Drivers: New Resident If you already hold a license from another state and have become a new resident of South Dakota, you need to obtain a South Dakota license within 90 days. It is very

Tip If you recently established your residency in South Dakota, make sure to check your driver record in your previous state and pay any pending fines or tickets before transferring your license.



An expired license means loss of driving privilege and the risk of getting a ticket, so it is best to renew your license as soon as you notice the expiration date creeping up on you.

But, before you renew your license, it is best that you thoroughly comprehend the process so that you can avoid any error or issues that may occur. To begin, you must remember that a South Dakota driver’s license expires every five years on your birthday. You may renew as early as three months before the expiration date.

RenewingYour License


In South Dakota you may only renew in person at a DPS office or online. If you renew in person, you will be required to pass a vision test and provide your driver’s license. You must also present:

Fees You are required to pay the $28 renewal fee and then, you will receive a license valid for another five years.

If you wish to renew online, click here and then click the continue button at the end of the web page. You will have to provide your license number, date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security Number. Then, you will be asked to upload two documents as proof of your residential address such as utility bills, phone bills or bank statements. Click here for a complete list of documents you may provide.

If you are over 65 years old, you are required to upload a Vision Statement filled out and signed by a licensed eye specialist.




Tip There is an extra $2 processing fee for transactions conducted online. While using web services, you may only pay with a valid Visa or MasterCard debit or credit card.


Changing your name or moving is essential information to your identification, which includes your driver’s license.

So, how can you ensure that these changes are made to your driver’s license should you ever need them to be made? Well, naturally you only need to inform the South Dakota DPS. To better understand the process and steps you have to take, you must follow the steps that best fit your situation below.

Changing Your Name Making the decision to change your name is not only a big personal decision, but it will also greatly affect your documents and general information in regards to your identity. If you have officially changed your name, then, you will surely be required to change your name on all of your identification documents and cards, including your driver’s license.

You must go to a DPS office in person to change the name on your driver’s license. You are required to provide one valid proof of your legal name change such as:

UpdatingYour License Information

A marriage certificate.

You also have to provide:

A divorce decree.

A court order.




Make sure you first update your name with the Social Security Administration before making the change on your license. The DPS uses this information to verify your documents and your name must match on each of them. You need to pay a $10 fee to get your name updated on your license.


Your old address.

Your new address.

Changing Your Address In the case that you may have recently moved to a new address, it is essential that you update the address on your driver’s license. All you must do is, follow the steps below that outline the process.

You must always notify the DPS of a change of address. This guarantees that you will receive all DPS notifications sent to you by mail. To change your address, you just need to write an email to [email protected] with your:

Full name, as it appears on your driver’s license.

Your date of birth.

Your driver’s license number.

Tip When changing your name, make sure you have first updated your Social Security record at least 48 hours before applying for a change of name on your license.

If you wish to have your address updated on your driving license, you have to request a duplicate at a DPS agency or online and pay the $15 duplicate fee.


mailto:DPSLicensingInfo%40state.sd.us?subject=

https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5fs.pdf

https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5fs.pdf

Oh my, something’s happened to your license! What can you do now?

Well the South Dakota DPS will help you in obtaining a new driver’s license as soon as possible in the case that your license may have been lost, stolen or destroyed. In any case, you can effortlessly replace it with a new duplicate license. All it requires of you is to do a few things.

You can request a duplicate license at a DPS office or online. If you go to a DPS office, you are required to present a driver’s license number and:

ReplacingYour License

A completed Lost License Application.




You will also be required to pay the $15 duplicate fee.

If you wish to replace your license online, click here and then click the continue button at the end of the web page. You have to provide your license number, date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security Number.

Then, you will be asked to upload two documents as proof of your residential address such as utility bills, phone bills or bank statements. Click here for a complete list of documents you may provide. There is an extra $2 processing fee for transactions conducted online.

While using web services, you may only pay with a valid Visa or MasterCard debit or credit card.

Tip It is always wise to report a lost or stolen license to the police to avoid identity theft.


https://dps.sd.gov/resource-library/Lost-License-Statement.pdf-483


In order to qualify to reinstate your license, you have to have completed all of the required time for your restraining order.

The DPS department will only reinstate your driver’s license if you complete all of the necessary requirements to remove any restraining orders from your license.

There are many reasons you might have a suspended driver’s license which, therefore, means there are multiple ways to reinstate your driver’s license, it all depends on the situation. You must first though meet all the requirements set by the DPS and/or the court before you are allowed to reinstate your driver’s license.

If you have any questions regarding your suspended or revoked license, call the DPS at 1-800-952-3696, toll-free.

ReinstatingYour License


Alcohol and/or drug treatment.

$50 to $200 reinstatement fees.

Jail time.

Community service.

Fines and court fees.

Driving Under The Influence (DUI) Being convicted of a DUI is very serious in the state of South Dakota, which is why if you are 21 years or older with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or under 21 years with a BAC of .02% you will be convicted of a DUI. If you are a “lightweight” drinker, the officer can still convict you of a DUI if you appear to be too impaired to drive even if you are below the BAC limit. Driving under the influence of drugs is also considered cause for suspending your license as a DUI.

The court will also impose penalties on you which you must complete in order to be able to reinstate your license, such as:

Second offense

Class 1 misdemeanor.

Penalties are imposed based on the number of times you have been convicted of a DUI:

First Offense

Class 1 misdemeanor.

License revoked for at least 30 days.

License revoked for at least one year.

Jail time.

Third offense

Class 6 felony.

License revoked for at least one year.

Jail time.

ONE proof of financial responsibility.

Chemical dependency counseling program


License revoked for two years.


Chemical dependency counseling program.

Fifth and subsequent offenses

Class 4 felony.

Jail time.

License revoked for three years.


Chemical dependency counseling program.

Fourth offense

Class 5 felony.

Jail time.

Tip If you know you will be drinking, make sure you have a designated driver that stays sober to drive you home. Never drive a vehicle after drinking. If you are under 21 years old, you should not be drinking at all.


If you are not able to or not interested in obtaining a driver’s license, it is then important that you consider getting an ID card instead. An ID card is essential because it is the easiest manner in which someone else can identify you when necessary, whether it be an authority figure, such as the police, or if you simply need to provide proof of your identity, such as at the DPS office.

Obtaining your South Dakota ID card is very simple. You will have to go to a driver’s license exam station and fill out an application. You will be required to provide:

Getting an South Dakota ID Card



TWO proofs of residence, such as utility bills, phone bills or bank statements. Your ID card will be valid for five years, and you can renew online. To renew, replace or update your ID card, you may follow the same procedure as the one described for driver’s license, except that you don’t have to take any tests.

Fees

Original ID Card: $28

ID Card Renewal: $28

ID Card Duplicate: $15


Before you get behind the wheel, it is important to make sure that your vehicle is safe and prepared for any trip. This means checking the safety features and making any needed changes to your vehicle to guarantee a safe drive. Be sure to regularly check that your brakes are functioning properly and your tires are inflated and not worn out. Have the steering and suspensions checked by a mechanic.

Emergency Kit One of the essentials to safe driving is having a basic emergency kit available in your vehicle at all times. This kit should include items such as water, extra batteries, rope, First Aid items, matches and a whistle. During the winter months, it is also important to carry items such as blankets, non-perishable foods, a shovel and extra gloves and socks..

Winter Driving One of the most dangerous times to drive is during the winter, especially if you live in an area that is prone to ice and snowfall. Consider the tips below to drive safely during the winter.

Vehicle Safety Tips


Don’t Rush!

Roads are often covered in snow and ice after snowfall. Instead of driving fast and risking an accident as you hurry to get to your destination, try leaving a few minutes earlier than usual. This will allow you to drive slower and avoid other dangerous drivers without being late for your appointment.

Don’t Panic If You Skid or Slip

In the event that your vehicle does skid or slip while you are driving, make sure you do not panic and slam down on your brakes. Instead, apply slow and even pressure on your brakes until you stop. This will prevent you from spinning further out of control.

Check Your Vehicle

Before you leave your house, make sure your vehicle’s controls, brakes, tank, tires, antifreeze and exhaust are all in working order. It is also important that you remove any ice and snow from your car before you begin driving. This prevents the snow from blocking your view while you drive or flying off and hitting someone while the vehicle is in motion.


Things to AvoidDrinking and Driving

Every year, thousands are killed as a result of drinking and driving. These unfortunate events can be prevented if drivers plan ahead of time and take certain steps.

Before you begin drinking, arrange for someone else to be the designated driver. If they also become intoxicated, it is important that you take a taxi. Never allow someone drunk to drive. Instead, take away their keys and call for alternative transportation.

If you see someone who you suspect is drunk and showing signs of intoxication while driving – such as making wide turns, weaving, swerving, breaking erratically or turning abruptly – call 9-1-1 and contact authorities immediately. Make sure to avoid them on the road to ensure your own safety. This could mean you pulling over until they are at a safe distance from your car.

Using Your Phone

Driving while using your cell phone is one of the most dangerous actions you can perform. During those few seconds that your attention is diverted to your phone, a major accident could occur. Make sure to avoid texting, using the internet on your phone or receiving calls while you drive.

Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving and drivers should both be avoided to prevent on-road aggression or accidents. Aggressive driving is categorized as exhibiting behaviors such as tailgating, verbally or physically harassing another driver or preventing another driver from merging or passing.

If you are an aggressive driver, you are putting others at risk every time you engage in any of the above behaviors. When you encounter a frustrating situation on the road, instead of becoming aggressive, take a moment, breathe and continue moving.


Wasting Gas

If you drive often, you can start looking for ways to save on those expensive trips to the pump. Some of the ways that you can start saving gas are by turning off the air conditioning, not leaving your engine running and avoiding speeding. These things are preventable and not necessary for you to drive. Therefore, you can quickly reduce the amount of gas you waste.

Another way to save on gas is to make sure that your vehicle is functioning properly. You can do this by checking that your tires are properly inflated and your engine is properly tuned.


OfficialForms

Driver’s License Application Form

Vision Statement

Application for Renewal by Mail

Driving Record Request

Lost License Request


https://dps.sd.gov/resource-library/Driver-License-Card-Application.pdf-474

https://dps.sd.gov/resource-library?keyword=Vision+Statement&agencyTopic=all&sort=1&paging=10#TableTitle

https://dps.sd.gov/resource-library/Application-for-Renewal-by-Mail.pdf-474

https://dps.sd.gov/resource-library/MVR-Full-Driving-Record-Request.pdf-482

https://dps.sd.gov/resource-library/Lost-License-Statement.pdf-483

DPS

Hours and Locations

The DPS has offices conveniently located across the state. Click here to learn more about DPS office locations, schedules, and waiting times.

Have you ever visited the DPS and realized that you forgot a document? Now you can avoid that and save the trip by using the online services. You will be able to:

Renew your driver’s license.

Replace your driver’s license.

Renew your ID card.

Replace your ID card.

Schedule appointments.

If you have any questions, you can call the DPS at 1-800-952-3696 or 605.773.6883. Office hours are Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Correspondence regarding driver’s licenses can be mailed to:

118 West Capitol Avenue Pierre, South Dakota 57501

For general inquiries, you may contact customer service by email at: [email protected]


https://dps.sd.gov/driver-licensing/south-dakota-licensing-information/driving-tests

https://dps.sd.gov/

mailto:dps.sdlicensinginfo%40state.sd.us?subject=

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