Minimum age for a car driving licence in South Dakota (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: An instruction permit and a restricted minor's permit are available from 14, and an operator's licence from 16. A nonresident aged 16 or over with a valid home licence may drive any vehicle for which he or she is licensed at home, subject to reciprocity.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Minimum age for a car licenceCar (category B) driving licence | 16 years [1] |
| Earliest age to drive a car supervisedCar (category B) driving licence | 14 years [2] |
| Driving before the minimum ageCar (category B) driving licence | A restricted minor's permit is available from 14 after the instruction permit requirements are met. It allows driving between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. with a parent's or guardian's permission, and between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. only with the parent or guardian in the seat beside the holder, with exceptions for school, worship and work. An operator's licence for a minor aged 16 or 17 requires the restricted minor's permit to have been held for at least six months. [3] |
| Visitors on a foreign licence: ageCar (category B) driving licence | A nonresident who is at least 16 and has a valid operator's licence from the home state or country in immediate possession may operate any motor vehicle for which the person is licensed in the home state or country. This applies only to the extent the nonresident's state grants the same to South Dakota residents. [4] |
| Learner's permit from ageCar (category B) driving licence | 14 years [2] |
| Supervised driving hours requiredCar (category B) driving licence | For an instruction permit issued after 1 July 2020, at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including at least 10 hours at night and 10 hours in inclement weather, attested by a parent or guardian. [2] |
| Night-time limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licence | A restricted minor's permit holder may drive between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. only with a parent or guardian beside them, except on the most direct route to or from school, a religious service or work, or when operating agricultural machinery. [3] |
Notes
- The earliest age is for a licence that allows driving without a supervising adult. It carries graduated-licensing restrictions, described under 'Driving before the minimum age'.
Sources
- South Dakota Legislative Research Council: Codified Law 32-12-17 - Issuance of license--Qualifications (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- South Dakota Legislative Research Council: Codified Law 32-12-11 - Application for license or permit--Persons at least fourteen and less than eighteen--Instruction permit--Restrictions (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- South Dakota Legislative Research Council: Codified Law 32-12-12 - Restricted minor's permit--Restrictions on operation (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- South Dakota Legislative Research Council: Codified Law 32-12-24 - Nonresident out-of-state licensee exempt from licensing requirement (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
South Dakota and neighbouring states
| State | Minimum age for a car licence | Earliest age to drive a car supervised | Driving before the minimum age | Visitors on a foreign licence: age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | 16 (operator's licence) | 14 (instruction permit) | Restricted minor's permit at 14 (parent's car) | Nonresident 16+ with a valid home licence |
| Iowa | 16 (intermediate licence) | 14 (instruction permit) | Intermediate from 16 after 12 months on a permit | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Minnesota | 16 (provisional licence) | 15 (instruction permit) | Provisional at 16 after 6 months with a permit | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Montana | 15 (after 6 months on a learner licence) | 14.5 with a traffic education course | Hardship restricted licence from 13 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| North Dakota | 16 (restricted licence at 15) | 14 (instruction permit) | Restricted licence at 15 with driver education | Nonresident 16+ with a valid home licence |
| Nebraska | 16 (provisional operator's permit) | 15 (learner's permit) | Provisional permit at 16; Class O after 12 months | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Wyoming | 16 (after 6 months on intermediate permit) | 15 (instruction permit) | Permit 15; intermediate permit 16; licence 17 | Valid home licence; no age stated |
More rules in South Dakota
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence (misdemeanour up to 2 oz)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph unposted · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 65 mph; 55 mph township roads
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class III: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Only concealment with felony intent
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $11.85 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: No (calls allowed) · Hands-free use: Allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Only passengers aged 5 to 17
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21+ (purchase, possess, consume) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21+ (purchase, possess, consume)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.