South Dakota Road Test Language: English Commands, Approved Interpreter Allowed

South Dakota road-test instructions are given in English. A qualifying non-English-speaking applicant may use a DPS-approved interpreter.

Language Options for the South Dakota Driving Exam

Road-test instructions are given in English. A qualifying non-English-speaking applicant may use a DPS-approved interpreter. The written knowledge test is separate and is offered in English or Spanish.

• Road Test: Examiner instructions are given in English; an eligible applicant may use an approved interpreter.
• Written Knowledge Test: English or Spanish. See the Test Language Options guide for written-test details.

Interpreter Rules for the South Dakota Road Test

A qualifying applicant may use a state-approved interpreter to translate examiner commands during the road test. The interpreter is optional, not automatically required. You arrange and pay for the interpreter and should confirm DPS approval before the test.

• You must arrange the interpreter:Contact your local Driver Licensing office to confirm interpreter approval requirements and schedule in advance - at least one week before test day
• You pay the cost:The state does not provide or fund interpreters for road tests
• [NO] Interpreter role - strictly translation only:The interpreter may translate what the examiner says in English. Coaching, driving advice, and commentary about your performance are prohibited and can invalidate the test
• Interpreter approval:The examiner must approve the interpreter before the test begins - bring the interpreter's credentials to the station

Is an Interpreter Required for a Spanish-Speaking South Dakota Road-Test Applicant?

No. The interpreter option is available to an eligible applicant whose native language is not English; it is not automatically required. If you can safely follow the examiner's English instructions without an interpreter, you do not need one simply because you speak Spanish.

Can a Family Member Be Approved as My Road-Test Interpreter?

Do not assume a family member is automatically accepted or rejected because of the relationship. The key requirement is DPS approval. Confirm the proposed interpreter with Driver Licensing before the test.

What Can the Interpreter Say During the South Dakota Driving Test?

The interpreter may translate the examiner's instructions. They may not coach the applicant, give driving advice, or add commentary about performance.

Road-Test Interpreter Approval

South Dakota Driver Licensing must approve the interpreter for the driving test. Contact the testing office before the appointment so the interpreter can be confirmed in advance.

A Sioux Falls applicant confirmed their interpreter's credentials with the DPS a full week before the test and passed without incident. An interpreter who shows up unannounced on test day may be rejected, voiding the appointment.

In Rapid City, a driver brought a family member as their interpreter. The examiner rejected them - the family member was not state-approved. The test attempt was counted as used, and a rescheduling fee applied. State-approved interpreters only.

Applicant Responsibilities When Using a Road-Test Interpreter

The applicant—not the interpreter—must make the driving decisions and respond safely to the translated instructions. Safety remains the examiner's priority throughout the test.

• The interpreter may translate the examiner's instructions but may not coach, give driving advice, or comment on performance
• The applicant must carry out the translated instructions safely and promptly
• Safety remains the examiner's priority throughout the driving test