South Dakota Permit Test Languages: English and Spanish on the Knowledge Test

The South Dakota DPS written knowledge test is provided in English and Spanish. The interpreter rule applies to the driving test, not to translating the written knowledge test into additional languages. Specify your language choice at check-in - waiting until you sit at the kiosk causes delays that can push you past the station's test cutoff time. Download the bilingual Driver License/ID Card Applicationin English or Spanish before your appointment.

What Languages Is the South Dakota Permit Test Available In?

The South Dakota knowledge test kiosk offers English and Spanish. The test has 25 questions requiring 80 percent to pass. Select your language at check-in before sitting at the terminal.

• English:Default language at all exam stations
• Spanish (Espaol):Available statewide on the testing kiosk - inform the examiner at check-in to configure the Spanish interface

Applicants at the Sioux Falls licensing office who fail to specify their language preference before the test begins often face delays - staff must reset the kiosk, and that eats into the station's test acceptance window. Specify Spanish at check-in, not at the kiosk.

Is the Spanish South Dakota Permit Test Available at Every Driver Exam Station?

South Dakota law requires noncommercial written knowledge-test materials in both English and Spanish and allows applicants to take the written test in either language. Tell the examiner you want Spanish before the test begins.

Does the Spanish Permit Test Have the Same 25 Questions and 80% Passing Score?

The language choice does not create a different passing standard. The Spanish knowledge test uses the same permit-test format and 80 percent passing requirement described in this guide.

Can You Use an Interpreter for the South Dakota Knowledge Test?

No. The written knowledge test is provided in English and Spanish. South Dakota's interpreter provision applies to the driving test, not to translating the written knowledge test into other languages. Road-test interpreter rules belong in the Road Test Language guide.

Can a Parent or Friend Translate the Permit Test During the Exam?

No. A parent or friend cannot translate the written knowledge test at the kiosk; choose English or Spanish.

Can you switch from English to Spanish after the permit test starts? DPS does not publish a mid-test language-switch procedure. Choose English or Spanish at check-in so the correct version is ready before you begin.

Audio and Oral Testing Accommodations at South Dakota DPS

If you need a disability-related testing accommodation, arrange it with DPS before the appointment. For oral, audio, or other accommodation procedures, see the South Dakota accessibility guide.

Choosing Your Test Language at Check-In

Tell staff whether you want English or Spanish before the session starts so the correct version is ready at the kiosk.

• No paper dictionaries, electronic translators, or mobile phones at the kiosk during the test
• [NO] Electronic devices of any kind are prohibited at the testing station

For the full South Dakota permit test process, language options, and accommodation request procedures, see the South Dakota Learner's Permit guide on shoro.ai.