South Dakota Motorcycle License and Car Permit: Adding Class 1 Driving Privileges

For a motorcycle license to car license transition in South Dakota, motorcycle privileges do not by themselves authorize driving a car. Adding Class 1 driving privileges requires the applicable car-licensing process, including the car-specific knowledge test and any instruction-permit steps that apply to the applicant. The Class 1 instruction permit fee is $38. Download the current South Dakota Driver License/ID Card Applicationfrom dps.sd.gov before your exam station visit.

Do You Need a Permit to Drive a Car if You Have a South Dakota Motorcycle License?

A motorcycle-only license does not authorize you to drive a car. You need Class 1 driving privileges, or a Class 1 instruction permit for supervised car practice. The exact steps depend on your age and existing credentials; holding a motorcycle license does not automatically mean restarting every minor-permit step.

• License Classes:Motorcycle licenses authorize two- or three-wheeled vehicles. A car requires a Class 1 license.
• Existing Motorcycle Credential:A motorcycle license does not grant car-driving privileges. DPS must determine the applicable Class 1 steps for your age and existing credentials
• Process:Apply for Class 1 privileges, complete the required testing, and obtain a car instruction permit if you need supervised practice before licensing

Can You Hold Both a Car and Motorcycle Instruction Permit in South Dakota?

You can hold a Class 1 car instruction permit and a Class 2 motorcycle instruction permit simultaneously. Each requires a separate application, a separate knowledge test, and a separate fee.

Visit the South Dakota learner's permit guide for step-by-step rules.

• Each permit has its own eligibility requirements, written test, and driving restrictions
• Apply for both separately - concurrent holding is permitted
• The physical card may reflect both permits on a single document or as separate cards depending on the exam station

Testing and Rules for Adding a Car License to a South Dakota Motorcycle License

The Class 1 knowledge test covers car-specific rules and must be passed separately. The $38 Class 1 fee applies. All standard supervised driving rules then apply for every car practice drive.

• Class 1 instruction permit fee: $38
• All standard supervised driving rules apply - licensed adult 18+ with one year experience in the front passenger seat
• [YES] The motorcycle license does not count as the required supervisor - your car supervisor must hold a valid Class 1 license

Does Motorcycle Driving Experience Count Toward Car-Permit Practice or Holding Requirements?

Do not count motorcycle riding time as supervised car-practice hours unless South Dakota Driver Licensing specifically confirms it for your situation. The published 50-hour requirement for minors is tied to the Class 1 instruction-permit path and supervised motor-vehicle practice.

Motorcycle licensing history can affect which licensing steps apply, but it is not a substitute for documenting any Class 1 practice hours that DPS requires.

For the full South Dakota Class 1 permit process, required documents, and exam station locations, see the South Dakota Learner's Permit guide on shoro.ai.