South Dakota Instruction Permit Fee: Exactly What the $38 Covers and When You Pay Again

The $38 South Dakota instruction permit fee covers one thing specifically: your application, vision screening, and up to three testing opportunities within six months - nothing more, nothing less. This page covers only the permit application fee and what it includes.

It does not cover driver education costs, behind-the-wheel training pricing, or road test fees. For a complete breakdown of every cost from permit to full license, see the South Dakota total driver license cost guide.

What Is the Official South Dakota Instruction Permit Fee?

The South Dakota DPS charges a flat $38 instruction permit fee covering your permit card, vision screening, and up to three testing opportunities within a six-month period.

• The physical instruction permit card
• Your initial written knowledge test (plus two additional attempts)
• The mandatory vision screening

Pay the full $38 upfront when you apply at the exam station. Payment plans are not offered.

What Is the Realistic Total Cost with Test Retakes?

All three test attempts are covered by the original $38 fee within six months - no separate retake charge. Fail all three or exceed six months and you pay $38 again to start over.

• Pass on first try: $38 total
• Pass on second try: $38 total (second attempt included)
• Pass on third try: $38 total (third attempt included)
• Fail all three: Submit new application and pay $38 again

Important:Multiple knowledge test failures do not appear on your permanent driving record. Exhausting attempts just requires a new payment - there is no waiting period or penalty beyond the fee.

What Additional Costs Should South Dakota Permit Applicants Expect?

Beyond the $38 permit fee, expect a 2.5 percent card processing fee, a $50-$150 vision exam if you fail screening, and separate driver education costs if you choose that path.

• [YES] Credit/Debit Card Fee:Accepted cards are Discover, MasterCard, and Visa only, with a processing fee of 2.5%. Paying with cash or a qualifying check avoids this entirely.
• Vision Exam (if failed):A comprehensive eye exam typically costs $50-$150 without insurance if you are referred out after failing the screening.
• Driver Education (Under 18):$40-$120 for classroom instruction. Not hidden - but a real budget item for families pursuing the road test waiver.
• Behind-the-Wheel Training:Professional driving lessons are a separate expense not covered by the $38 permit fee - see the South Dakota driving school cost guide for per-hour and package rates.

At the Sioux Falls office, one applicant's cash drawer ran low by mid-morning and the station couldn't make change for large bills. Bring exact change or a debit card to every visit. South Dakota DPS tip: Sioux Falls cash drawers run low regularly - plan accordingly.

What Payment Methods Does South Dakota DPS Accept?

South Dakota DPS accepts cash, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover with a 2.5 percent processing fee, and personal checks with a pre-printed South Dakota address. American Express is not accepted.

• Bring a qualifying check or exact cashto avoid card fees and rejection of starter checks - a documented issue at the Rapid City exam station
• Starter checks are refusedat most South Dakota DPS locations
• Complete the application form at hometo prevent counter delays that push you past the 4:30 PM test cutoff

One Rapid City applicant brought only a Real ID fee amount and got the standard permit fee voided - the two fees are on separate fee schedule rows. Read the full SD DPS fee pagebefore your visit. For the complete South Dakota permit process, see the South Dakota Learner's Permit guide on shoro.ai.