South Dakota Instruction Permit Fee: $38 Cost, What It 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 later credential fees, driver education costs, or private behind-the-wheel training. SD DPS does not list a separate standard road-test fee. 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 $38 instruction permit fee. That payment covers the instruction permit application and the testing opportunities attached to that application; later credentials have separate fees.

• Instruction Permit: $38
• Restricted Minor's Permit: $38 when a qualifying minor upgrades
• Driver License: $38 when the applicant later qualifies for the license

Do I pay another $38 when I upgrade from a South Dakota instruction permit?

Yes. The $38 instruction permit fee does not prepay the next credential. A qualifying minor pays a separate $38 fee for the restricted minor's permit, and the later driver license has its own $38 fee.

Do teens and adults pay the same South Dakota instruction permit fee?

Yes. The instruction permit fee is $38 for both teens and adults who apply for that credential. Age changes the licensing path and eligibility rules, not the instruction permit fee itself.

Do South Dakota Permit Test Retakes Cost Extra?

The original $38 application fee covers up to three combined examination attempts within six months. If those attempts are exhausted or a new application is required, another application fee applies.

For retest timing and what happens after a failed attempt, see the dedicated South Dakota permit test retake guide.

Does the $38 permit fee include the driving test?

The $38 application fee covers up to three combined examination attempts within six months. South Dakota DPS does not list a separate standard non-CDL road-test fee, but later credentials still have their own fees.

Additional Costs for South Dakota Permit Applicants

Beyond the $38 permit fee, expect a $2.00 or 2.95% card processing fee, whichever is greater, 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 an administrative fee of $2.00 or 2.95%, whichever is greater. Paying with cash or a qualifying check avoids this entirely.
• Vision Exam (if failed):A thorough 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.

Is the card-processing fee included in the $38 permit fee? No. When a card-processing charge applies, it is added to the $38 permit fee rather than included in it.

South Dakota DPS Payment Methods

South Dakota DPS accepts cash, check, money order, and credit or debit cards in person. Card payments carry an administrative fee of $2.00 or 2.95%, whichever is greater.

For the full list of accepted cards, checks, money orders, online-payment rules, and payment problems, see the dedicated South Dakota permit payment methods guide. For the complete permit process, see the South Dakota Learner's Permit guide on shoro.ai.