South Dakota Road Test Documents: Permit, Application, Affidavit & Vehicle Papers

Missing one item from your South Dakota road test checklist can stop the transaction or test. Bring the required licensing documents and current vehicle papers. For proof of insurance, South Dakota law recognizes qualifying official electronic evidence as written evidence, so a physical insurance card is not the only legally recognized format.

Required Documents for the South Dakota Road Test

Every item on the South Dakota road test checklist is mandatory. Missing any single document cancels the test with no same-day rebook and no refund. Partial compliance is not accepted by any examiner.

Applicant Documents

• [YES] Valid South Dakota Instruction Permit:Bring the permit you are using for the licensing process.
• Completed Driver License Application:Bring the completed Application for South Dakota Driver License/ID Card.
• Payment:Bring the applicable licensing fee and an accepted payment method.
• South Dakota Address Proof:For a permit upgrade, bring two documents showing your name and physical South Dakota address, using the current Driver Licensing document rules.

Minor and GDL Documents

• Parental Consent (under 18):A parent or guardian can complete the required consent at the exam station or use the accepted notarized form when applicable.
• Supervised Driving Affidavit:For the under-18 upgrade, the parent or guardian signs the required affidavit affirming that the 50 supervised hours were completed. The official Supervised Driving Log is a tracking tool for those hours, not a substitute for the affidavit.
• Driver Education Certificate (if applicable):A qualifying approved certificate shortens the holding period and can waive the road skills test.

Vehicle Documents

• Vehicle Registration:Bring current registration for the test vehicle.
• Proof of Insurance:Bring the required current proof for the vehicle used for the test. For vehicle-condition and inspection details, use the dedicated Vehicle Requirements page.

Do I bring the 50-hour driving log or the Supervised Driving Affidavit?

The required proof for the teen upgrade is the Supervised Driving Affidavit signed by the parent or guardian to certify completion of the 50 hours. The driving log is the practical record used to track those hours, but DPS identifies the affidavit as the certification document for the upgrade.

Do adults 18 and older need a supervised-driving affidavit?

No. The 50-hour supervised-driving requirement and its affidavit apply to the minor graduated-licensing path. An applicant age 18 or older does not use that teen GDL affidavit simply because they are taking a road test.

What if my parent or guardian cannot attend my permit-upgrade appointment?

For an applicant under 18, South Dakota allows parental consent to be provided through the required notarized consent form when the parent or guardian is not signing in person. Check the current minor-document instructions before the appointment.

How Do You Prove the Required 50 Supervised Driving Hours?

South Dakota requires the parent or guardian to attest in writing that the minor completed the required 50 supervised hours. DPS provides a driving log to help track those hours and a Supervised Driving Affidavit for the required certification at upgrade.

See the South Dakota learner's permit guide for complete requirements.

• Use the official driving log to track the required hours, including the required night and inclement-weather practice.
• The parent or guardian signs the Supervised Driving Affidavit affirming completion of the required supervised driving.

South Dakota Road Test Same-Day Preparation Checklist

Check registration expiration, confirm the insurance card for the test vehicle VIN is in the glove box, verify all lights work, and arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment time.

• Check vehicle registration expiration date the morning of your test
• Confirm current proof of insurance for the test vehicle is available and matches the vehicle being used
• Check all vehicle lights, signals, and wipers before leaving home - not at the station
• Resolve any dashboard warning lights at least 48 hours before the test
• Arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment
• If you hold an instruction permit, you may drive to the test station with a qualified supervisor seated beside you; do not drive there alone

For the complete South Dakota road test requirements, permitted vehicles, and exam station locations, see the South Dakota Learner's Permit guide on shoro.ai.