SD DMV Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield SD DMV facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What shape and color is a yield sign in South Dakota? → Downward-pointing red and white triangle
2. A South Dakota driver whose license was suspended for a DUI must typically complete which requirement before reinstatement? → Pay a reinstatement fee and provide proof of SR-22 insurance
3. Where in South Dakota can you get a vehicle inspected to obtain a salvage title clearance? → A South Dakota Highway Patrol inspection station
4. What type of identification is generally required to access DMV services in person? → A government-issued photo ID
5. In South Dakota, what does a pennant-shaped sign on the left side of the road indicate? → No passing zone begins
6. When driving in fog in South Dakota, which headlight setting should you use? → Low beams
7. South Dakota law requires that a DUI offender complete an alcohol and drug evaluation. What is the primary purpose of this evaluation? → To assess the level of substance use and recommend appropriate treatment or education
8. In South Dakota, what documents are needed to transfer a vehicle title? → Properly signed title, odometer disclosure, and payment of applicable fees and taxes
9. In South Dakota, what is the safest action when approaching a curve? → Slow down before entering the curve, then maintain steady speed through it
10. In South Dakota, how far in advance must you signal before turning? → At least 100 feet
11. What is the minimum age required to obtain a full, unrestricted driver’s license in South Dakota? → 18
12. A person whose South Dakota driver license has been revoked must do which of the following to legally drive again? → Apply for a reinstatement, retake required tests, and pay applicable fees
13. In South Dakota, what is the fee structure for personalized (vanity) license plates compared to standard plates? → A one-time higher fee plus annual renewal fees
14. How can you obtain a copy of your driving record in South Dakota? → Through the South Dakota DMV website
15. Under South Dakota law, a driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at or above which level is presumed to be under the influence? → .08%
16. A South Dakota salvage title is issued when a vehicle's damage reaches what threshold of its actual cash value? → 75%
17. If a South Dakota driver under 21 is found with a BAC between 0.02% and 0.07%, the penalty typically includes: → A 30-day license suspension and possible fines
18. In South Dakota, at what age may a person apply for a minor's restricted permit? → 14
19. A South Dakota resident who is a member of the armed forces stationed out of state — where must they register their vehicle? → In South Dakota, their state of legal residence
20. Which South Dakota DMV service assists individuals whose driving privileges have been revoked or suspended? → License Reinstatement Division
21. How long does a South Dakota driving record point remain on a driver's abstract before it is eligible for removal? → 3 years from conviction date
22. South Dakota's Motor Vehicle Division is part of which state agency? → Department of Revenue
23. What is the safest response to a tire blowout while driving in South Dakota? → Grip the wheel firmly, ease off the gas, and gradually steer to safety
24. A South Dakota resident inherits a vehicle from a deceased family member. What is required to register the vehicle in the heir's name? → Letters testamentary or a small estate affidavit plus the original title
25. How often must South Dakota drivers renew their driver's license? → Every 5 years
26. If you refuse a chemical test when lawfully requested by an officer in South Dakota, your driver's license will be: → Revoked for 1 year
27. What is South Dakota's point system for driving violations? → 15 points in 12 months triggers hearing
28. What is South Dakota's implied consent law? → By driving, you consent to chemical testing if lawfully arrested for impaired driving
29. In South Dakota, when must you yield to pedestrians? → Whenever pedestrians are in a marked or unmarked crosswalk
30. What happens when you refuse a chemical test after a DUI arrest in South Dakota? → Automatic license suspension and possible enhanced penalties