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. Under the Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), South Dakota DMV records may be disclosed without individual consent for which purpose? → Government agency functions
2. What shape and color is a yield sign in South Dakota? → Downward-pointing red and white triangle
3. 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
4. Where in South Dakota can you get a vehicle inspected to obtain a salvage title clearance? → A South Dakota Highway Patrol inspection station
5. What type of identification is generally required to access DMV services in person? → A government-issued photo ID
6. In South Dakota, what does a pennant-shaped sign on the left side of the road indicate? → No passing zone begins
7. What happens to your South Dakota vehicle registration if you move to a different county within the state? → Your current registration remains valid until expiration
8. When driving in fog in South Dakota, which headlight setting should you use? → Low beams
9. 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
10. What vision standard must you meet to obtain or renew a South Dakota driver license without restriction? → 20/40 in the better eye
11. In South Dakota, what documents are needed to transfer a vehicle title? → Properly signed title, odometer disclosure, and payment of applicable fees and taxes
12. In South Dakota, what is the safest action when approaching a curve? → Slow down before entering the curve, then maintain steady speed through it
13. A South Dakota vehicle title shows a lien. What must happen before the owner can receive a clear title? → The lien must be satisfied and a release filed
14. How is the registration fee for a passenger vehicle in South Dakota primarily calculated? → Based on the vehicle's weight and age
15. In South Dakota, how far in advance must you signal before turning? → At least 100 feet
16. Which entity in South Dakota maintains the official record of all vehicle titles? → County treasurer's office
17. Can a South Dakota vehicle owner register a vehicle if it has an outstanding lien from a bank? → Yes, the lienholder's information will appear on the title
18. What is the minimum age required to obtain a full, unrestricted driver’s license in South Dakota? → 18
19. 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
20. Which South Dakota state agency oversees the Division of Motor Vehicles? → Department of Public Safety
21. 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
22. If you need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license in South Dakota, where must you apply? → In person at a driver licensing station
23. How can you obtain a copy of your driving record in South Dakota? → Through the South Dakota DMV website
24. 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%
25. A South Dakota salvage title is issued when a vehicle's damage reaches what threshold of its actual cash value? → 75%
26. Under South Dakota's point system, how many points on your driving record within 12 months will result in a license suspension? → 12 points
27. 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
28. In South Dakota, at what age may a person apply for a minor's restricted permit? → 14
29. 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
30. What does the SD DMV's 'Move Over' license plate program support? → Highway construction worker safety charities