South Dakota CDL licensing is handled through the Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver Licensing Program. A first-time applicant applies at a state driver exam station, passes the required knowledge tests, practices on a commercial learner permit (CLP) for at least 14 days, completes Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) when required, and schedules the skills test with an approved third-party tester.
South Dakota CDL Quick Facts
| Item | Current South Dakota requirement |
|---|---|
| Licensing agency | South Dakota DPS Driver Licensing Program |
| Application location | State driver exam station for new CDL applicants |
| CDL application fee | $33 |
| Endorsement knowledge test | $15 each |
| Skills test | Approved third-party tester; $90 plus tax |
| Scheduling | At least two business days before the skills test |
| CLP holding period | At least 14 days before the skills test |
| Address documents | Two documents in your name, less than one year old, showing physical address |
| Knowledge passing score | 80% |
| ELDT | First Class A/B, B-to-A, and first H/P/S endorsements |
| Skills test | Vehicle inspection, basic control skills, and on-road driving |
| Official handbook | South Dakota CDL Manual |
The $33 application and $15 endorsement-test charges do not include medical examinations, ELDT, vehicle rental, retests, or the $90-plus-tax third-party skills test.
Select the Tests for Your South Dakota CDL
Every applicant needs General Knowledge. Class A adds Combination Vehicles, and an air-brake-equipped vehicle requires Air Brakes to avoid the related restriction. Endorsement tests depend on the work:
- General Knowledge diagnostic
- Air Brakes diagnostic
- Combination Vehicles diagnostic
- Hazardous Materials diagnostic
- Tanker diagnostic
- Doubles and Triples diagnostic
- Pre-Trip Inspection diagnostic
The T endorsement covers knowledge for doubles/triples, but it does not by itself authorize every long combination on every highway. Vehicle length, weight, route, and permit rules still apply. Confirm the proposed combination with the carrier and South Dakota motor-carrier authorities.
South Dakota CDL Application Steps
1. Choose the class and operating category
Use the manufacturer ratings and actual operation to decide Class A, B, or C. Determine whether you will operate interstate or intrastate and whether your category requires a medical examiner’s certificate.
2. Assemble original or certified documents
Complete the license application with an original signature. DPS says electronic, digital, and stamped signatures are not accepted on the application. Bring required identity and lawful-status documents plus two physical-address documents in your name. Each address document must be less than one year old and cannot be handwritten.
3. Complete medical certification
If applicable, complete the FMCSA medical certificate process and verify that your medical status is current. Do not schedule training or testing around an expiring certificate without confirming how renewal will be recorded.
4. Apply and take knowledge tests at a state exam station
New CDL applications and non-citizen CDL transactions must be made at a state exam station rather than a county location. DPS permits appointments and may accept walk-ins as time allows. Pay the $33 application fee plus $15 for each endorsement knowledge test and score at least 80%.
5. Complete ELDT and 14 days of supervised practice
ELDT applies to a first Class A or B, a Class B-to-A upgrade, and first passenger, school bus, or HazMat endorsement. The provider must be listed in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. Hold the CLP for at least 14 days and practice with a properly qualified CDL holder.
6. Book the third-party skills test
South Dakota requires commercial driving tests through approved third-party sites. Schedule at least two business days in advance. The published charge is $90 plus tax; ask separately about vehicle use, cancellations, and retests.
The vehicle must represent the class, brake system, transmission, and configuration you want on the final CDL. The test covers inspection, basic controls, and public-road driving.
7. Complete issuance and check restrictions
Return with the passing documentation and complete the state transaction. Confirm class, endorsements, interstate/intrastate status, and restrictions before accepting commercial work.
South Dakota-Specific Operating Preparation
Agriculture does not create a blanket exemption
Farm and seasonal operations can involve special state and federal rules, but the driver, vehicle ownership, cargo, distance, and purpose all matter. Do not assume that hauling grain during harvest automatically eliminates CDL, medical, weight, or permit requirements. Verify the exact operation before driving.
Long combinations require more than a test answer
For doubles or triples, study coupling devices, converter-dolly inspection, rearward amplification, space management, and trailer order. Then confirm the legal route and permits. The handbook’s safety instruction to place the heavier trailer toward the front is operational guidance, not permission to use any combination anywhere.
Wind, winter, and distance
Open prairie crosswinds can affect lightly loaded and high-profile trailers. Winter closures and rapidly changing conditions can make a legal route temporarily unsafe. Use South Dakota 511 and carrier procedures before departure, reduce speed before control deteriorates, and stop when conditions exceed the vehicle’s safe limits.
Official Sources
- South Dakota DPS — Required CDL documents and fees
- South Dakota DPS — Driving manuals
- South Dakota Driver Licensing
- FMCSA Training Provider Registry
South Dakota CDL FAQ
Where do new CDL applicants apply?
At a South Dakota state driver exam station. DPS specifically distinguishes new commercial applications from ordinary county transactions.
How much should I budget for state testing?
The published application fee is $33, endorsement knowledge tests are $15 each, and the third-party skills test is $90 plus tax. Training, medical exams, vehicle use, and retests can add more.
Can I take the skills test immediately after getting the CLP?
No. You must hold and practice on the CLP for at least 14 days, complete applicable ELDT, and schedule the third-party test at least two business days in advance.