How many practice hours do you need in South Dakota?
In South Dakota, a learner driver must log 50 hours of supervised driving practice—including 10 at night and 10 in poor weather—before applying for a license.
South Dakota learner permit requirements
- Minimum permit age: 14
- Supervised practice required: 50 hours total, 10 at night, 10 in poor weather
- Permit hold period: 275 days (180 with driver ed)
- License eligibility age: 14½
- How hours are certified: Supervised driving log certified by a parent or guardian.
South Dakota has the earliest licensing path in the country: an instruction permit at 14 and a restricted minor's permit as early as 14½. The permit must be held 275 days, or 180 days with an approved driver-education course. Applicants must log 50 hours of adult-supervised driving that "must include 10 hours in inclement weather & 10 hours after dark." Driver education shortens the holding period, not the 50 hours.
Requirements change and have exceptions. Always confirm the current rules with the South Dakota Department of Public Safety before applying.
South Dakota's graduated licensing stages
Hold 275 days (180 with driver ed); drive with a licensed adult 18+; log 50 hours, including 10 in inclement weather and 10 after dark.
Night restriction applies; unsupervised daytime driving allowed.
Restrictions are removed.
Driving restrictions for new South Dakota drivers
Restricted minor's permit holders can't drive between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed adult 18+, or driving to or from work or school.
South Dakota does not set a specific passenger limit, but all occupants must be belted.
Instruction permit and restricted minor's permit holders may not use a handheld device while driving.
Log every South Dakota practice hour automatically
DriveMint tracks each supervised drive, separates day and night hours, and generates a PDF you can print or show at the DMV. Prove all 50 hours without a paper logbook falling apart in the glove box.
South Dakota driving practice FAQs
How many driving hours do you need in South Dakota?+
South Dakota requires 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours at night and 10 hours in poor weather, before a teen can apply for a license.
What is the youngest driving age in the US?+
South Dakota — an instruction permit at 14 and a restricted minor's permit as early as 14 years and 6 months for teens who complete driver education.
Does driver education reduce South Dakota's hour requirement?+
No. Driver education shortens how long you must hold the instruction permit — from 275 days to 180 — but the 50 hours of adult-supervised driving still apply, and they must include 10 hours in inclement weather and 10 hours after dark.
Requirements in other states
Compare practice hours in all 50 states side by side, or read what actually counts as a night driving hour.