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—before applying for a license.
South Dakota learner permit requirements
- Minimum permit age: 14
- Supervised practice required: 50 hours total, 10 at night
- Permit hold period: 6 months (3 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. Applicants must log 50 hours of supervised driving with at least 10 at night, reduced to 10 hours if you complete an approved driver-education course.
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
Drive with a licensed adult 18+; log 50 hours (10 at night), or 10 hours with driver ed.
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 with GPS, separates day and night hours, and generates a DMV-ready report—so you can prove all 50 hours without a paper logbook.
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, 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?+
Yes — completing an approved driver-education course reduces the supervised driving requirement from 50 hours to 10.
Requirements in other states
Compare practice hours in all 50 states side by side, or read what actually counts as a night driving hour.