Permit wireless device ban — South Dakota Permit Test

Instruction permit and restricted minor's permit holders may not use any type of wireless communication device while driving on public roads.

A new driver already struggles to watch the road, and one glance at a phone can mean missing a stopped car.

Instruction Permit holders may not use any type of wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle upon public roadways.

For the permit ban, a wireless communication device includes a cell phone, a texting device, a messaging PDA or audio-video player, or a laptop computer.

A teen who thinks only phones count might type on a laptop at a stoplight and roll into the car ahead.

A ‘wireless communication device’ is defined as any wireless electronic communication device that provides for voice or data communication between two or more parties, including a mobile or cellular telephone, text messaging device, a personal digital assistant that sends/receives messages, an audio-video player that sends/receives messages or a laptop computer.

May an instruction or restricted minor's permit holder talk on a cell phone while driving?

No, they may not use a wireless device. A new driver already struggles to watch the road, and one glance at a phone can mean missing a stopped car. South Dakota Driver License Manual, p.8: “Instruction Permit holders may not use any type of wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle upon public roadways.”