Restricted minors permit requirements — South Dakota Permit Test

Restricted minors permit requirements on the South Dakota permit test — 2 rules, each with the reason behind it and a question on it while it is fresh.

The rules

To get a restricted minor's permit you must be at least 14, complete the instruction permit requirements, pass the driving test, and have no traffic conviction in the six months before you apply.

A teen who keeps getting tickets is showing they are not ready to drive without an adult beside them.

To obtain a Restricted Minor’s Permit, you must be at least 14 years of age, complete the requirements of the Instruction Permit, pass the driving test, and not have been convicted of a traffic violation during the six months prior to application for the Restricted Minor’s Permit.
South Dakota Driver License Manual, p.8

A restricted minor's permit may be held up to age 18; on reaching 18 it automatically converts to an operator's license.

A driver who thinks the permit just expires at 18 may stop driving or renew the wrong card for nothing.

Upon reaching age 18, the permit automatically converts to an Operator’s License.
South Dakota Driver License Manual, p.8

On the test

To get a restricted minor's permit, how long must you have gone without a traffic conviction?

The 6 months before you apply. A teen who keeps getting tickets is showing they are not ready to drive without an adult beside them. South Dakota Driver License Manual, p.8: “To obtain a Restricted Minor’s Permit, you must be at least 14 years of age, complete the requirements of the Instruction Permit, pass the driving test, and not have been convicted of a traffic violation during the six months prior to application for the Restricted Minor’s Permit.”

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Where these come from

Every rule here is checked against South Dakota Driver License Manual, published by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, and against the state code itself. Last checked 2026-10-04.