South Dakota CDL Requirements

South Dakota CDL Requirements: Complete Guide

Age Requirements

South Dakota follows federal age requirements with specific intrastate allowances:

• Age 18-20: May obtain a CDL limited to intrastate (within South Dakota) commerce only
• Age 21+: Eligible for full CDL with interstate commerce privileges
• Under 18: Cannot obtain any South Dakota CDL

These age requirements apply to all CDL classes: Class A, Class B, and Class C commercial driver's licenses.

Knowledge Test Requirements

All CDL applicants must pass written knowledge tests before receiving a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) or CDL. The specific tests required depend on your desired license class and endorsements:

Required Tests by License Class

• All Classes: General Knowledge test (mandatory for all applicants)
• Class A CDL: General Knowledge + Combination Vehicles test
• Class B/C CDL: General Knowledge + any endorsement-specific tests

Endorsement Knowledge Tests

• Air Brakes
• Tank Vehicles
• Double/Triple Trailers
• Passenger
• School Bus
• Hazardous Materials (Hazmat)

Test Topics Covered

Knowledge tests cover essential commercial driving topics including:

• CDL requirements and disqualifications
• Driving safety and space management
• Vehicle inspection procedures
• Shifting and braking techniques
• Cargo securement
• Air brake systems (if applicable)
• Combination vehicle dynamics
• Passenger transport regulations
• Hazardous materials handling

Skills Test Requirements

To obtain your South Dakota CDL, you must pass a comprehensive skills test in a vehicle representative of your desired license class and endorsements.

Skills Test Components

• Pre-trip Inspection: Demonstrate knowledge of vehicle safety inspection
• Basic Vehicle Control: Backing maneuvers and vehicle handling
• On-road Driving: Real-world driving assessment

Prerequisites

• Valid South Dakota Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)
• Completion of Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) if required
• CLP must be valid during skills testing

Testing Locations

Skills tests are available at:

• State Driver Exam Stations: Contact South Dakota Driver Licensing for locations
• Authorized Third-Party Testers: Including technical colleges like Lake Area Technical College

Note: Third-party testers may charge additional fees for testing and truck rental (up to $300/hour at some locations).

Medical Certification Requirements

South Dakota follows federal medical certification rules for CDL holders operating in interstate commerce or holding school bus endorsements.

Who Needs Medical Certification

• Drivers operating commercial vehicles across state lines (interstate)
• Drivers with school bus (S) endorsements

Medical Certificate Requirements

• Examination by a medical examiner listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME)
• Valid CDL Medical Certificate (medical examiner's certificate)
• Certificate must be submitted to South Dakota Driver Licensing

How to Submit Medical Certificates

• Fax: (605) 773-3018
• Email: dpscdlmedcert@state.sd.us
• Mail: Driver Licensing, 118 W. Capitol Ave., Pierre, SD 57501

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

South Dakota follows federal ELDT requirements effective February 7, 2022.

Who Needs ELDT

ELDT is required for drivers who:

• Obtain a Class A CDL for the first time
• Obtain a Class B CDL for the first time
• Upgrade from Class B to Class A
• Obtain School Bus (S), Passenger (P), or Hazardous Materials (H) endorsements for the first time

Training Provider Requirements

• Must be completed with an FMCSA-registered training provider
• Required before taking CDL skills test or hazmat knowledge test
• Applies to individuals issued a CLP on or after February 7, 2022

CDL Endorsements

South Dakota offers standard federal CDL endorsements with specific state requirements:

Hazardous Materials (H) Endorsement

• Pass hazmat knowledge test
• Complete TSA security threat assessment (background check)
• Provide proof of citizenship or immigration status
• Must retake knowledge test on renewal or transfer

Other Endorsements

• Passenger (P): Additional knowledge and skills testing required
• School Bus (S): Additional testing plus medical certification
• Tank (N): Separate knowledge test
• Double/Triple (T): Separate knowledge test

CDL Fees

Fee Type	Amount
Application Fee	$0
License Fee	$28
Testing Fee	$15
Renewal Fee	$33

Note: Third-party testing facilities may charge additional fees for skills testing and vehicle rental.

Reciprocity and Transfers

If you have a valid CDL from another state and become a South Dakota resident, you must:

• Complete South Dakota CDL application within 30 days
• Provide medical certificate (if required)
• Certify you have only one license
• Surrender out-of-state CDL
• Provide proof of Social Security number
• Provide certified birth certificate or valid passport
• Provide two documents proving South Dakota residency

Hazmat Endorsement Transfer

To retain hazmat endorsement when transferring:

• Pass South Dakota hazmat knowledge test
• Complete TSA background check
• Provide proof of citizenship or immigration status

Special South Dakota Programs

Restricted Seasonal CDL

Available for seasonal employees of farm-related service industries:

• Eligible Industries: Custom harvesters, farm retail suppliers, agrichemical businesses, livestock feeders
• Requirements: Good driving record for two years, valid license for one year
• Benefits: Waives all knowledge and skills tests
• Limitations: Class B/C only, 150-mile radius, limited hazmat
• Validity: One 180-day period or two 90-day periods per year

Covered Farm Vehicle Exemption

Farmers may be exempt from CDL requirements when operating Covered Farm Vehicles within specific size and geographic limits.

Testing Locations and Scheduling

CDL testing is available through multiple channels:

State Exam Stations

• Contact South Dakota Driver Licensing for current locations
• Phone: (605) 773-6883 or toll-free 1-800-952-3696

Third-Party Testing

• Lake Area Technical College (Watertown)
• Western Dakota Technical College
• Southeast Technical College

How to Apply

Follow these steps to obtain your South Dakota CDL:

Step 1: Prepare for Knowledge Tests

• Study the South Dakota CDL Manual
• Review materials for your desired license class and endorsements
• Complete ELDT training if required

Step 2: Obtain Commercial Learner's Permit

• Pass required knowledge tests
• Pay testing and permit fees
• Provide required documentation

Step 3: Schedule Skills Test

• Contact state exam station or third-party tester
• Ensure vehicle meets testing requirements
• Bring valid CLP and required documents

Step 4: Complete Medical Certification

• Get DOT physical from certified medical examiner (if required)
• Submit medical certificate to South Dakota Driver Licensing

Step 5: Receive Your CDL

• Pass skills test
• Pay license fee
• Receive temporary license and wait for permanent CDL

For the most current information and to schedule testing, contact South Dakota Driver Licensing at (605) 773-6883 or visit their official website.