South Dakota CDL Licensing and Operational Requirements

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) requirements in South Dakota are managed by the Department of Public Safety (DPS). To operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, or a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, drivers must adhere to state statutes defined in SDCL Chapter 32-12A. South Dakota offers Class A, B, and C licenses, each requiring specific knowledge and skills tests based on the vehicle's configuration. Applicants must be at least 18 years old for intrastate commerce and 21 years old for interstate commerce, as mandated by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. DispatchTool assists South Dakota owner-operators and fleets by automating IFTA reporting based on South Dakota fuel tax rates and actual miles traveled across state lines. The platform tracks documentation such as medical certificates and CDL expiration dates to ensure compliance with DPS standards. By managing load assignments and route history in one dashboard, drivers can focus on meeting South Dakota's specific regulatory hurdles without missing administrative deadlines. You can create a DispatchTool account to manage your South Dakota compliance documents and trip logs in a single interface.

Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) Standards

Before obtaining a full CDL, South Dakota requires drivers to hold a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) for a minimum of 14 days. To qualify for a CLP, applicants must provide a valid Social Security number, a certified birth certificate or passport, and two documents proving South Dakota residency, such as a utility bill or rental agreement. The fee for a South Dakota CLP is $33.00. During this period, the permit holder must be accompanied by a driver who has held a valid CDL for at least one year. According to the SD DPS, the CLP is valid for 180 days and allows for one renewal within a two-year period if the driver has not yet passed the skills test.

CDL Classification and Weight Limits

South Dakota follows the standard federal classification system for commercial vehicles. A Class A CDL is required for combination vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the towed unit exceeds 10,000 pounds. A Class B CDL is for single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or any such vehicle towing a trailer not exceeding 10,000 pounds. Class C is reserved for vehicles under 26,001 pounds that transport hazardous materials or 16+ passengers. Drivers must be aware that South Dakota state law allows for specific weight exemptions for agricultural operations within 150 miles of a farm, but these do not exempt the driver from CDL requirements if the vehicle weight exceeds the 26,000-pound threshold.

Medical Certification and Self-Certification

All South Dakota CDL holders must self-certify their type of commercial operation to the DPS. The four categories include Non-Excepted Interstate (NI), Excepted Interstate (EI), Non-Excepted Intrastate (NA), and Excepted Intrastate (EA). Most long-haul drivers fall under NI and must provide a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Form MCSA-5876) completed by a professional on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. If a driver’s medical certificate expires, the SD DPS will downgrade the CDL to a non-commercial status within 60 days. The FMCSA reported that medical non-compliance is a leading cause of CDL suspensions nationwide.

ELDT and Skills Testing Requirements

As of February 7, 2022, all new South Dakota CDL applicants must complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a provider listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. This training must be completed before taking the skills test. The skills test consists of three parts: the Pre-Trip Inspection, Basic Vehicle Control (backing maneuvers), and the On-Road Driving Test. In South Dakota, the CDL skills test fee is $90.00 if conducted by a third-party tester. Applicants who fail any portion of the test must wait at least 24 hours before retesting, though many third-party sites may have longer wait times due to scheduling.

Endorsements and Restrictions

South Dakota drivers can add endorsements to their license to expand their operational capabilities. Common endorsements include H (Hazardous Materials), N (Tank Vehicle), P (Passenger), and T (Double/Triple Trailers). The H endorsement requires a background check by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which currently costs approximately $86.50 for a five-year period. Conversely, restrictions may be placed on a license, such as the 'L' restriction which prohibits operating vehicles with air brakes. The SD DPS charges $15.00 for each endorsement added after the initial license issuance, plus the cost of the written knowledge test.

Disqualifications and Legal Penalties

South Dakota enforces strict penalties for violations committed in a CMV. Under SDCL 32-12A-44, a driver is disqualified for one year for a first conviction of driving with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.04% or higher. A second conviction results in a lifetime disqualification. Serious traffic violations, such as excessive speeding (15 mph or more over the limit) or following too closely, result in a 60-day disqualification if two violations occur within a three-year period. A third violation within three years increases the disqualification to 120 days. These regulations ensure that South Dakota maintains safety standards consistent with the national Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act.

License Renewal and Fees

A South Dakota CDL is typically valid for five years. The renewal fee for a standard CDL is $33.00. Drivers must visit a DPS location in person to renew if they have a Hazardous Materials endorsement, as a new background check and knowledge test are required for every renewal. For other CDL holders, South Dakota offers a 'renew by mail' option once every 10 years, provided the driver's vision and medical certificates are up to date. The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) notes that maintaining a clean driving record in South Dakota can help lower insurance premiums, which average $8,000 to $12,000 annually for independent owner-operators.

Sources

South Dakota Department of Public Safety (2024) — https://dps.sd.gov/driver-licensing/commercial-drivers-license FMCSA - ELDT Regulations (2024) — https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/ South Dakota Legislature - SDCL Chapter 32-12A (2023) — https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/Codified_Laws/2043681 ATRI - An Analysis of the Operational Costs of Trucking (2023) — https://truckingresearch.org/2023/06/21/analysis-of-the-operational-costs-of-trucking-2023/

Frequently asked

How much does a CDL cost in South Dakota?

The initial application fee for a CDL in South Dakota is $33.00, and the CLP also costs $33.00. If you use a third-party tester for the skills exam, expect to pay an additional fee of approximately $90.00.

What is the minimum age for a CDL in South Dakota?

You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a Class A, B, or C CDL for intrastate use (within South Dakota). You must be at least 21 years old to drive across state lines (interstate) or to transport hazardous materials.

How long is the South Dakota CDL skills test?

The comprehensive skills test usually takes between 90 and 120 minutes. This includes roughly 30-45 minutes for the vehicle inspection, 30 minutes for basic control maneuvers, and 45 minutes for the road portion.

Do I need a CDL for a farm vehicle in South Dakota?

Farmers are exempt from CDL requirements if they are operating a vehicle controlled and operated by a farmer, used to transport agricultural products or machinery to or from a farm, and used within 150 miles of the farm, provided the vehicle is not a common carrier.

How many times can I fail the CDL permit test in SD?

South Dakota allows you to take the knowledge test up to 3 times in a 6-month period after paying the initial $33 fee. If you fail 3 times, you must wait 6 months and pay the fee again.