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Commercial Driver's License
Governing Authority
South Dakota Department of Public Safety - Driver Licensing Program
(605) 773-6883
Official website →Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
$86
TOTAL GOV FEES
$3,000-$7,000
TRAINING COST
5 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Gather Required Documents
Obtain a valid South Dakota driver's license, proof of identity, age, residency, Social Security number, and a Medical Self-Certification Statement and Medical Examiner's Certificate.
DOT physical exam typically costs $75–$150
Pass Knowledge Tests and Obtain CLP
Visit a South Dakota Driver License Exam Station, pass the CDL knowledge test(s) ($15 per endorsement test), and obtain your Commercial Learner's Permit.
CLP application fee; CLP valid for one year. Drive tests must be scheduled at least 2 business days in advance.
Fee: $43Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Complete ELDT through an FMCSA-approved training provider listed on the Training Provider Registry.
Training costs vary by school and program
Fee: $3,000–$7,000Hold CLP for 14 Days
You must drive on your CLP for a minimum of 14 days before taking the drive test.
Pass CDL Skills Test
Schedule and pass the CDL skills test through a state-authorized third-party tester.
Third-party tester fee plus tax; varies by provider
Fee: $150Obtain CDL
Return to a Driver License Exam Station, pay the CDL license fee, and receive your commercial driver's license.
CDL license fee; valid for 5 years; plus $15 per endorsement
Fee: $43Commercial Driver’s Licenses are divided into three classes based on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of the vehicle being operated.
Class A CDL
26,001+ lbs GCWR
Towing: Towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class B CDL
26,001+ lbs GVWR
Towing: Towed vehicle under 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class C CDL
Under 26,001 lbs GVWR
Towing: Does not meet Class A or B thresholds
Common examples
Government Fees
Endorsement Fees
Training Cost
CLP ($43) + CDL ($43); skills testing is third-party only (additional ~$150)
Government Fees (You Still Pay)
Training Cost
Note: $0 (company-paid programs available)
Costs vary by school and program length
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Passing Score: 80%
Test Components
Three-Part Exam
All CDL skills testing in South Dakota is conducted through third-party testers. Third-party testers charge $150 plus tax for the driving skills test.
Third-party fee: $150 plus tax (Third-party testers charge $150 plus tax; varies by provider)
Scheduling Note
Schedule through a third-party tester. Drive tests must be scheduled at least two business days in advance. Contact SD DPS at (605) 773-6883 or 1-800-952-3696 for more information.
Ready to pass the CDL Knowledge Test?
Practice exams built for the CDL licensing exam — so you can pass faster.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Preparing for the written and skills tests? Read our CDL exam prep guide for study tips and what to expect on test day.
Overall licensing difficulty: 1/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
CDL Knowledge Test
Browse study guides
CDL Exam Prep Books
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Prepare with realistic CDL Knowledge Test practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)See our discount
CDL Knowledge Test
Passing Score
80%
Format
Written multiple choice
Key Topics Covered
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the CDL Knowledge Test.
Study Materials & Exam Prep — CDL Knowledge Test
Prepare for your CDL Knowledge Test with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, online courses, and practice tests.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Intrastate Minimum Age
18 years old
Interstate Minimum Age
21 years old (federal requirement)
Medical Card (DOT Physical)
Required
Valid State Driver's License
Required
Clean Driving Record
No disqualifying offenses per 49 CFR 383.51
Residency Requirement
Must be a resident of South Dakota
Not sure if you need a CDL? Check whether your state requires one.
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | $15 |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | $15 |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | $15 |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | $15 |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | $30 |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | $15 |
HAZMAT Note: The HAZMAT endorsement (H and X) requires a TSA background check ($85.25) and fingerprinting in addition to the state fee shown above. The TSA security threat assessment must be completed before the state will issue the endorsement.
CLP Fee
$43
CDL application fee effective July 1, 2025
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
12 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
South Dakota has 6% above average — nationally the ratio is 1 per 164 residents.
South Dakota has above-average cdl truck drivers density — competitive market.
South Dakota ranks #24 out of 51 states by cdl truck drivers per capita.
Renewal Cycle
5 years
Renewal Fee
$43
5-year renewal (effective July 1, 2025); $58 with HAZMAT endorsement
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
CDL valid for 5 years. HAZMAT renewal requires TSA fingerprint clearance and knowledge test.
Regulatory Board
Learn more about the renewal process in our CDL renewal requirements guide.
Visit a South Dakota Driver License Exam Station within 30 days of becoming a resident. No testing required unless applying for a HAZMAT endorsement.
Transfer Fee
$43
CDL fee plus $15 per endorsement
Timeline
Within 30 days of becoming a resident
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedNo testing required except HAZMAT knowledge test, background check, and citizenship documentation
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Skills test waiver available for current/former military (within 1 year); knowledge tests still required under skills test waiver. Even Exchange Program for qualifying MOS holders waives both. HAZMAT and School Bus endorsements excluded.
Eligibility
Current military or recently separated (within 12 months) with military commercial vehicle operation experience; Even Exchange requires specific qualifying MOS
Search accredited CDL training programs and compare costs, schedules, and job placement rates.
160 Driving Academy →Nationwide CDL training with flexible schedules, financial aid options, and job placement assistance.
TruckingTruth School Reviews →Real student reviews and ratings of CDL schools to help you choose the right program.
Employer-Sponsored CDL Programs
Many trucking companies offer paid CDL training in exchange for an employment commitment. These are not affiliate links — check directly with carriers like Schneider, Werner, CRST, and Swift for current company-sponsored training programs in South Dakota.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in South Dakota range from $3,000 to $7,000. Costs vary by school and program length
Some links above may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Start Your CDL Training in South Dakota
State-approved online courses you can start today.
Unique to South Dakota
South Dakota relies entirely on third-party testers for CDL skills testing — the state does not administer skills tests directly. The Even Exchange military program waives both knowledge and skills tests, which is more generous than most states.
CDL Schools in South Dakota
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
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CDL Driver requirements in South Dakota verified against South Dakota Department of Public Safety - Driver Licensing Program, April 2026.
All data verified as of 2026-04-02. Sources consulted: