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Get your South Dakota CDL — government fees ($86), ELDT training, skills test, and step-by-step guide. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Commercial Driver's License
Governing Authority
South Dakota Department of Public Safety - Driver Licensing Program
(605) 773-6883
Official website →Most information on this page has been verified.
84% of data points are verified against official sources. 4 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
$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
Ready to start your CDL training?
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides.
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 (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.
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
| 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
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
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 to retain HAZMAT endorsement
South Dakota offers two military waiver programs: (1) Skills Test Waiver for qualifying military members, and (2) Even Exchange Program that waives both knowledge and skills tests for qualifying MOS holders. HAZMAT and School Bus endorsements are excluded from both programs.
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.
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.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in South Dakota.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#29 of 51
Cost
#17 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (SOC 53-3032)
Entry Level
$48,690
25th percentile
Median
$56,880
-1% vs. national avg ($57,440)Experienced
$62,830
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
5,990 employed in this state
Note: BLS category "Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers" covers CDL holders driving tractor-trailers specifically. Wages for other CDL vehicle types may differ.
Source: BLS OEWS – Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+2.6%
Below AverageNew Jobs
+53,500
over 10 years
Annual Openings
228,600
per year (avg.)
2.1M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 6–16 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
1–2 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides and practice tests for the commercial driver's license exam.
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All data verified as of 2026-03-21. Sources consulted:
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides. Complete your permit prep before attending a driving school.
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Exploring other careers? Compare licensing requirements for real estate agents, insurance agents, and notaries in South Dakota.