Teen Driving Laws

    Permit age, required supervised hours, and intermediate license restrictions for all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

    How Graduated Driver Licensing Works

    Stage 1

    Learner's Permit

    The first stage permits a new driver to operate a vehicle only while accompanied by a licensed adult supervisor. Most states require the permit to be held for a minimum period and require a stated number of supervised practice hours, part of which may need to be completed at night, before the applicant may advance to the next stage.

    Stage 2

    Intermediate License

    The second stage permits unsupervised driving under defined conditions. Holders are ordinarily prohibited from driving during specified nighttime hours and are limited in the number or age of passengers they may carry. These restrictions remain in effect until the driver reaches a stated age or has held the license for a stated period.

    Stage 3

    Full License

    The final stage removes the nighttime and passenger restrictions imposed during the intermediate stage. A driver who satisfies the conditions for removal holds full driving privileges, subject to the same traffic laws that govern all licensed drivers. Certain states continue to apply specific provisions, such as mobile device prohibitions, to drivers under a stated age.

    Select Your State

    Choose a jurisdiction to view its permit, supervised driving, and intermediate license requirements.

    South Dakota

    Minimum permit age

    14

    Holding period: 9 months (6 months with driver education)

    Required supervised driving hours

    50 hours, 10 of them at night and 10 in poor weather

    Minimum age for unsupervised driving

    14 years 9 months (14 years 6 months with driver education)

    Nighttime operation

    10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

    Conditions for removal: Age 16

    Passenger limitations

    First 6 months: no passengers. After that: no more than one passenger under 18

    Conditions for removal: Licensed 6 months or age 16, whichever comes first (minimum age 15 years 6 months)

    Additional provisions

    • Permit holders may not drive between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless a parent or guardian supervises.

    South Dakota requires 50 hours of supervised driving.

    Drivvy records each drive automatically, with day and night hours tracked separately against South Dakota's requirement, and exports a log your licensing agency will accept.

    Download Drivvy for iOS or Android today!

    Frequently asked questions

    What is the minimum age for a learner's permit in South Dakota?
    The minimum age for a learner's permit in South Dakota is 14. The permit must be held for 9 months (6 months with driver education).
    How many supervised driving hours does South Dakota require?
    South Dakota requires 50 hours, 10 of them at night and 10 in poor weather.
    What restrictions apply to intermediate license holders in South Dakota?
    Nighttime operation: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.. Conditions for removal: Age 16. Passenger limitations: First 6 months: no passengers. After that: no more than one passenger under 18. Conditions for removal: Licensed 6 months or age 16, whichever comes first (minimum age 15 years 6 months).

    Complete index of jurisdictions

    About this information

    Requirements are compiled from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's graduated licensing laws table, current as of October 2026, and restructured by Drivvy.

    Last reviewed October 19, 2026.

    This material is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Licensing requirements are subject to amendment, and certain provisions vary according to the applicant's age, driver education status, or locality. Readers are advised to verify the requirements then in force with the relevant state licensing agency before relying upon any statement made here.

    Source: https://www.iihs.org/research-areas/teenagers/graduated-licensing-laws-table