South Dakota CDL Test Requirements and Endorsements
- Ways to get your CDL
- Fees you'll have to pay
- How to pass the skills test
Earn a CDL
Depending on your career and personal interests, gaining a South Dakota commercial driver's license will be a must. With our help, you now have one convenient location to assess the various requirements needed to obtain a CDL. Passing knowledge and skills tests will top the list.
CDL Courses to Take
- General Knowledge
- Air Brakes
- Combination Vehicles
- Doubles/Triples
- Hazardous Materials
- School Bus
- Passenger Transport
- Pre-trip Inspection
- Tankers
Sign Up Now - Instant Access
You May Need a CDL
Operating a commercial vehicle in the State of South Dakota will require you to obtain a South Dakota commercial driver's license. Endorsements will also be required for double/triple trailers, tanker vehicles, passenger vehicles, and vehicles placarded for hazardous materials.
- Class A License - This license applies to combination vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) exceeding 26,000 pounds, as long as the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed exceeds 10,000 pounds.
- Class B License - This license is for single or combination vehicles where the GVWR of the single vehicle exceeds 26,000 pounds. The vehicle in tow must not be more than 10,000 pounds.
- Class C License - This license is for vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, as well as vehicles placarded for hazardous materials.
CDL Skills Test
You will be able to take a skills test, but only after you successfully complete a knowledge test. During the skills test, you will be graded on the following: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. You will need to take these tests in the vehicle in which you wish to become licensed to drive.
- Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection - Do you know if a vehicle is safe to drive? You will have to complete an inspection, as well as state your motives and findings.
- Basic Vehicle Control - Can you properly control a vehicle? You will have to move your vehicle forward, backward, and turn it within a defined area.
- On-Road Test - Can you safely drive your vehicle in a variety of traffic situations? These situations may include: curves, up and down crossings, highways, intersections, and more.
Further CDL Requirements
Further requirements needed to be completed in order to obtain a CDL are: passing a physical exam every two years, possessing good hearing, having 20/40 vision, and having a 70-degree field of vision in each eye. Drivers cannot be colorblind.
To the DMV
When you go to the DMV, you will need the following items: a current driver's license, a Department of Transportation Physical Examination Form, and your social security card.
South Dakota ID and Required Documents
DMV Fees
The CDL application fee is $15.00. However, depending on your specific location, licensing and endorsement fees may be different. For a current list, visit the South Dakota DMV.
Driver's License Info on South Dakota's Official DMV website
Get More Info
South Dakota CDL Manual:
South Dakota CDL Driver's Handbook
For Federal Requirements for a CDL: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration-licensing/cdl/cdl.htm
For Medical Requirements for a CDL: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/medical.htm
