Driving Laws in South Dakota for Seniors and Older Drivers

Learn about driving regulations and special initiatives aimed at keeping both older drivers and South Dakota’s highways safe.

The majority of the rules and restrictions enforced by the South Dakota Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) apply to drivers of all ages and stages—and the state asserts it does not impose particular requirements on drivers based only on age.

Nonetheless, several of the legislative regulations outlined below, such as potential licensing limits and processes for obtaining handicap parking plates and placards, may be particularly pertinent for senior drivers.

South Dakota License Renewal Procedures

Time limits: All drivers must renew their licenses in person every five years and in writing every 10 years. Due to the COVID-19 situation, drivers’ licenses that expired on or after March 13, 2020 were automatically extended till December 30, 2020.

Renewal requires a vision exam. DMV officials will provide a free test, however further information may need an examination by an independent ophthalmologist or optometrist.

Written test: At the discretion of DMV employees, a written test may be needed.

Road test: At the discretion of DMV employees, a road test may be necessary.

License Restrictions That Might Exist

After conducting a driving test and discussing potential limits with the driver, the DMV may impose restrictions or conditions on his or her driver’s license.

The most prevalent limitation for senior drivers is the need for corrective lenses or glasses.

Other frequent conditions that the DMV may place on older drivers in South Dakota include:

driving a car with an outside left rearview mirror
driving an automatic transmission vehicle
No driving at night, no driving outside of a particular geographic region, driving only within a 50-mile radius of home, and driving a vehicle equipped with certain equipment.

How to Request a South Dakota Unsafe Driver Investigation

The South Dakota Department of Motor Vehicles will take information concerning possibly risky driving from a family, friend, police officer, court employees, insurance company people, doctor, DMV officials, or anyone with firsthand knowledge of a driver’s ability. However, anonymous reports will not be accepted.

Those who want the DMV to evaluate their driving credentials should:

Fill out a Driver Evaluation Request form and mail it to: Driver Licensing; 118 West Capitol Avenue; Pierre, SD 57501.

Doctors’ Reporting

South Dakota encourages doctors who diagnose a patient with a disorder characterized by lapses in consciousness or any physical, neurological, or mental illness that is likely to impair driving to report that diagnosis on a Medical Statement form to the South Dakota Department of Public Safety-Driver Licensing Program.

Driver Improvement Programs in South Dakota

Drivers may enhance their abilities by enrolling in an education and training program designed exclusively for elderly drivers. The South Dakota Safety Council provides up-to-date information on local course offerings.

How to Restore a Driver’s License

The procedures for regaining a suspended or revoked license in South Dakota vary depending on the circumstances. See “Revoked or Suspended License Information” for further information.

How to Obtain Disabled Driver Parking Placards or License Plates

Drivers with restricted mobility may be awarded disabled parking placards and license plates provided a competent medical practitioner recognizes the condition.

Placards and license plates are available for people who:

cannot go 200 feet without stopping to rest
have a serious heart disease or are severely restricted in their ability to walk owing to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic ailment.

To receive a disability placard or plate, follow these steps:

Fill out and sign an Application for a Physically Disabled Parking Permit and License Plates.
Section D of the form should be completed by a qualified physician, and the original application should be sent to a local County Treasurer’s Office.