South Dakota Permit Test Languages: English and Spanish on the Kiosk, Interpreter for Others

The South Dakota DPS knowledge test runs in English and Spanish on the exam station kiosk. For any other language, bring a qualified interpreter you arrange and pay for yourself. Specify your language choice at check-in - waiting until you sit at the kiosk causes delays that can push you past the station's test cutoff time. Download the bilingual Driver License/ID Card Applicationin English or Spanish before your appointment.

What Languages Is the South Dakota Permit Test Available In?

The South Dakota knowledge test kiosk offers English and Spanish. The test has 25 questions requiring 80 percent to pass. Select your language at check-in before sitting at the terminal.

• English:Default language at all exam stations
• Spanish (Espaol):Available statewide on the testing kiosk - inform the examiner at check-in to configure the Spanish interface

Applicants at the Sioux Falls licensing office who fail to specify their language preference before the test begins often face delays - staff must reset the kiosk, and that eats into the station's test acceptance window. Specify Spanish at check-in, not at the kiosk.

How Do You Request an Interpreter for the South Dakota Knowledge Test?

You may bring an approved interpreter for the road test. Interpreters must be 18 or older and fluent in both languages. The DPS must approve them before the test begins - arrange this in advance.

• Your responsibility:Arrange and pay for the interpreter yourself
• Examiner approval:The station must approve the interpreter before the test begins
• [YES] Interpreter role:Translate questions and answers exactly - no hints, explanations, or coaching permitted
• Languages covered:Interpreters can cover Chinese, Vietnamese, Arabic, Russian, Somali, and many others

Contact the Rapid City Driver Licensing station at least one week before your test to confirm interpreter approval requirements and avoid last-minute rejection on test day.

The South Dakota learner's permit guide has full eligibility details.

Audio and Oral Testing Accommodations at South Dakota DPS

Oral exam accommodations are available but must be arranged in advance by calling your exam station at least one week before your appointment. Standard kiosks do not have a built-in read-aloud function.

• The standard kiosk does not have a built-in read-aloud function
• Request an oral exam - questions read aloud by staff - when scheduling your appointment
• Call the DPS at (605) 773-6883 ahead of your appointment to confirm availability at your specific station

A Pierre applicant assumed audio testing was standard equipment at every kiosk. They arrived expecting a read-aloud button and were turned away - staff availability for oral testing was not confirmed in advance. They rescheduled for a day when a staff member was available to administer the oral version.

South Dakota DPS Language Rules During the Test

No paper dictionaries, electronic translators, or mobile phones are permitted at the testing station. Interpreters may only translate word-for-word - coaching immediately invalidates the test session.

• No paper dictionaries, electronic translators, or mobile phones at the kiosk during the test
• Interpreters must translate questions word-for-word - offering driving advice or coaching is grounds for immediate test invalidation
• [NO] Electronic devices of any kind are prohibited at the testing station

For the full South Dakota permit test process, language options, and accommodation request procedures, see the South Dakota Learner's Permit guide on shoro.ai.