Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) / South Dakota
2026 data South Dakota board official source

South Dakota Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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Operates large commercial vehicles. Federal CDL recognized nationwide.

What the South Dakota data shows for Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)s

To practice as a commercial truck driver (cdl) in South Dakota, the state licensing board requires 173 documented education or training hours, a passing score on CDL Knowledge Tests and Skills Test. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 21 years old. The regulation sits under South Dakota's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "CDL Training Program".

Upfront cost is $35, with renewal running $26 on a 4-year cycle. There's no continuing-education mandate tied to this profession in South Dakota, which keeps the long-run cost of staying licensed lighter than in CE-heavy states.

For commercial truck driver (cdl)s, the reciprocity picture is: Federal CDL recognized in all 50 states.

Licensing Ease Score

A
Licensing Ease Score
86/100
Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) · South Dakota

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training B-
173 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee A+
$35
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden A+
$7/yr
$26 every 4 years
Continuing Education A+
None required
No continuing-education mandate
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in South Dakota

Education / Training Hours
CDL Training Program
173 hours
Exam Requirement
CDL Knowledge Tests and Skills Test
Required
Initial License Fee
$35
Renewal Fee
$26
Renewal Cycle
Every 4 years
Continuing Education
Not required
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
21 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) All South Dakota licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with South Dakota licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) in South Dakota? ▼
In South Dakota, the license path calls for 173 education/training hours, a passing score on CDL Knowledge Tests and Skills Test, and a $35 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) in South Dakota? ▼
To become a licensed commercial truck driver (cdl) in South Dakota, you must meet the state's requirements including 173 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the South Dakota licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) license to South Dakota from another state? ▼
Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) licenses generally reciprocate as follows: Federal CDL recognized in all 50 states. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The South Dakota licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does South Dakota require a background check for Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) licensing? ▼
South Dakota does require a background check before issuing a commercial truck driver (cdl) license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.

Related Guides

What to do with this commercial truck driver (cdl) license

Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) in South Dakota, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a commercial truck driver (cdl)-wide, 50-state comparison.

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the South Dakota licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.