Can You Take Drivers Ed at 13 in South Dakota?
Taking drivers ed at 13 in South Dakota is not impossible. The state requires that teen drivers take a drivers' education course.
In addition, the state has an instruction permit program. Teens can receive an instruction permit when they are 14 years old and have completed an approved drivers' education course. The permit is issued by the Department of Public Safety. The permit is valid for one year.
There are various restrictions associated with a learner's permit. Among other things, there are maximum speeds. Several states also restrict young drivers' driving locations. There is also a restriction on the number of young passengers allowed in a newly licensed teen's vehicle.
Despite this, parents in rural North Dakota have described a busy life for their teens. Many parents said that their teenagers drove without adult supervision daily. Other parents expressed concerns about speeding on rural roads. Other parents said that their children had to drive significant distances to reach their daily activities. During interviews, some parents spoke about flooding, roads that were under water and slow moving farm equipment. Parents said that their teens were engaged in many enrichment activities.
Aside from completing the required driving courses, the state requires that all teens in the state of South Dakota be at least 14 years old. They must also have a written sponsor's permission.
The South Dakota Department of Public Safety issues driver permits. To obtain a driver's license, applicants must pass a vision test and a knowledge test. The Department of Public Safety also may issue a nondriver identification card. These cards are similar to driver's licenses but are marked with a different color. Applicants must also present a certified copy of their birth certificate or other proof of their date of birth.
