Book your CDL permit test appointment through the South Dakota DMV's online system or by calling the Sioux Falls office directly

The South Dakota Department of Public Safety runs the CDL permit test appointments in Sioux Falls. You can schedule online at dps.sd.gov or call the Sioux Falls DMV office at (605) 773-6883. Online booking is faster — you pick your date and time when ready — but phone booking works if you need to ask questions first or if the online system shows no open slots.

You do not need to take the permit test on the same day you explore for a CDL permit. Many people explore for the permit first, study for a few weeks, then book the test appointment once they feel ready. This means you can schedule the test weeks or even months after you start the CDL process.

The Sioux Falls DMV office is located at 118 West Capitol Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104. Test appointments typically fill up during lunch hours and late afternoon, so morning slots tend to have more availability.

Key Takeaways

  • Schedule your CDL permit test appointment online at dps.sd.gov or by phone at (605) 773-6883 — online is faster.
  • You must have a valid South Dakota permit or driver's license before you can test for a CDL permit.
  • Bring your permit or license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or REAL ID to the test appointment.
  • The CDL permit test covers general knowledge and air brakes; you can study using the free South Dakota CDL manual available on the DMV website.
  • Test appointments are usually available within one to three weeks, but availability varies by season and time of day.

What you need before booking the appointment

You must already hold a valid South Dakota driver's license or permit to take the CDL permit test. If you do not have one yet, visit the Sioux Falls DMV office first to explore for a standard permit or license. This step takes about 30 minutes and costs around $20 to $30 depending on the license type.

Once you have your permit or license, you can book the CDL test appointment. You will need your Social Security number and your current license or permit number to complete the online booking. If you call instead, have these details ready when you speak to the DMV staff.

The DMV does not require you to study for a set number of hours or take a formal class before testing, though many CDL schools and training programs offer preparation courses. The free South Dakota CDL manual, available as a PDF on dps.sd.gov, covers all the material on the written test.

What to bring to your test appointment

Bring your current South Dakota driver's license or permit, your Social Security card or REAL ID, and one form of proof of residency such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The DMV staff will check these documents before you enter the testing room.

Do not bring your phone, smartwatch, or any electronic device into the testing area. The DMV has a strict no-device policy during the test. You may bring a pen or pencil, but the DMV provides these if you need them.

Arrive at least 10 minutes early. If you are more than 15 minutes late, the DMV may cancel your appointment and charge you a no-show fee, usually around $10 to $15.

The CDL permit test itself

The South Dakota CDL permit test has two parts: the general knowledge test and the air brakes test. You must pass both to receive your CDL permit. Each test is multiple choice, and you need a score of at least 80 percent on each section to pass.

The general knowledge test covers vehicle inspection, safe driving practices, cargo handling, and hazmat awareness. The air brakes test covers how air brake systems work, inspection procedures, and emergency braking. Together, the tests take about 45 minutes to an hour, including check-in time.

If you fail either section, you can retake it. The DMV usually allows you to schedule a retest within a few days, though you may have to pay a retest fee of around $10 to $15 per section.

Scam alert: Fake CDL test websites

Do not use any website other than dps.sd.gov to book your CDL test appointment. Scam sites sometimes appear in search results and claim to offer "fast CDL permits" or "may provide test passes." These sites take your money and personal information but do not book real appointments.

The real South Dakota DMV does not may provide test passes, does not offer expedited permits for a fee, and does not partner with third-party booking services. If a website promises you will pass the test or offers to take the test for you, it is a scam.

If you are unsure whether a website is legitimate, call the Sioux Falls DMV office directly at (605) 773-6883 and ask. DMV staff can confirm whether an appointment exists in their system and can help you book through the official channel.

What happens after you pass the permit test

Once you pass both sections of the CDL permit test, the DMV issues your CDL permit on the spot. This permit allows you to drive a commercial vehicle under supervision — usually with a licensed CDL driver in the seat next to you — while you prepare for the CDL driving test.

The CDL permit is valid for one year. During that year, you must pass the CDL driving test to receive your full CDL license. If your permit expires before you test, you must retake the written test to renew it.

Many people schedule their driving test appointment right after passing the permit test, while others wait a few weeks or months to practice with a truck or bus. The choice is yours — there is no required waiting period between the permit test and the driving test.

Appointment availability and wait times

The Sioux Falls DMV typically has CDL test appointments available within one to three weeks of when you book. During peak seasons — late spring through early fall — wait times can stretch to four or five weeks. Winter months usually have shorter wait times because fewer people are training for CDL positions.

Morning appointments, especially Tuesday through Thursday, tend to fill up first. If you see no available slots online, try calling the office — sometimes staff can find cancellations or open times that do not appear in the online system. You can also ask to be placed on a cancellation list if you are flexible about dates.

If you need to reschedule or cancel, do so at least 24 hours before your appointment. Canceling with less notice may result in a no-show fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the CDL permit test the same day I explore for a CDL permit?

No. You must first obtain a valid South Dakota driver's license or permit, which requires a separate visit to the DMV. Once you have that, you can book the CDL test appointment for a later date. Some people do both on the same day by arriving early, but you cannot test without an existing license or permit in hand.

What if I fail the CDL permit test?

You can retake the test. The DMV usually allows you to schedule a retest within a few days and charges a retest fee of around $10 to $15 per section. You do not have to reapply for the CDL permit itself — you just pay the retest fee and take the test again.

Do I need to take a CDL training course before the permit test?

No. The test is open to anyone with a valid driver's license or permit. Many people study the free South Dakota CDL manual on their own and pass without formal training. Others attend CDL schools, which offer classroom instruction and hands-on truck training. The choice depends on your learning style and budget.

What if I cannot make my appointment?

Cancel or reschedule online at dps.sd.gov or call (605) 773-6883. Canceling at least 24 hours before your appointment avoids a no-show fee. If you cancel with less notice, you may be charged $10 to $15.

Is the CDL permit test the same as the CDL driving test?

No. The permit test is a written exam covering knowledge of vehicles and safe driving. The driving test is a separate, hands-on test where you operate a commercial vehicle and demonstrate your skills to a DMV examiner. You must pass the permit test first, then schedule the driving test later.