South Dakota Motorcycle Manual Online 2025

Many people in South Dakota choose to ride motorcycles because of the freedom, convenience, savings and fun.

You too can join them, by earning your motorcycle license. It’s more attainable than you might think, as long as you follow the steps outlined in this article.

Motorcycle Manual

The number one thing to do is get your hands on the South Dakota Motorcycle Manual. You can get a copy at any Department of Motor Vehicles exam station, or download it below. The South Dakota Motorcycle Manual contains all the information any beginner needs to know about the testing and licensing processes. It’s divided into two sections. The first section covers information specific to the state of South Dakota. The second section contains general motorcycle operation information provided by the National Public Services Research Institute (NPSRI), the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) and the National Highway Safety Administration (NHSA).

South Dakota licensing authorities strongly recommend that you study this manual carefully, in order to familiarize yourself with the rules of the road. This will help to ensure your safety, as well as that of others on the road.

Licensing in South Dakota

In order to obtain a license in the state of South Dakota, you’ll need to be at least 14 years old. Anyone wishing to operate a motorcycle in the state requires a motorcycle driver license or permit. In order to obtain a motorcycle instruction permit, you’ll need to pass the vision and knowledge tests. Minors between the ages of 14 and 18 must hold a valid instruction permit for 180 days before upgrading to the motorcycle operator’s license.

Individuals looking to get the full motorcycle license must be at least 16 years old. They must also pass the vision, knowledge and on-cycle driving test. The license will be valid for five years, or until the expiration date on the documents that authorize the applicant’s presence in the US.

New & Improved

Most would agree that the South Dakota Motorcycle Manual is useful for learning the best practices for safe and responsible motorcycling. The MSF has recently updated and expanded the material of the SD Manual. The additions and revisions are as follows:

• Latest motorcycle-safety research
• Comments and guidance from the motorcycling, licensing and traffic-safety communities
• Expanded drug and alcohol information

We hope you’ll agree that these changes improve the South Dakota Motorcycle Manual. It’s an essential resource for anyone hoping to get their motorcycle license, or for more experienced riders who want to brush up on their safety knowledge.