PIERRE, S.D. (Press Release) – South Dakota’s Driver Licensing Program will open driver exam stations starting Tuesday (April 7) in four cities “by appointment only” to help those who are applying for new commercial driving licenses (CDL) or new CDL endorsements.

CDL testing will be done on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at the driver exam stations in Aberdeen, Pierre, Rapid City and Sioux Falls. Testing will be by appointment only and only for applicants applying for new CDL licenses and CDL endorsements.

“The need for CDL drivers, especially in the agricultural and transportation industries, is always a high priority in South Dakota during the spring,” said Department of Public Safety Cabinet Secretary Craig Price. “By opening these exam stations at certain times, we can help ensure more people can take the required CDL test.”

Officials plan to start the program on Tuesday, April 7.  There will be two testing work stations in Sioux Falls and one each in Aberdeen, Pierre and Rapid City. Driver Licensing director Jane Schrank said at least 60 applicants a week could take their CDL tests through this program.

“Tests will be done in two-hour blocks per workstation due to the length of testing,” she said. “We also will make sure there are the appropriate health protection measures implemented as recommended by the CDC, including social distancing, based on the size of the office and additional staff in the office.”

To schedule an appointment, applicants need to email DPSLicensingInfo@state.sd.us or call (605)773-6883 to schedule a time and location for taking the test.

The Driver Licensing Program is part of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.