CDL Truck Driver in South Dakota
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for SD
How to Become a CDL Truck Driver in South Dakota
To become a CDL Truck Driver in South Dakota, applicants must obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) from the South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS) and complete FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT). Following the ELDT, individuals must pass a general knowledge test and a skills test, which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and an on-road driving test. The minimum age for intrastate driving is 18, while interstate driving requires applicants to be 21 years old, and a valid DOT medical certificate is mandatory for all CDL holders.
CDL Truck Driver Requirements in South Dakota
| Detail | South Dakota |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS) |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) |
| Exam | CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test ($90) |
| Application Fee | $43 |
| Renewal | Every 5.0 years |
| Notes | Applicants must be at least 18 years old for intrastate commerce and 21 years old for interstate commerce. A valid DOT medical certificate is required. The application fee for a CDL is $43, plus $20 for each endorsement knowledge test. Skills test fees are paid to third-party providers and can be up to $90 per attempt. Federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) is required for new applicants for a Class A or B CDL, or for those upgrading a Class B to a Class A, or obtaining S, P, or H endorsements. There is a 14-day waiting period between the issuance of a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) and taking the skills test. There is also a 2-day waiting period between scheduling and taking the skills test. Some sources indicate a $33 fee for the CDL itself, separate from the application fee, plus $15 per endorsement. Other sources indicate the $43 application fee includes the license. |
License Tiers
South Dakota offers multiple tiers of cdl truck driver licensing:
| Tier | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Class A | N/A |
| Class B | N/A |
| Class C | N/A |
CDL Truck Driver Salary in South Dakota
The median cdl truck driver salary in South Dakota is $56,880 per year, which is 1.0% below the national median of $57,440.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $44,210 |
| 25th | $48,690 |
| 50th (median) | $56,880 |
| 75th | $62,830 |
| 90th (experienced) | $80,600 |
South Dakota employs approximately 5,990 cdl truck drivers.
CDL Truck Driver Job Outlook
AI Impact on CDL Truck Drivers
Low AI Exposure (Score: -1.15/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a CDL Truck Driver in South Dakota Worth It?
Factors to consider: South Dakota's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.