Truck Driving Schools in South Dakota

The following article analyzes as extensively as possible the requirements and steps necessary to become a successful truck driver in South Dakota. It begins by providing candidates with an overview of the steps they will take to prepare for their possible licensing examination, including viable training destinations.

It then examines the requirements for obtaining a permit for practical training, medical considerations, and other fees associated with obtaining a CDL in the state. Individuals who are insistent on attending the best programs will also find a list containing the most prominent options.

Lastly, it concludes with a section discussing the annual average salary figures for truck drivers in South Dakota and the factors that can be worked on to improve these numbers.

How to Become a Truck Driver in South Dakota

Below are the steps and considerations needed to become a successful truck driver in South Dakota.

Age & Other Requirements

The minimum age to become a truck driver in South Dakota is 18 years old. However, this only applies to those who wish to limit their driving to within the state borders.

Professionals who plan to drive across state lines or acquire an endorsement to drive hazardous materials must be at least 21 years old.

Other requirements involved in becoming a truck driver in South Dakota include proof of lawful residency or citizenship, passing a medical examination, and holding a valid driver’s license.

Licensing Classes & Endorsements

Truck drivers may fall into several license classes depending on the weight of the truck they will be driving and the weight of the materials being towed. Candidates must also ensure that they acquire specific endorsements if they will be driving tanks, double trailers, school buses, and vehicles carrying hazardous materials, among others.

Attending a CDL Training Program

By attending a training program in preparation for their truck driving careers, candidates position themselves to pass their CDL examination the first time. The best training programs offer immersive education that allows candidates to work with tools and equipment, including practicing their road test.

Of course, graduates of training programs are also highly skilled and career-ready. Many programs, especially the most prominent ones, also offer candidates advantages such as career planning and job placement assistance.

We analyze some of the top CDL truck driving programs for South Dakota residents in an upcoming section.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a freight broker in South Dakota

Licensure & Certification Requirements

After meeting the age requirements and providing valid documents verifying identity and medical fitness, candidates in South Dakota may begin to worry about the relevant licensing fees. These include a fee of $33 for a commercial driver’s license and a fee of around $90 for the skills examination, depending on the specific testing facility.

Truck drivers who wish to earn additional endorsements to their base CDL will be required to pay $15 for each endorsement.

Candidates must also be aware of disqualification criteria, such as the use of alcohol and controlled substances, that could result in the loss of their license.

Top Truck Driver Schools in South Dakota

The following schools provide comprehensive training programs for aspiring truck drivers in South Dakota.

Explore truck driving schools in South Dakota by City:

• Truck driving schools in Sioux Falls

Salary & Career Outlook

Truck drivers in South Dakota with more experience typically earn more than those who are just starting. Candidates with professional credentials, more endorsements, and those who work in the best location also earn more.

For the bottom 10% of truck drivers in the state, the annual average salary is $52,112. The median earners manage an annual average salary of $96,972, while the very highest-paid in the top 10% category make around $180,448, according to Indeed.

Yankton is where truck drivers in South Dakota earn the highest annual average income, at $109,880. Those who work in Spearfish manage an annual average salary of $108,120, while truck drivers in Sioux Falls have an annual average salary of $102,509.