South Carolina DMV Tests & Permit Practice – 2026
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#1. When a traffic signal is showing a flashing red light, you must:
A flashing red light means you must stop behind a stop line, crosswalk, or intersection before entering and use the same procedure as you would at a stop sign, by coming to a complete stop. Look both ways before entering the intersection and yield right-of-way, if applicable.
#2. When stopped by a law enforcement officer at night:
If it is nighttime turn on your hazard flashers and interior lights to help the officer see. Stay in your vehicle and keep your hands on the steering wheel. Obtain your driver’s license and registration only when requested.
#3. By looking 20 to 30 seconds ahead on the roadway:
Looking well down your planned path of travel will help you see the road, other road users, and traffic conditions which allows you time to adjust and plan your driving movements. This additional time will allow you to make better decisions and possibly avoid being forced to use emergency braking and steering. Ideally, you should try to look at what is occurring 20 to 30 seconds in front of your vehicle.
#4. Which is true about bicyclists?
As a driver, you have a responsibility to be on the lookout for cyclists. Treat him courteously since he does have the same rights and responsibilities as automobile drivers to use the streets and highways.
#5. This sign means:
Curvy road – reversing curves. This sign tells you there is a gradual curve to right, and then left.
#6. If it feels like your tires have lost traction with the surface of the road, you should:
Hydroplaning occurs when the steering tires ride on a layer of water on top of the road surface, similar to the action of water skis. The best way to avoid traction loss from hydroplaning is to slow down when driving in the rain or on a road that is wet with pooled water or water puddles.
#7. What does this sign tell you?
This is a regulatory No Right Turn sign.
Remember, anytime you see a sign bearing a red circle with a slash mark across a black arrow (or another symbol), it means do not do whatever is shown by the arrow (or other symbol).
#8. At a railroad crossing, you must give trains the right-of-way:
You are legally required to yield the right of way to trains. Slow down, look and listen for a train, and stop if a train approach. Remember, trains cannot stop quickly.
#9. When must you use your headlights?
Turning on your headlights helps other roadway users see you. This is especially important:
- On rainy, snowy, or foggy days, use your low-beam lights and slow down
- When it begins to get dark or when driving away from a rising or setting sun
South Carolina law requires use of headlights from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise, and at any other time when windshield wipers are in use as a result of rain, sleet, or snow, or when inclement weather or environmental factors severely reduce the ability to clearly see others at a distance of 500 feet ahead.
#10. This hand signal means:
Slowing or stop – left arm extended downward, with the palm to the rear.
#11. Orange road signs give:
Orange is used for construction and maintenance warning. The signs are usually diamond shaped. They notify drivers of unusual or potentially dangerous conditions near work areas.
#12. If you arrive at a four-way intersection controlled by stop signs at the same time as another driver, you should:
At a four-way intersection controlled by stop signs, you must yield the right-of-way to the driver on your right if both of you arrive at the intersection at the same time (Same Time Rule).
#13. In general, children must ride rear-facing until they are:
Children age seven and younger must sit in a car seat in the back seat of the vehicle to avoid injury from an airbag in the event of a collision. An infant under two must be secured in a rear-facing car seat in a rear seat of the vehicle until the child exceeds the height or weight limit allowed by the manufacturer of the car seat. If the child has outgrown the manufacturer’s height or weight limits for a rear-facing car seat OR is at least two years old, they must be secured in a forward-facing car seat in a rear seat of the vehicle until the child exceeds the height or weight requirements of the forward-facing car seat.
#14. What is the automatic suspension period if you are over 21 years of age and refuse to take the test for intoxicants and it is your first offense?
If you are over 21 years of age and refuse to take the test for intoxicants and it is your first offense, your privilege to drive will be suspended. The offenses and corresponding suspension periods are as follows:
- First Offense – Six-month suspension.
- Second Offense – Nine months suspension.
- Third Offense – Twelve months suspension.
- Fourth and Subsequent Offense – Fifteen months suspension.
#15. The legal blood alcohol level for any person under 21 years is:
In South Carolina it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher. Even under 0.08 percent, you are still impaired. Under the law, you can still be convicted for driving impaired. Under South Carolina’s zero tolerance law, it is unlawful for any person under the age of 21 to operate a motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.02 percent or higher.
| This South Carolina DMV Practice Test | |
|---|---|
| Number of questions on each test: | 15 |
| Question pool: | 500+ |
| Type of test: | Random multiple-choice |
| North Carolina DMV Written Knowledge Test | |
|---|---|
| Number of questions on exam: | 30 questions |
| Passing score: | 80 percent |
| Correct answers to pass: | 24 |
| Allotted time to complete test: | No limit |
| Wait time before retest: | 1 day |
Practice South Carolina Permit Knowledge Test
This South Carolina permit practice is an alternative to the sample test offered by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV). It has more questions, immediate feedback, and quick explanations when you miss a question. You can see your score at the end of the test.
It is a random knowledge test with questions drawn from a large question bank.
The practice test covers all essential items described in the SCDMV Driver’s Manual.
You will find all answers to the test questions in the driver’s manual published by SCDMV .
You should not skip reading the manual and think you can pass the test simply by memorizing questions and answers from the practice tests. Not only are you likely to fail, but you will also be a less knowledgeable driver and probably cause more accidents.
Get the latest version of the Driver’s Manual from your nearest SCDMV location or download a free PDF version online at www.scdmvonline.com .
What You Must Know about the South Carolina Knowledge Exam
There are 30 questions on the South Carolina Knowledge Exam. The passing score is 80 percent, which means you must answer at least 24 questions correctly.
On each practice test, there are only 15 questions, but you can take the practice test over and over again. Each test will be slightly different and most like have new questions.
Take enough tests to be comfortable with all questions and answers.
If you fail your first attempt on the test, you can typically try again the next business day.
Remember, many test takers fail their first attempt. Prepare well before the exam. Make a study plan. Set aside multiple shorter study blocks for several weeks. Underestimating the time you need to study for your exam is risky study tactics and a widespread mistake.
You can take the knowledge tests at any SCDMV branch or authorized Auto School.
Is the South Carolina Permit Test Hard?
In recent years, SCDMV has adopted the AAMVA Model Driver’s License Manual and corresponding test questions, making the knowledge examination slightly easier. South Carolina now has a lower failure rate than before.
It also means that you must ensure you have the latest manual version. Old manuals will have different information and are not good if you want to prepare for the knowledge test.
Remember, SCDMV always draw test questions from the information in the new manual.
Who Must Take the South Carolina Knowledge Test?
New drivers.
If you apply for an original South Carolina permit or driver’s license, you must always pass the knowledge test.
Drivers who let their license expire more than nine months.
If you don’t renew your S.C. driver’s license within nine months of the expiration date, you must start over and apply for a new license. When you apply for a new driver’s license, you must pass the knowledge and road skills tests again.
Drivers who had their license revoked.
If DMV has revoked your license, you must wait until the revocation period has passed, make a new application, and take the complete examination as if you never had a driving privilege before.
Drivers with a foreign license.
Drivers who move to South Carolina and hold a license from a foreign country other than Canada, Germany, or France must pass all tests.
Note that international customers must apply for a license at designated locations. Not all branches offer this service.
New Residents
If you have a valid out-of-state permit, DMV can transfer it to a beginner’s permit in South Carolina. The time you held the out-of-state permit counts toward the 180-day requirement. If the out-of-state permit has expired, you must retake the vision and knowledge tests.
When you have a valid driver’s license from another state, you only need to pass the vision test and surrender your out-of-state driver’s license. If you let your out-of-state driver’s license expire by nine months, you must pass the vision test and complete the knowledge and road tests.
To be exempt from the knowledge test, drivers from Canada, France, Germany, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau must hold a valid driver’s license.
If the out-of-country license has expired, you must complete all necessary tests.
Note that you can keep an out-of-country license but not use it when you have an S.C. license. If you use that license, SCDMV will revoke your South Carolina license.
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Passed without any errors. Recommend for everyyone.
Thank you for this. Just what I needed.