South Carolina DMV Tests & Permit Practice – 2026
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#1. Which is true about alcohol?
Alcohol and other impairing drugs reduces things like your judgment, vision, color distinction, and reaction time. Alcohol slows your ability to process information and respond to the task of driving.
#2. You must use your low beams when following another vehicle that is within:
Dim your high beams when you are 500 feet or more away from any oncoming vehicle. You must also dim your lights when following another vehicle that is less than 200 feet in front of you.
#3. When you plan to exit a multi-lane highway, you should:
Plan to move to the lane closest to your existing point early to avoid a quick lane change. Maintain your vehicle speed as long as you are on the main roadway. Signal your intention, move to the deceleration lane, check for the posted speed, and adjust your speed accordingly. The deceleration lane is to the right of the roadway and before you reach the ramp.
#4. What does this sign mean?
Cross road ahead. Be prepared to slow down, and observe any special speed limit instructions, in the event a car enters or crosses the highway from the side road.
#5. Traffic in this lane:
Lane use control signs tell you where you can go or where you can turn. This sign means you may turn right or go straight.
#6. Which is the main cause of car skids?
Skids are caused when you are traveling too fast for the road conditions, when you stop suddenly, or when the tires can no longer grip the roadway. When you begin to skid, you have little control of your vehicle. If your vehicle begins to skid:
- Release pressure from the brake or accelerator.
- Look where you want to go and steer the vehicle in the direction you want to go.
#7. 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.
#8. When is a good time to adjust your seat to reach all controls and see the road?
When getting into your car, make certain the seat is adjusted properly for your comfort and safety. Adjust your mirrors. Always fasten your safety belt and shoulder harness if you have one. Make sure they are both firm and comfortable to you. The head restraint on newer cars is an important safety addition. It should be in a correct position so that in the event someone runs into your vehicle from the rear your chances of a neck injury are cut down considerably.
#9. Which traffic light has the same meaning as a stop sign?
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.
#10. What is the automatic suspension period for the second offense when you are 21 or older and register a Blood/Breath Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .15 or higher?
If you are over 21 years of age and register a Blood/Breath Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .15 your privilege to drive will be suspended. The offenses and corresponding suspension periods are as follows:
- First Offense – One month suspension.
- Second Offense – Two months suspension.
- Third Offense – Three months suspension.
- Fourth and Subsequent Offense – Four months suspension.
#11. A sign with a vertical rectangular shape is generally for:
Vertical signs, including square signs, are generally used for regulatory signs. They give instructions or tell you the rules of the road. Some warning signs may also have this shape.
In the horizontal position, the signs generally give directions or information.
#12. Motorcycle riders:
Motorcyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers. However, it may be more difficult to see them. There are many situations and conditions drivers need to be aware of so the road can be safely shared with motorcyclists.
#13. If an emergency vehicle with flashing lights and siren approaches on a two-lane roadway, you must:
As a driver, you must yield right-of-way to an emergency vehicle when the flashing lights and siren are on by pulling over to the edge of the road so the emergency vehicle(s) may more easily pass. Do not stop in intersections or roundabouts. Avoid blocking roadways or driveways whenever possible.
#14. When driving near a pedestrian who is carrying a white cane and using a guide dog, you must:
Blind pedestrians have special protection under the law. You must always yield the right-of-way to persons who are visually impaired. When a pedestrian is crossing a street guided by a dog or carrying a white cane, you must come to a complete stop.
#15. When following a large truck that blocks your view ahead, you should:
There are certain situations when you need more space in front of your vehicle. Increase your following distance when following large vehicles such as trucks, buses, recreational vehicles, and vehicles pulling a trailer. Remember, blind spots for large vehicles can extend up to 200 feet directly behind the vehicle. Position yourself so that the driver can see you easily.
| 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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