South Carolina DMV Tests & Permit Practice – 2026
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#1. When are you allowed to pass a school bus?
You may pass a school bus in motion (red lights and extended stop arm is not used when in motion).
#2. This sign tells you that the center lane is used for:
Shared Center Lane Left Turn Only. This sign tells you where a lane is reserved for the use of left turning vehicles from either direction and is not to be used for through traffic or passing other vehicles.
#3. You may cross a double solid yellow line:
Double solid yellow lines prohibit vehicles moving in either direction from crossing the lines. You may not cross these lines unless turning left when it is safe to do so.
#4. When driving in fog, you should:
When driving in fog you should slow down and use your low-beam lights. If the fog is so bad that you cannot see, pull off the road and wait for the fog to clear.
#5. When can you drive at the maximum speed indicated by a speed limit sign?
Driving safely means adjusting your vehicle speed for roadway and traffic conditions, providing an adequate following distance, and obeying the appropriate speed limits.
South Carolina law sets absolute top speed limits at which you may travel on a given road, street, highway, or freeway. This does not mean that you have the right to travel at that top speed under any and all conditions.
The law continues to say that no matter what the posted speed limit, you must never drive at a speed faster than is safe for conditions.
This is known as the basic (or general) speed law.
#6. Which is true about the right of way at a 4-way stop?
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).
#7. What does this sign mean?
Stop sign ahead. One of the most important caution signs is the stop ahead sign. It is placed far ahead of a stop sign when the driver’s view of the stop sign is blocked by a curve or other objects.
#8. How often can you complete of an approved defensive driving course and have points removed from your driving record?
A provision in the law provides for reducing a driver’s points by four upon successful completion of an approved defensive driving course. Only one such reduction in a three-year period is permitted under this provision.
#9. If you approach an intersection with a stop sign but no stop line or crosswalk, you should:
Many intersections are marked with stop lines to show where you must come to a complete stop. These stop lines help to set you farther back at an intersection to give larger vehicles more turning space. Always stop behind stop lines. If there are no stop lines, you must stop before the crosswalk or intersection until it is safe to proceed.
#10. Because motorcycles are smaller and more difficult to see than cars:
Motorcycles are small and therefore more difficult to see. Be aware that motorcycles can be part of the traffic mix. Always check your mirrors and blind spots for them. Before turning left, be alert for motorcycles by looking carefully to the front and sides of your vehicle.
#11. You see this sign on a vehicle ahead. What does it mean?
A fluorescent or reflective orange and red triangle displayed on the rear of a vehicle means the vehicle is traveling less than 25 mph. Use caution when approaching a slow-moving vehicle, and be sure it is safe before you pass.
#12. 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.
#13. The amount of alcohol in the blood is often referred to as:
The amount of alcohol in the blood is often referred to as Blood Alcohol Content (BAC), also called Blood Alcohol Concentration. It is used as a metric of alcohol intoxication for legal or medical purposes.
#14. You should adjust your seat and mirrors:
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.
#15. A five-sided sign means:
The pentagon (five-sided) shape warns you of school zones and marks school crossings.
| 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.
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