SC Permit Practice Test

How to use this SC practice test

1. Take the full practice test above once, untimed, to find your weak topics.
2. Work through the numbered 20 question sets below. Each one is fixed, so a second attempt is a fair comparison.
3. Read the explanation on every miss. The wording comes from the South Carolina Driver's Manual, which is what the examiners use.
4. When you pass three sets in a row at the score your state requires, book the real test.

SC practice tests, 20 questions each

Fixed sets in a fixed order so you can retake one and compare your score.

1. Test 1
2. Test 2
3. Test 3
4. Test 4
5. Test 5
6. Test 6
7. Test 7
8. Test 8
9. Test 9

Printable SC practice test with answer key

First 40 questions from the SC bank

Every question below comes from the South Carolina question bank on this page. Open a question to see the correct answer and the explanation. Nothing here is hidden behind a signup.

1. 1. During daylight, how close to its registered address may a South Carolina golf cart operate on an approved public road?

   1. Within four miles
   2. Within one mile
   3. Within ten miles
   4. Anywhere in the state
   Show answer

   Within four miles. The daylight operating area reaches four miles from the address listed on the registration certificate. Full explanation in Test 1

2. 2. What does a South Carolina Class D license allow you to drive?

   1. Any vehicle including tractor trailers
   2. Non commercial passenger vehicles such as cars and trucks not exceeding 26,000 pounds GVW, plus a moped or three wheel vehicle
   3. Motorcycles of any size
   4. Only vehicles under 10,000 pounds
   Show answer

   Non commercial passenger vehicles such as cars and trucks not exceeding 26,000 pounds GVW, plus a moped or three wheel vehicle. A Class D license allows you to drive non commercial passenger vehicles such as cars and trucks that do not exceed 26,000 pounds gross vehic Full explanation in Test 1

3. 3. For which suspension may a South Carolina driver potentially qualify for a six-month provisional driver's license?

   1. A first-offense DUI or DUAC suspension
   2. Any parking-ticket suspension
   3. A routine expired-registration suspension
   4. Every speeding suspension
   Show answer

   A first-offense DUI or DUAC suspension. The provisional license is a limited option for a first-offense Driving Under the Influence or Driving with an Unlawful Alcohol Concentratio Full explanation in Test 1

4. 4. In a South Carolina RCUT intersection, how does a driver make a left-turn or through movement from a cross street?

   1. Turn right onto the main road, then make a U-turn at a one-way median opening
   2. Cross directly through the median without turning
   3. Wait for a four-way stop before turning left normally
   4. Use a bus-only lane to reach the opposite direction
   Show answer

   Turn right onto the main road, then make a U-turn at a one-way median opening. An RCUT removes left-turn and through movements from cross-street approaches. Full explanation in Test 1

5. 5. When entering a traffic circle, which traffic has priority?

   1. Traffic already circulating in the roundabout
   2. Vehicles waiting on every approach
   3. Only traffic approaching from the left
   4. No one, because entering traffic has priority
   Show answer

   Traffic already circulating in the roundabout. Entering traffic must yield the right-of-way to vehicles already circulating in the roundabout. Full explanation in Test 1

6. 6. Which South Carolina license class covers a non commercial single unit vehicle over 26,000 pounds, such as a large motor home?

   1. Class D
   2. Class E
   3. Class A
   4. Class M
   Show answer

   Class E. Class E allows you to operate non commercial single unit vehicles that exceed 26,000 pounds GVW, such as large trucks and motor homes, and t Full explanation in Test 2

7. 7. In a South Carolina work zone, what must a driver do when a person with a sign or flag gives traffic instructions?

   1. Follow the person's direction to travel, slow down, or stop
   2. Follow the instruction only if a police officer is also present
   3. Ignore the person and follow the vehicle ahead
   4. Continue at the posted speed until a traffic signal changes
   Show answer

   Follow the person's direction to travel, slow down, or stop. A person controlling traffic in a work zone may use a sign or flag to direct travel, require a slower pace, or order a stop. Full explanation in Test 2

8. 8. What is the minimum age for a South Carolina Class G moped license?

   1. 15 years old
   2. 14 years old
   3. 16 years old
   4. 18 years old
   Show answer

   15 years old. The Class G classification is for operating a moped, and the manual sets its minimum age at 15. Full explanation in Test 2

9. 9. After moving permanently to South Carolina with a valid out-of-state license, when must a resident apply for an SC license?

   1. Within 45 days of moving
   2. Within 10 days of moving
   3. Within 90 days of moving
   4. Only when the other license expires
   Show answer

   Within 45 days of moving. A person who permanently relocates to South Carolina generally has 45 days to apply for an SC license or identification card. Full explanation in Test 2

10. 10. If moving into another lane is unsafe near a stopped authorized emergency vehicle, how should a South Carolina driver proceed?

    1. Slow down and proceed cautiously at a safe speed for traffic conditions
    2. Keep the original speed because a lane change is unavailable
    3. Stop in the travel lane until the emergency vehicle leaves
    4. Accelerate past the scene before another vehicle approaches
    Show answer

    Slow down and proceed cautiously at a safe speed for traffic conditions. The alternative to an unsafe lane change is not to keep speed or stop in the roadway. Full explanation in Test 2

11. 11. Which teen is within the age range for a South Carolina conditional license?

    1. A driver at least 15 and a half but under 16
    2. A driver who is 14 but under 15
    3. A driver who is 16 and a half but under 17
    4. A driver who is 17 or older
    Show answer

    A driver at least 15 and a half but under 16. The conditional-license stage is for a teen who has reached 15 and a half but has not yet turned 16, provided the listed requirements are me Full explanation in Test 3

12. 12. After failing a South Carolina skills test on the first attempt, how long must the applicant wait to retest?

    1. Two business days
    2. Seven calendar days
    3. Thirty calendar days
    4. No waiting period
    Show answer

    Two business days. The first failed skills test creates a two-business-day waiting period before retesting, regardless of age or driving experience. Full explanation in Test 3

13. 13. How is a South Carolina conviction for driving under the influence of drugs treated?

    1. Like a DUI or DUAC conviction
    2. Like a parking violation
    3. Like a license renewal error
    4. Like a civil equipment warning
    Show answer

    Like a DUI or DUAC conviction. A conviction in South Carolina for driving under the influence of drugs is treated like a DUI or DUAC conviction. Full explanation in Test 3

14. 14. What do regulatory signs tell drivers about?

    1. Specific laws they must obey
    2. The location of nearby restaurants and hotels
    3. Possible danger that might be ahead
    4. The route number of the highway
    Show answer

    Specific laws they must obey. Regulatory signs communicate enforceable rules about how traffic must move. Full explanation in Test 3

15. 15. What colors and shapes may regulatory signs use?

    1. White with black, red, or green letters or symbols, often square or rectangular
    2. Yellow with black symbols, always diamond shaped
    3. Green with white letters, always circular
    4. Blue with orange symbols, usually triangular
    Show answer

    White with black, red, or green letters or symbols, often square or rectangular. Regulatory signs may be square, rectangular, or a special shape, and they are white with black, red, or green letters or symbols. Full explanation in Test 3

16. 16. At a highway-railroad grade crossing, what does the pictured white crossbuck sign identify?

    1. The crossing itself, where a train requires you to stop until the intersection is clear
    2. A railroad crossing far ahead where stopping is never needed
    3. A school crossing controlled by a patrol
    4. A work zone where only construction vehicles may enter
    Show answer

    The crossing itself, where a train requires you to stop until the intersection is clear. The white X-shaped crossbuck is located at the highway-railroad grade crossing itself. Full explanation in Test 4

17. 17. What do warning signs tell a driver about the roadway?

    1. A possible danger or hazard may be ahead
    2. A specific parking law must be obeyed
    3. A nearby service station is available
    4. The route number identifies an interstate
    Show answer

    A possible danger or hazard may be ahead. Warning signs alert drivers to possible danger ahead, including a hazard or special roadway situation. Full explanation in Test 4

18. 18. What are warning signs usually like in South Carolina?

    1. Yellow with black lettering or symbols and typically diamond shaped
    2. White with red letters and always octagonal
    3. Green with white letters and circular
    4. Blue with orange symbols and rectangular
    Show answer

    Yellow with black lettering or symbols and typically diamond shaped. Warning signs are usually yellow with black lettering or symbols and are typically diamond shaped. Full explanation in Test 4

19. 19. A yellow warning sign with an arrow turning sharply should prompt the driver to do what?

    1. Slow down and be prepared to stop for the danger or special situation ahead
    2. Accelerate so the vehicle clears the warning area immediately
    3. Follow the arrow as a mandatory one-way direction
    4. Park on the shoulder before the turn
    Show answer

    Slow down and be prepared to stop for the danger or special situation ahead. A yellow diamond with a turning arrow warns about what lies ahead; it does not prescribe a mandatory travel direction in the way a regulator Full explanation in Test 4

20. 20. At a flashing red traffic light, what must a driver do before entering the intersection?

    1. Come to a complete stop, then look both ways and yield when applicable
    2. Slow down without stopping if no vehicle is immediately visible
    3. Continue through because flashing red means the signal is inactive
    4. Stop only if a pedestrian is already in the crosswalk
    Show answer

    Come to a complete stop, then look both ways and yield when applicable. A flashing red signal requires the same basic procedure as a stop sign. Full explanation in Test 4

21. 21. If your vehicle breaks down on a highway and you must stop, what should you do first if possible?

    1. Get the vehicle off the road and away from traffic
    2. Leave it in the travel lane so it remains visible to approaching drivers
    3. Turn off all lights so the battery will not lose power
    4. Stand behind the vehicle and direct traffic by hand
    Show answer

    Get the vehicle off the road and away from traffic. A disabled vehicle is dangerous when other drivers do not see it in time. Full explanation in Test 5

22. 22. What colors and shapes are common for South Carolina regulatory signs?

    1. Square, rectangular, or special shaped, with white and black, red, or green content
    2. Diamond shaped, with yellow and black content
    3. Round, with blue and white content only
    4. Triangle shaped, with orange and white content
    Show answer

    Square, rectangular, or special shaped, with white and black, red, or green content. Regulatory signs are commonly square or rectangular, although some have a special shape, and they use white backgrounds with black, red, or Full explanation in Test 5

23. 23. After stopping at a flashing red signal, what should the driver do before proceeding?

    1. Look both ways and yield right-of-way when applicable
    2. Proceed without checking because the stop already ended the rule
    3. Wait for a green arrow in every circumstance
    4. Turn on high beams and enter regardless of cross traffic
    Show answer

    Look both ways and yield right-of-way when applicable. Stopping is only the first part of handling a flashing red signal. Full explanation in Test 5

24. 24. In what program must a South Carolina driver be enrolled to receive a provisional license after a DUI?

    1. The Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program, ADSAP
    2. A defensive driving course
    3. Traffic school
    4. No program is required
    Show answer

    The Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program, ADSAP. A provisional license after a DUI or DUAC requires enrollment in the Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program, known as ADSAP, along with a $1 Full explanation in Test 5

25. 25. If a driver under 17 receives six or more points before holding a license for one year, what suspension applies?

    1. Six months
    2. Thirty days
    3. Three months
    4. One year
    Show answer

    Six months. The graduated licensing rule calls for a six-month suspension when a driver under 17 receives six or more points before having held the lice Full explanation in Test 5

26. 26. At a red signal, what must happen before a South Carolina driver turns right where no sign forbids the turn?

    1. Stop first, check that no sign prohibits the turn, and yield before turning
    2. Only after the signal changes to green
    3. Whenever the driver sounds the horn first
    4. Only when another vehicle is turning left
    Show answer

    Stop first, check that no sign prohibits the turn, and yield before turning. A right turn on red is permitted after the driver stops, unless a sign prohibits the turn, and the driver must yield to pedestrians and othe Full explanation in Test 6

27. 27. What information do regulatory traffic signs provide?

    1. Specific laws governing traffic direction, lane use, turns, speed, or parking
    2. General scenic information about nearby attractions
    3. Advance notice of a railroad crossing only
    4. Weather forecasts for the roadway
    Show answer

    Specific laws governing traffic direction, lane use, turns, speed, or parking. Regulatory signs communicate specific laws that drivers must obey, including rules for direction, lane use, turning, speed, parking, and oth Full explanation in Test 6

28. 28. When making a left turn, whose path must a driver yield to?

    1. Oncoming traffic
    2. Only vehicles behind the turning driver
    3. Vehicles parked along the curb
    4. No one if the turn signal is activated
    Show answer

    Oncoming traffic. A driver making a left turn must yield to oncoming traffic. Full explanation in Test 6

29. 29. What does a minimum following distance of four seconds provide a driver?

    1. More time to react to other roadway users
    2. Permission to ignore speed limits
    3. A guarantee that a collision cannot occur
    4. A reason to drive beside another vehicle
    Show answer

    More time to react to other roadway users. Maintaining at least four seconds behind the vehicle ahead creates a space cushion that gives the driver more time to adjust and react to ot Full explanation in Test 6

30. 30. Why should a driver avoid relying on other road users to obey traffic signs and signals?

    1. Other road users may fail to yield, so the driver must remain ready to avoid a collision
    2. Traffic signs apply only to commercial vehicles
    3. A driver may ignore signals whenever the road appears empty
    4. Right-of-way rules remove the need to search at intersections
    Show answer

    Other road users may fail to yield, so the driver must remain ready to avoid a collision. South Carolina’s intersection guidance recognizes that a driver cannot control another person’s behavior. Full explanation in Test 6

31. 31. How must a driver handle a flashing red traffic light?

    1. Make a complete stop, then proceed as at a stop sign when safe
    2. Slow down and continue without stopping
    3. Wait for the signal to become solid green before moving
    4. Stop only if cross traffic is approaching
    Show answer

    Make a complete stop, then proceed as at a stop sign when safe. A flashing red indication uses the stop-sign procedure. Full explanation in Test 7

32. 32. How much sleep does the South Carolina manual say most people need to stay alert while driving?

    1. 4 to 5 hours
    2. At least 12 hours
    3. 7 to 9 hours per day
    4. 3 hours plus coffee
    Show answer

    7 to 9 hours per day. Most people need 7 to 9 hours of sleep per day to maintain proper alertness throughout their waking hours, so get adequate sleep before a tr Full explanation in Test 7

33. 33. When two vehicles reach a four-way stop at the same time, which vehicle has priority?

    1. The vehicle on the other driver’s right
    2. The vehicle on the other driver’s left
    3. The vehicle with the larger engine
    4. The vehicle that signals first
    Show answer

    The vehicle on the other driver’s right. The same-time rule resolves a tie at a stop-controlled four-way intersection by giving priority to the driver on your right. Full explanation in Test 7

34. 34. How long must a learner hold a beginner’s permit before applying for a driver’s license at age 18 or older?

    1. At least 30 days, with application on the 31st day or later
    2. At least 60 days, with application on the 61st day
    3. At least 180 days, with application on the 181st day
    4. No holding period applies after the applicant turns 18
    Show answer

    At least 30 days, with application on the 31st day or later. An applicant who is 18 or older must hold the beginner’s permit for at least 30 days before applying for a driver’s license. Full explanation in Test 7

35. 35. What is the average perception time for an alert driver, according to the South Carolina manual?

    1. One tenth of a second
    2. 5 seconds
    3. Three quarters of a second to 1 second
    4. 10 seconds
    Show answer

    Three quarters of a second to 1 second. Perception time is the time and distance it takes to recognize you must stop, and the average for an alert driver is three quarters of a sec Full explanation in Test 7

36. 36. What shape and color identify a South Carolina stop sign?

    1. Eight-sided and red with white letters
    2. Round and yellow with black letters
    3. Diamond-shaped and orange with black symbols
    4. Rectangular and green with white letters
    Show answer

    Eight-sided and red with white letters. A stop sign is an eight-sided red sign with white letters. Full explanation in Test 8

37. 37. How must a driver treat a flashing red traffic light?

    1. Stop completely, then proceed as at a stop sign
    2. Slow down without stopping
    3. Continue through if no vehicle is visible
    4. Stop only when a police officer is present
    Show answer

    Stop completely, then proceed as at a stop sign. A flashing red light requires a complete stop behind the stop line, crosswalk, or intersection before entering. Full explanation in Test 8

38. 38. What minimum stopping distance does the South Carolina manual give for a loaded truck at 55 mph under ideal conditions?

    1. About 100 feet
    2. About 200 feet
    3. About the same as a car
    4. At least 335 feet, more than 1.5 times a car's stopping distance
    Show answer

    At least 335 feet, more than 1.5 times a car's stopping distance. A loaded truck with good tires and properly adjusted brakes, under ideal conditions and traveling at 55 mph, requires a minimum of 335 feet Full explanation in Test 8

39. 39. When following another vehicle at night, when does South Carolina require low beams?

    1. When the vehicle ahead is less than 200 feet in front of you
    2. When it is more than 1,000 feet ahead
    3. Only in fog
    4. Never while following
    Show answer

    When the vehicle ahead is less than 200 feet in front of you. Use your low beams when following another vehicle that is less than 200 feet in front of you, so the glare does not fill the other driver's Full explanation in Test 8

40. 40. During a traffic stop, what should you do with your hands?

    1. Keep them on the steering wheel where they can be seen
    2. Reach immediately for your documents
    3. Hold a mobile phone up to record the stop
    4. Place them under the seat until the officer arrives
    Show answer

    Keep them on the steering wheel where they can be seen. During a traffic stop, keep your hands on the steering wheel so the officer can see them, and wait for instructions before reaching for a li Full explanation in Test 8