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
10. Test 10

Printable SC practice test with answer key

40 sample 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. What should a driver do on a slippery road covered with rain, snow, sleet, or ice?

   1. Follow more closely to reduce spray
   2. Keep the posted speed until the tires begin to slide
   3. Brake hard before every change in direction
   4. Reduce speed at the first sign of the slippery condition
   Show answer

   Reduce speed at the first sign of the slippery condition. On a slippery road, the manual says to reduce speed at the first sign of rain, snow, sleet, or ice. Full explanation in Test 1

2. 2. What area do crosswalks define for pedestrians?

   1. The shoulder used for disabled vehicles
   2. A lane reserved for passing trucks
   3. A place where parking is always required
   4. The area where pedestrians may cross the roadway
   Show answer

   The area where pedestrians may cross the roadway. Crosswalks define the area where pedestrians may cross the roadway. Full explanation in Test 2

3. 3. 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 M
   3. Class A
   4. Class E
   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 3

4. 4. At what point total does the South Carolina manual say a driver's license will be suspended for excessive points?

   1. 10 points after two years
   2. 6 or more points for every driver age 17 or older
   3. 12 or more points for a driver age 17 or older
   4. 4 points for any licensed driver
   Show answer

   12 or more points for a driver age 17 or older. For a driver who is 17 or older, the manual describes a warning at six or more points and suspension when the total reaches 12 or more. Full explanation in Test 4

5. 5. If a disabled vehicle is stopped on a highway, how far behind it should emergency flares be placed when available?

   1. Directly beneath the rear bumper
   2. About 20 to 30 feet
   3. At least one mile
   4. About 200 to 300 feet
   Show answer

   About 200 to 300 feet. Emergency flares create an advance warning zone for approaching drivers. Full explanation in Test 5

6. 6. Where may a South Carolina driver go with a route-restricted license?

   1. To and from work, college or residence, ADSAP, or a court-ordered drug program
   2. Anywhere during daylight
   3. Only to medical appointments
   4. Any trip under 20 miles
   Show answer

   To and from work, college or residence, ADSAP, or a court-ordered drug program. A route-restricted license lets a suspended driver operate a non-commercial vehicle only to and from employment, college or residence, to an Full explanation in Test 6

7. 7. With a South Carolina conditional or special restricted license, during what hours may the teen drive alone?

   1. 6 a.m. to midnight
   2. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
   3. 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., or to 8 p.m. during daylight saving time
   4. Any time before midnight
   Show answer

   6 a.m. to 6 p.m., or to 8 p.m. during daylight saving time. Both the conditional license for 15 year olds and the special restricted license for 16 year olds allow driving alone from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Full explanation in Test 7

8. 8. How long must the National Safety Council Defensive Driving Course last for point reduction?

   1. Four hours of online instruction
   2. Eight hours of classroom training
   3. Ten hours of behind-the-wheel practice
   4. One hour at an SCDMV branch
   Show answer

   Eight hours of classroom training. The point-reduction course must provide eight hours of classroom training. Full explanation in Test 8

9. 9. 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 9

10. 10. 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 10

11. 11. When yielding to an emergency vehicle, what should a driver avoid whenever possible?

    1. Using a turn signal before pulling over
    2. Blocking intersections, roadways, or driveways
    3. Stopping at the edge of the road
    4. Allowing the emergency vehicle to pass
    Show answer

    Blocking intersections, roadways, or driveways. An emergency response needs a continuous route, so a driver who pulls aside should avoid blocking an intersection, roadway, or driveway. Full explanation in Test 1

12. 12. Why does the South Carolina manual say not to assume a motorcycle is turning when its signal flashes?

    1. Motorcycles are not required to have signals
    2. Motorcycle signals are decorative
    3. Riders signal only for lane changes
    4. Motorcycle turn signals may not self cancel and the rider may have forgotten them
    Show answer

    Motorcycle turn signals may not self cancel and the rider may have forgotten them. Do not assume a motorcycle is turning when you see its turn signal flashing. Full explanation in Test 2

13. 13. A South Carolina conditional license holder has no licensed adult in the car. When may the teen carry more than two passengers under 21?

    1. Never, under any circumstances
    2. On weekends only
    3. When transporting family members or students to and from school
    4. When all passengers are over 16
    Show answer

    When transporting family members or students to and from school. A conditional or special restricted license holder cannot have more than two passengers under 21 unless a licensed adult at least 21 is in t Full explanation in Test 3

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

    1. Within 10 days of moving
    2. Within 45 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 4

15. 15. 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 5

16. 16. A South Carolina driver's license is about to be suspended for points. When must a defensive driving course be finished to help?

    1. Within 30 days after the suspension begins
    2. Any time during the suspension
    3. Only after the suspension ends
    4. Before the suspension begins
    Show answer

    Before the suspension begins. If you take a defensive driving course because your license is in danger of being suspended, you must complete it before the suspension begi Full explanation in Test 6

17. 17. What kind of information does a regulatory sign provide?

    
    1. A warning that a service station is closed
    2. A prediction that a curve may appear several miles ahead
    3. A list of nearby attractions and points of interest
    4. Specific laws that drivers must obey, including rules for lane use or turning
    Show answer

    Specific laws that drivers must obey, including rules for lane use or turning. Regulatory signs communicate enforceable requirements. Full explanation in Test 7

18. 18. Before making a turn, what should a driver search for?

    1. A clear space behind the vehicle without checking ahead
    2. Only vehicles approaching from the left
    3. Only pedestrians already in the crosswalk
    4. Traffic controls, pedestrians, and other vehicles at all corners
    Show answer

    Traffic controls, pedestrians, and other vehicles at all corners. The manual's turning guidance starts with a search of all corners for traffic controls, pedestrians, and other vehicles. Full explanation in Test 8

19. 19. What does the pictured ONE WAY sign tell a driver about traffic flow?

    
    1. The driver must turn around before reaching the sign
    2. Traffic may travel in either direction when no cars are visible
    3. The arrow marks a lane reserved for buses
    4. Traffic travels only in the arrow's direction
    Show answer

    Traffic travels only in the arrow's direction. A ONE WAY sign identifies the permitted direction of traffic on that roadway. Full explanation in Test 9

20. 20. What kind of information does a warning sign provide?

    
    1. A route number for an interstate highway
    2. A law that sets the maximum legal speed
    3. The name of a nearby service station
    4. Notice of possible danger or a hazard ahead
    Show answer

    Notice of possible danger or a hazard ahead. Warning signs alert a driver to possible danger, a hazard, or a special roadway situation ahead. Full explanation in Test 10

21. 21. What must a driver do at a flashing red traffic light before entering the intersection?

    1. Wait for the signal to become a steady green
    2. Slow down without stopping if the road looks clear
    3. Make a complete stop and then follow the stop-sign procedure
    4. Accelerate through before cross traffic arrives
    Show answer

    Make a complete stop and then follow the stop-sign procedure. A flashing red signal requires a complete stop behind the stop line, crosswalk, or intersection before entry. Full explanation in Test 1

22. 22. What is the proper response when an emergency vehicle approaches from behind with flashing lights and a siren?

    
    1. Stop immediately in the travel lane regardless of location
    2. Pull over to the edge of the road so it can pass more easily
    3. Accelerate so the emergency vehicle cannot catch up
    4. Turn left across traffic to clear the lane
    Show answer

    Pull over to the edge of the road so it can pass more easily. An approaching emergency vehicle needs a predictable, open path. Full explanation in Test 2

23. 23. When operating a motor vehicle in South Carolina, what cellphone use is unlawful under the general distracted-driving rule?

    1. Speaking to a passenger while the vehicle is moving
    2. Using a hands-free voice call through an earpiece
    3. Listening to navigation directions through the vehicle speakers
    4. Using a wireless electronic communication device when it requires either hand
    Show answer

    Using a wireless electronic communication device when it requires either hand. South Carolina makes it unlawful to use a wireless electronic communication device while operating a motor vehicle when the use requires eit Full explanation in Test 3

24. 24. What must a person who has never held a driver's license obtain first in South Carolina?

    1. A beginner’s permit
    2. A regular Class D license without testing
    3. A special restricted license
    4. A commercial learner credential
    Show answer

    A beginner’s permit. A first-time driver begins with a beginner’s permit rather than moving directly to a full license. Full explanation in Test 4

25. 25. A driver age 17 or younger must hold a beginner's permit for how long before applying for a license?

    1. At least 90 days
    2. At least 30 days
    3. At least 180 days
    4. At least one year
    Show answer

    At least 180 days. For a driver who is 17 or younger, the beginner's permit must be held for at least 180 days before an application for a license can be made. Full explanation in Test 5

26. 26. What may happen to a South Carolina driver who endangers a highway worker in a work zone?

    1. The driver automatically loses the vehicle registration for one year
    2. The driver receives only a warning if the worker is uninjured
    3. The driver may receive a fine but no points for a first incident
    4. The driver may be fined and have points assessed against the driving record
    Show answer

    The driver may be fined and have points assessed against the driving record. South Carolina warns that endangering a highway worker in a work zone can bring both a fine and points on the driver's record. Full explanation in Test 6

27. 27. When does a conditional license holder earn full driving privileges under the South Carolina graduated program?

    1. Immediately after passing the skills test
    2. After one year with no traffic offenses and no at-fault collisions
    3. After six months with one traffic offense
    4. At age 16 regardless of driving record
    Show answer

    After one year with no traffic offenses and no at-fault collisions. Full privileges follow one year on the conditional license with no traffic offenses and no at-fault collisions. Full explanation in Test 7

28. 28. At the pictured South Carolina STOP sign, where must you stop when a stop line or crosswalk is present?

    
    1. After entering the intersection for a better view
    2. Behind the stop line or crosswalk
    3. Beside the sign, regardless of the pavement markings
    4. Only after a vehicle approaches from another direction
    Show answer

    Behind the stop line or crosswalk. A STOP sign requires a full stop before the vehicle enters the crossing area. Full explanation in Test 8

29. 29. What features help a driver identify the kind of information a traffic sign provides?

    
    1. The size and make of the vehicle approaching it
    2. Only the distance from the nearest intersection
    3. Its shape, color, symbols, and words
    4. Whether the road surface is wet or dry
    Show answer

    Its shape, color, symbols, and words. The manual says drivers can use a sign's shape, color, symbols, and words to identify the information it provides. Full explanation in Test 9

30. 30. What should you do before moving into another lane?

    1. Signal only after the lane change is complete
    2. Check mirrors, check the blind spot, signal, and look again
    3. Look only in the inside mirror
    4. Move first, then check whether the gap was large enough
    Show answer

    Check mirrors, check the blind spot, signal, and look again. A safe lane change requires a sequence: check the mirrors, look over your shoulder toward the blind spot, identify a gap, signal, look again Full explanation in Test 10

31. 31. 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 1

32. 32. 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 2

33. 33. 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 3

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

    1. Cross directly through the median without turning
    2. Turn right onto the main road, then make a U-turn at a one-way median opening
    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 4

35. 35. For a driver under 21 in South Carolina, what is the minimum loss of driving privileges after refusing an intoxicant test?

    1. At least three days
    2. At least six months
    3. At least three months
    4. No loss of privileges
    Show answer

    At least six months. Refusing the test causes an immediate loss of driving privileges for at least six months under the manual's under-21 rule. Full explanation in Test 5

36. 36. When are points on a South Carolina driving record reduced by half?

    1. After six months from the court date
    2. Immediately after the conviction is entered
    3. One year after the violation date on the ticket
    4. Only when the driver completes a defensive course
    Show answer

    One year after the violation date on the ticket. The manual says points are cut in half one year after the violation date shown on the ticket. Full explanation in Test 6

37. 37. What does the pictured round yellow RXR sign warn a driver about?

    
    1. A work zone with a temporary traffic signal
    2. A roundabout that requires traffic to circle left
    3. A bicycle-only crossing
    4. A highway-railroad grade crossing ahead
    Show answer

    A highway-railroad grade crossing ahead. The round yellow sign with an X and RR letters is an advance warning for a highway-railroad grade crossing. Full explanation in Test 7

38. 38. What might a warning sign notify a driver about?

    
    1. A hazard or special situation on the roadway ahead
    2. The exact amount of a parking fee
    3. The registered owner of a nearby vehicle
    4. The vehicle manufacturer warranty
    Show answer

    A hazard or special situation on the roadway ahead. Warning signs can notify drivers of a hazard or special situation on the roadway ahead. Full explanation in Test 8

39. 39. What is the fine for a first offense under South Carolina's Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act?

    1. $200 and two points
    2. $100
    3. $25
    4. $500
    Show answer

    $100. The Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act bans holding or supporting a phone, texting, and watching video while driving. Full explanation in Test 9

40. 40. Your vehicle is stuck in snow on a South Carolina road. What does the manual suggest to regain traction?

    1. Spin the wheels at full throttle
    2. Pour water on the tires
    3. Let air out of all four tires
    4. Clear snow from the wheels and pour sand, cat litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels
    Show answer

    Clear snow from the wheels and pour sand, cat litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels. If you are stuck in snow, use a shovel to clear snow from the wheels and underside of the car, then pour sand, cat litter, gravel or salt in Full explanation in Test 10