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

   
   1. The vehicle with the larger engine
   2. The vehicle on the other driver’s left
   3. The vehicle on the other driver’s right
   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 1

2. 2. When approaching a stopped authorized emergency vehicle in South Carolina, what should a driver do if traffic and safety permit?

   
   1. Change lanes away from the emergency vehicle while slowing and yielding
   2. Maintain speed in the nearest lane and sound the horn
   3. Stop beside the emergency vehicle so traffic can pass
   4. Move toward the emergency vehicle before changing lanes
   Show answer

   Change lanes away from the emergency vehicle while slowing and yielding. The Move-Over Law guidance combines three actions: approach cautiously, slow down, and yield by moving into a lane away from the stopped aut Full explanation in Test 2

3. 3. What is the purpose of the South Carolina Driver's Manual?

   1. To explain only the process for renewing a license
   2. To replace every driving lesson with a printed checklist
   3. To help drivers learn traffic devices, signs, markings, and proper highway behavior
   4. To provide a complete copy of every motor vehicle statute
   Show answer

   To help drivers learn traffic devices, signs, markings, and proper highway behavior. The manual is a learning guide for people preparing to drive. Full explanation in Test 3

4. 4. 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 4

5. 5. What can pavement markings tell drivers?

   1. When they may pass or change lanes and which lanes to use for turns
   2. The exact speed of every approaching vehicle
   3. Whether a vehicle is properly insured
   4. Which driver owns the roadway
   Show answer

   When they may pass or change lanes and which lanes to use for turns. The manual says pavement markings can tell drivers when they may pass other vehicles or change lanes and which lanes to use for turns. Full explanation in Test 5

6. 6. How often can a South Carolina driver use a defensive driving course to reduce points?

   1. Once a year
   2. Only one time in a three-year period
   3. Any number of times
   4. Once in a lifetime
   Show answer

   Only one time in a three-year period. A defensive driving course certified for four-point reduction can lower your points, but a reduction may only be made one time in a three-ye Full explanation in Test 6

7. 7. A South Carolina conditional license holder wants to drive at 9 p.m. in winter. What is required?

   1. A licensed driver who is at least 21 in the vehicle
   2. Nothing, the teen may drive alone
   3. A waiver letter from any teacher
   4. The teen may not drive at all until 6 a.m.
   Show answer

   A licensed driver who is at least 21 in the vehicle. With a conditional or special restricted license, the teen may drive with a licensed driver who is at least 21 from 6 p.m., or 8 p.m. Full explanation in Test 7

8. 8. How does South Carolina classify bicycles when they are traveling on roadways?

   1. As vehicles
   2. As stationary hazards
   3. As emergency vehicles
   4. As pedestrians in every situation
   Show answer

   As vehicles. Bicycles are considered vehicles when they are on roadways, and riders are expected to follow the same rules of the road as motorized vehicl Full explanation in Test 8

9. 9. What information can the shape, color, symbols, and words on this curve warning sign provide?

   
   1. Clues about the type of information the sign provides
   2. Proof that every driver must stop immediately
   3. The exact number of miles to the next town
   4. Permission to ignore the roadway ahead
   Show answer

   Clues about the type of information the sign provides. The manual teaches drivers to read several features together. Full explanation in Test 9

10. 10. What penalty applies to a second violation of South Carolina's Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act?

    1. A $100 fine only
    2. A six month suspension
    3. A $200 fine and two points on your driving record
    4. Four points and a $500 fine
    Show answer

    A $200 fine and two points on your driving record. Second and subsequent offenses under the Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act bring a $200 fine and two points on the driving record. Full explanation in Test 10

11. 11. 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 1

12. 12. For what age range is South Carolina's graduated driver license program designed?

    1. Individuals 12 to 14 years old
    2. Individuals 15 to 17 years old
    3. Individuals 18 to 20 years old
    4. Individuals 21 years old and older
    Show answer

    Individuals 15 to 17 years old. South Carolina's graduated driver license program is for individuals from 15 through 17 years of age. Full explanation in Test 2

13. 13. Which school requirement must a South Carolina 15 or 16 year old meet to get a first driver's license?

    1. Have a B average or better
    2. Have graduated from middle school with honors
    3. No school requirement applies
    4. Be enrolled in school, not suspended or expelled, with satisfactory attendance
    Show answer

    Be enrolled in school, not suspended or expelled, with satisfactory attendance. South Carolina ties a young driver's first license to school. 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. On a two-lane highway, what must a driver do when a school bus is stopped or preparing to stop with its red or amber lights flashing?

    
    1. Pass slowly if the driver cannot see children near the roadway
    2. Stop for the entire time the bus is stopped or preparing to stop
    3. Stop only when following the bus, never when meeting it
    4. Continue at 15 mph until the bus driver waves
    Show answer

    Stop for the entire time the bus is stopped or preparing to stop. On any two-lane highway, the stopping duty applies whether you are meeting the school bus or traveling behind it. Full explanation in Test 5

16. 16. 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 6

17. 17. What is the purpose of the warning-sign examples that include a curvy road and right curve?

    
    1. To announce that the road has become a one-way street
    2. To alert drivers to possible danger or a special roadway situation ahead
    3. To identify the nearest hospital or service station
    4. To mark the end of all passing restrictions
    Show answer

    To alert drivers to possible danger or a special roadway situation ahead. The curvy-road and right-curve illustrations are examples of warning signs. Full explanation in Test 7

18. 18. What testing is required when a South Carolina driver's license has been expired for more than nine months?

    1. Vision, knowledge, and skills tests
    2. Only a vision screening
    3. Only the knowledge test
    4. No testing if the address is unchanged
    Show answer

    Vision, knowledge, and skills tests. An expiration longer than nine months requires a branch visit and three tests: vision, knowledge, and skills. Full explanation in Test 8

19. 19. A South Carolina driver who is 15 or 16 starts getting points. At what totals does the SCDMV send a letter to drive more carefully?

    1. Six points
    2. Twelve points
    3. Two points and four points
    4. One point
    Show answer

    Two points and four points. For drivers 15 or 16, the SCDMV sends a warning letter when the record reaches two points and again at four points. Full explanation in Test 9

20. 20. About what share of fatal traffic collisions each year involve alcohol or other impairing drugs, according to the South Carolina manual?

    1. Approximately 40%
    2. Approximately 10%
    3. Approximately 75%
    4. Approximately 5%
    Show answer

    Approximately 40%. The manual says alcohol and other impairing drugs are involved in approximately 40% of all traffic collisions in which someone is killed eac Full explanation in Test 10

21. 21. A South Carolina applicant under 18 registers as an organ donor. Who makes the final decision about donation?

    1. The applicant, since registration is binding
    2. The parent or legal guardian
    3. The SCDMV
    4. The hospital
    Show answer

    The parent or legal guardian. Registering as an organ donor on a South Carolina credential is a legally binding agreement under the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act, but if yo Full explanation in Test 1

22. 22. 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 2

23. 23. 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 3

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

    
    1. A school crossing controlled by a patrol
    2. A railroad crossing far ahead where stopping is never needed
    3. The crossing itself, where a train requires you to stop until the intersection is clear
    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

25. 25. What happens when hydroplaning begins?

    1. The steering tires ride on water over the road
    2. The brakes lock because the pavement is dry
    3. The engine loses power after a tire heats up
    4. The vehicle gains traction from pooled water
    Show answer

    The steering tires ride on water over the road. Hydroplaning occurs when the steering tires ride on a layer of water above the road, reducing the tire contact needed for steering and braki Full explanation in Test 5

26. 26. When must a driver obey a slower speed limit in a South Carolina school zone?

    1. When the lights are flashing or children are present
    2. Only after sunset
    3. Only when a school bus is loading
    4. Only when a police officer is standing nearby
    Show answer

    When the lights are flashing or children are present. The slower school-zone limit applies when the lights are flashing or children are present. Full explanation in Test 6

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

    1. A driver who is 17 or older
    2. A driver who is 14 but under 15
    3. A driver who is 16 and a half but under 17
    4. A driver at least 15 and a half but under 16
    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 7

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

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

    Specific laws they must obey. Regulatory signs communicate enforceable rules about how traffic must move. Full explanation in Test 8

29. 29. 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 9

30. 30. 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 10

31. 31. How should a driver respond when the vehicle begins to skid?

    1. Release pressure from the brake or accelerator and steer where the driver wants to go
    2. Pump the accelerator repeatedly to restore traction
    3. Turn sharply away from the intended path
    4. Lock the brakes and keep the steering wheel centered
    Show answer

    Release pressure from the brake or accelerator and steer where the driver wants to go. When a skid begins, the manual directs the driver to release pressure from the brake or accelerator, look where the vehicle should go, and s Full explanation in Test 1

32. 32. How often must a South Carolina driver who uses bioptic telescopic lenses submit vision documentation?

    1. Only once at licensing
    2. Every year, to the SCDMV Driver Improvement unit
    3. Every 10 years
    4. Never, if the lenses are prescribed
    Show answer

    Every year, to the SCDMV Driver Improvement unit. If you use bioptic telescopic lenses to operate a motor vehicle, you must submit the low vision acuity screening form to the SCDMV's Driver Full explanation in Test 2

33. 33. Which South Carolina teen is eligible for a special restricted license?

    1. A 15 and a half year old
    2. A 17 year old with a permit
    3. An 18 year old first-time driver
    4. A 16 year old who is not yet 17 and meets the requirements
    Show answer

    A 16 year old who is not yet 17 and meets the requirements. A special restricted license is for someone who is 16 but less than 17, has met the requirements and passed the vision and skills tests, or Full explanation in Test 3

34. 34. What feature identifies some regulatory signs that prohibit a particular action?

    1. A yellow diamond with black lettering
    2. A green rectangle with a route number
    3. A red circle with a red slash over a symbol
    4. A blue panel showing a service symbol
    Show answer

    A red circle with a red slash over a symbol. A red circle with a red slash over a symbol marks a prohibited action on some regulatory signs. Full explanation in Test 4

35. 35. Which South Carolina applicants are exempt from the vision screening when renewing?

    1. Active duty military presenting a Leave and Earning Statement dated within 31 days and a valid military ID
    2. Anyone over 65
    3. Anyone renewing online
    4. Commercial drivers
    Show answer

    Active duty military presenting a Leave and Earning Statement dated within 31 days and a valid military ID. Effective May 18, 2024, active duty military personnel are exempt from the vision screening requirement when they provide a Leave and Earnin Full explanation in Test 5

36. 36. Which communication device does South Carolina's hands-free law expressly allow for voice communication?

    1. A phone held in the driver's lap
    2. A handheld phone held against the shoulder
    3. A tablet displaying a video call
    4. An earpiece or wrist worn device
    Show answer

    An earpiece or wrist worn device. The manual makes an exception for an earpiece or a wrist worn device when it is used to conduct voice-based communications. Full explanation in Test 6

37. 37. What does the pictured five-sided school sign warn a driver to expect?

    
    1. A school zone or school crossing
    2. An adult pedestrian-only recreation area
    3. A railroad crossing at the next intersection
    4. A hospital entrance with emergency traffic
    Show answer

    A school zone or school crossing. The five-sided fluorescent yellow-green sign is associated with school zones and school crossings. Full explanation in Test 7

38. 38. At a red traffic light, when may a driver generally turn right?

    1. Without stopping if the cross street appears empty
    2. After stopping and yielding, unless a sign prohibits the turn
    3. Only after waiting for a green right-turn arrow
    4. Before reaching the crosswalk so the vehicle can roll through
    Show answer

    After stopping and yielding, unless a sign prohibits the turn. South Carolina permits a right turn on red as an exception to the normal stop rule, but the driver must first stop before the near-side cros Full explanation in Test 8

39. 39. 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 9

40. 40. What must a South Carolina driver do when a pedestrian crossing the street is guided by a dog or carrying a white cane?

    1. Pass quickly before the pedestrian reaches the lane
    2. Sound the horn and continue
    3. Come to a complete stop
    4. Stop only if a traffic signal is red
    Show answer

    Come to a complete stop. A pedestrian using a guide dog or white cane is treated as visually impaired, and the driver must come to a complete stop. Full explanation in Test 10