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State guides · South Carolina

South Carolina DMV written test guide

Everything you need to know about the written test in South Carolina, with the rules your state asks about and practice questions with answers.

AgencySouth Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV)
Official handbookSouth Carolina Driver's License Manual ↗
QuestionsNot published
To passNot published by the state
Test in Spanish?Ask your local office

SCDMV does not publish the number of questions or the passing score for the regular knowledge test on its website or in the manual. Its CDL manual uses an 80 percent passing score, and private sites report 30 questions, but this is not confirmed officially. The test costs 2 dollars, at any SCDMV branch before 4 p.m.; no manuals or devices allowed.

South Carolina rules you need to know

South Carolina test FAQ

How many questions are on the South Carolina written test?

South Carolina doesn't publish the number of questions or the passing score; ask your local office.

Can I take the South Carolina driver's test in Spanish?

There's no official language list; ask your local office before you go.

How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in South Carolina?

You can get a South Carolina beginner's permit at age 15.

What documents do I need for a permit in South Carolina?

It depends on your situation (identity, residency and Social Security number or an alternative). Check the official list from South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) before you go.

Documents guide → · How to pass on the first try →

11 South Carolina practice questions

  1. 1. Under South Carolina's hands-free law, what happens on a second ticket for holding your phone?

    1. A $500 fine and suspension
    2. A $100 fine and no points
    3. A $200 fine and 2 points
    4. Just a warning
    Show answer

    Answer: A $200 fine and 2 points

    A first offense is $100; a second or later offense is $200 plus two points on your record.

    Official source ↗

  2. 2. According to the South Carolina manual, what is the minimum following distance?

    1. 6 seconds
    2. 4 seconds
    3. 2 seconds
    4. 3 seconds
    Show answer

    Answer: 4 seconds

    South Carolina's manual says to keep at least a 4-second following distance.

    Official source ↗

  3. 3. You're on a four-lane highway, two lanes each way. A school bus stops on the opposite side. What do you do?

    1. Proceed with care, no need to stop
    2. Slow to 10 mph and honk
    3. Stop until its lights turn off
    4. Stop only if children are crossing
    Show answer

    Answer: Proceed with care, no need to stop

    On a multi-lane highway with at least two lanes each way, oncoming traffic need not stop. Traffic behind the bus must always stop.

    Official source ↗

  4. 4. You're 20 and register a 0.02 BAC in South Carolina. What happens to your license?

    1. Suspended for just one week
    2. Suspended at once for 3 months or more
    3. Nothing, since it's under the 0.08 limit
    4. You get only a warning
    Show answer

    Answer: Suspended at once for 3 months or more

    Drivers under 21 with a BAC of 0.02 or more are suspended immediately for at least three months.

    Official source ↗

  5. 5. With a South Carolina beginner's permit, during which hours may you drive with a licensed adult 21 or older?

    1. From 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. only
    2. From 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
    3. From 6 a.m. to midnight
    4. From 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
    Show answer

    Answer: From 6 a.m. to midnight

    Permit holders may drive from 6 a.m. to midnight with a licensed driver 21 or older who has at least one year of experience.

    Official source ↗

  6. 6. With a South Carolina conditional license, outside daylight saving time, until what time may you drive alone?

    1. Until midnight
    2. Until 9 p.m.
    3. Until 6 p.m.
    4. Until 10 p.m.
    Show answer

    Answer: Until 6 p.m.

    Conditional and special restricted drivers may drive alone from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., or 8 p.m. during daylight saving time.

    Official source ↗

  7. 7. With a South Carolina conditional or special restricted license, how many passengers under 21 may you carry without an adult?

    1. As many as fit
    2. No more than 1
    3. No more than 3
    4. No more than 2
    Show answer

    Answer: No more than 2

    No more than two passengers under 21 unless a licensed adult 21 or older is along, or you're taking family or students to and from school.

    Official source ↗

  8. 8. You're 25 and get your first South Carolina beginner's permit. How long must you hold it before applying for a license?

    1. No waiting time
    2. 30 days
    3. 180 days
    4. One year
    Show answer

    Answer: 30 days

    Since November 2024, applicants 18 or older hold the permit at least 30 days; those 17 and under hold it 180 days.

    Official source ↗

  9. 9. In South Carolina, how close to a fire hydrant may you park, at minimum?

    1. 5 feet
    2. 20 feet
    3. 15 feet
    4. 30 feet
    Show answer

    Answer: 15 feet

    Do not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.

    Official source ↗

  10. 10. In South Carolina, within how many feet of a crosswalk at an intersection may you NOT park?

    1. 20 feet
    2. 25 feet
    3. 30 feet
    4. 50 feet
    Show answer

    Answer: 20 feet

    Do not park within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.

    Official source ↗

  11. 11. In South Carolina, at least how far ahead must you signal before turning?

    1. 500 feet
    2. 100 feet
    3. 300 feet
    4. 25 feet
    Show answer

    Answer: 100 feet

    Signal at least 100 feet before turning, changing lanes or merging.

    Official source ↗

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Facts checked against the official state handbook and website in October 2026. Rules change: always check the official handbook.