Free South Carolina Permit Practice Test (2026)
Real questions from the official South Carolina driver handbook, each with a plain-English explanation. Free, unlimited retakes, no signup.
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Get Smart Review & Mock ExamsWhat this test covers
This draw of 20 questions breaks down like this:
- Licensing & Permits — 5
- Alcohol, Drugs & the Law — 3
- Sharing the Road — 3
- Safe Driving — 2
- Signaling & Communication — 2
- Speed Limits & Speed Management — 2
- Vehicle Equipment — 2
- Points & Penalties — 1
Heaviest on Licensing & Permits (5 of 20) — that is the section to revise first if you miss several here.
20 are South Carolina-specific questions, drawn from the state handbook rather than general road rules.
Each test on this site draws a different set, so Test 1, 2 and 3 never repeat a question.
Questions on this test
1. Even at the posted South Carolina limit, in rain, snow, or fog you should:
- Keep the limit
- Slow down for conditions
- Stop in the road
- Speed up
Show answer
Answer: Slow down for conditions
Reduce speed for weather and road conditions.
2. In South Carolina, accumulating too many points can lead to:
- A reward
- Nothing
- License suspension
- Lower fees
Show answer
Answer: License suspension
Too many points can suspend your license.
3. When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren in South Carolina, you should:
- Pull to the right and stop
- Stop in your lane
- Turn left
- Speed up
Show answer
Answer: Pull to the right and stop
Pull to the right edge and stop until it passes.
4. With a South Carolina Conditional License, from 6 p.m. (8 p.m. DST) to midnight you may drive:
- Never
- With a licensed driver at least 21
- With anyone
- Alone
Show answer
Answer: With a licensed driver at least 21
During those evening hours you must have a licensed driver at least 21 with you.
5. In South Carolina, an adult is guilty of DUI at a blood alcohol concentration of:
- .02
- .05
- .08
- .10
Show answer
Answer: .08
A BAC of .08 is DUI for adult drivers.
6. A South Carolina beginner's permit allows you to drive:
- Only on weekends
- Anytime alone
- From 6 a.m. to midnight (supervised as required)
- Only at night
Show answer
Answer: From 6 a.m. to midnight (supervised as required)
A beginner's permit lets you drive 6 a.m. to midnight with required supervision.
7. A South Carolina Conditional License is available if you are at least:
- 16½
- 14
- 15½ (but less than 16)
- 17
Show answer
Answer: 15½ (but less than 16)
A Conditional License is available at 15½ but less than 16.
8. In South Carolina, you must turn on headlights whenever:
- Only at midnight
- Only on highways
- Your wipers are in use in bad weather
- Never
Show answer
Answer: Your wipers are in use in bad weather
Use headlights when wipers are in use during bad weather.
9. When passing a bicyclist in South Carolina, you should:
- Give room and pass only when safe
- Pass close
- Honk and squeeze by
- Speed up
Show answer
Answer: Give room and pass only when safe
Give bicyclists room and pass only when it is safe.
10. An arm extended straight out the driver's window means:
- Stop
- Right turn
- Left turn
- Slow
Show answer
Answer: Left turn
Arm straight out = left turn.
11. In South Carolina, large vehicles going up or down steep hills drive slowly (about 35 mph) and use:
- Any lane
- The shoulder
- The left lane
- The right lane
Show answer
Answer: The right lane
Large vehicles on steep hills drive slowly and use the right lane.
12. South Carolina recommends a maximum speed for most vehicle-trailer combinations of:
- 65 mph
- 70 mph
- 45 mph
- 55 mph
Show answer
Answer: 55 mph
The maximum recommended speed for most vehicle-trailer combinations is 55 mph.
13. In South Carolina, an enhanced alcohol violation applies at a BAC of:
- .15 or greater
- .08
- .10
- .05
Show answer
Answer: .15 or greater
A BAC of .15 or greater is an aggravated level in South Carolina.
14. A South Carolina Special Restricted License is available if you are:
- 18
- 15
- 14
- 16 (but less than 17)
Show answer
Answer: 16 (but less than 17)
The Special Restricted License is available at 16 but less than 17.
15. With a South Carolina Conditional License, you may not have more than:
- Any passengers
- Four passengers
- Two passengers under 21 (with exceptions)
- No passengers
Show answer
Answer: Two passengers under 21 (with exceptions)
You cannot have more than two passengers under 21 unless they are family or being taken to/from school.
16. If your turn signals fail in South Carolina, you should:
- Turn without warning
- Use the horn
- Not signal
- Use hand signals
Show answer
Answer: Use hand signals
Use hand signals if your turn signals fail.
17. If you plan to drink in South Carolina, the safest choice is to:
- Eat first
- Arrange a sober ride or designated driver
- Wait 15 minutes
- Drive slowly
Show answer
Answer: Arrange a sober ride or designated driver
Line up a sober ride before you drink.
18. South Carolina law requires vehicle occupants to:
- Do nothing
- Buckle only at night
- Wear seat belts
- Buckle only children
Show answer
Answer: Wear seat belts
Buckle up — South Carolina's seat-belt law is enforced.
19. In South Carolina, driving much slower than surrounding traffic:
- Is always safest
- Can impede traffic and be dangerous
- Is required
- Saves lives
Show answer
Answer: Can impede traffic and be dangerous
Going too slowly can impede traffic and be dangerous.
20. South Carolina's Move Over law requires that, for a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights, you:
- Move over a lane if safe, or slow down
- Honk
- Stop in the lane
- Speed up
Show answer
Answer: Move over a lane if safe, or slow down
Move over a lane if safe, otherwise slow down.