SC DMV PERMIT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield SC DMV PERMIT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. It's not appropriate for you to honk. → to signal a friend.
2. In South Carolina, pedestrians must use sidewalks when available and walk: → On the left side, facing traffic
3. When leaving your parked vehicle in SC, you should: → Set the parking brake and remove the key
4. Signs with orange backgrounds and black text or symbols offer → specific information and directions to drivers in work zones.
5. When two vehicles arrive at a 4-way stop at the same time in SC, who goes first? → The vehicle to the right
6. What is the maximum speed limit in a South Carolina alley? → 10 mph
7. Marijuana use before driving in SC is: → Illegal and impairs driving ability
8. What does a five-sided (pentagon) sign indicate? → School zone ahead
9. What does an orange sign in a construction zone indicate? → Work zone warning or regulation
10. On SC roads, cyclists are permitted to: → Use the full lane on roads without a bike lane
11. What is the legal requirement for a vehicle's steering system in South Carolina? → Steering must allow the vehicle to be safely controlled
12. Give way to other vehicles while they are passing you on the left so they can do so safely. → do not increase your speed.
13. What does a flashing yellow traffic light mean in SC? → Proceed with caution
14. How far from a railroad crossing must you NOT park in SC? → 50 feet
15. A yellow diamond-shaped sign with a truck symbol on a hill means: → Steep downgrade ahead
16. What does a blue rectangular sign indicate on SC highways? → Services available
17. How far in advance must you signal before making a turn in South Carolina? → At least 100 feet
18. What is the recommended following distance in normal conditions in South Carolina? → 3 seconds
19. When passing a bicycle on an SC road, how much space must you give? → 3 feet
20. What is the consequence of a second DUI conviction in South Carolina? → Increased fines and mandatory jail time of at least 5 days
21. What does it mean when a school bus has yellow flashing lights activated in SC? → The bus is preparing to stop — slow down and prepare to stop
22. What is the minimum tread depth for legally operating a vehicle in South Carolina? → 2/32 inch
23. What should you do if you start to skid on ice in SC? → Ease off the gas and steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go
24. What is the maximum speed limit in a South Carolina business district unless posted? → 30 mph
25. There are often flagpersons, or flaggers, in highway and street work zones. → to stop, slow, or guide traffic safely through construction areas.
26. When driving near farm machinery or slow-moving vehicles on SC rural roads, you should: → Follow at a safe distance and pass only when it is clearly safe
27. What must a vehicle's exhaust and muffler system do under South Carolina law? → Prevent excessive noise and route exhaust fumes away from the passenger compartment
28. Which of the following can impair driving similarly to alcohol? → All of the above
29. Why should you avoid driving in another vehicle's blind spot on SC highways? → The other driver cannot see you and may change lanes into you
30. A sign showing two arrows merging into one means: → Lane ends — merge with other traffic