South Carolina DMV Permit Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Driving while using a handheld cell phone (not hands-free) in a school zone in South Carolina:

Is prohibited and subject to a fine (Correct answer)
Is legal if driving under 25 mph
Is only restricted for drivers under 18
Is legal with a hands-free earpiece

Correct answer: Is prohibited and subject to a fine

Using a handheld mobile device in a school zone is prohibited in South Carolina and carries a fine.

Question 2: When two vehicles arrive at a 4-way stop at the same time in SC, who goes first?

The vehicle to the right (Correct answer)
The vehicle turning left
The larger vehicle
The vehicle going straight

Correct answer: The vehicle to the right

When vehicles arrive simultaneously at a 4-way stop, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.

Question 3: What is the legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit for adult drivers in South Carolina?

0.05%
0.08% (Correct answer)
0.10%
0.06%

Correct answer: 0.08%

In South Carolina, it is illegal for drivers 21 and older to operate a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher.

Question 4: If you feel tired while driving in SC, what should you do?

Open windows and drive faster to stay alert
Drink coffee and continue
Pull over safely and rest (Correct answer)
Turn up the radio

Correct answer: Pull over safely and rest

Drowsy driving is as dangerous as impaired driving; you should pull over in a safe location and rest or sleep before continuing.

Question 5: What does it mean if you cannot see a truck driver's mirrors while following the truck?

You are following too far back
You are in the truck's blind spot (Correct answer)
You are in a safe following distance
The truck driver can see you in their side mirrors

Correct answer: You are in the truck's blind spot

If you cannot see the truck's mirrors, the driver cannot see your vehicle — you are in a dangerous blind spot.

Question 6: Signs with orange backgrounds and black text or symbols offer

directions, routes, and distances.
specific information and directions to drivers in work zones. (Correct answer)
special conditions or hazards ahead.
traffic laws and regulations.

Correct answer: specific information and directions to drivers in work zones.

Signs with orange backgrounds and black text or symbols are universally recognized as temporary traffic control signs for construction and maintenance work zones. They provide specific information and directions to drivers, such as warnings about road work ahead, detours, or lane closures. This distinct color alerts drivers to potential hazards and changes in traffic patterns in these areas.

Question 7: What must a DUI offender do when stopped at a sobriety checkpoint in SC?

Refuse all questions
Turn around before reaching the checkpoint
Cooperate and follow officer instructions (Correct answer)
Demand a lawyer immediately

Correct answer: Cooperate and follow officer instructions

At a lawful sobriety checkpoint, drivers must stop, cooperate with officers, and provide license and registration when requested.

Question 8: What is the maximum speed limit in a South Carolina alley?

20 mph
5 mph
10 mph (Correct answer)
15 mph

Correct answer: 10 mph

South Carolina law sets the maximum speed limit in an alley at 10 mph unless otherwise posted.

Question 9: On a divided highway in SC, must you stop for a school bus on the opposite side of the median?

Only during school hours
No, a raised median separating traffic means you do not stop (Correct answer)
Yes, always stop
Only if the bus is within 300 feet

Correct answer: No, a raised median separating traffic means you do not stop

On a divided highway with a raised physical median, drivers on the opposite side are not required to stop for a school bus.

Question 10: What is the safest following distance behind a large semi-truck in normal conditions?

2 seconds
4 or more seconds (Correct answer)
1 second
One car length

Correct answer: 4 or more seconds

Following a large truck requires at least 4 seconds of following distance because trucks take much longer to stop than cars.

Question 11: What does 'covering the brake' mean as a driving technique?

Pumping the brakes to slow down gradually
Pressing the brake and gas simultaneously
Moving your foot over the brake without pressing it, ready to stop quickly (Correct answer)
Applying light brake pressure continuously

Correct answer: Moving your foot over the brake without pressing it, ready to stop quickly

Covering the brake means hovering your foot over the brake pedal in anticipation of needing to stop, reducing reaction time.

Question 12: When parking on a downhill slope with a curb in SC, your front wheels should be turned:

Away from the curb
Toward the curb (Correct answer)
To the left
Straight ahead

Correct answer: Toward the curb

When parking downhill with a curb, turn wheels toward the curb so if the car rolls, it hits the curb and stops.

Question 13: Certain roads have designated "Transit" lanes, which are for

trucks only.
bicycles only.
high-occupancy vehicles (HOV) only.
buses only. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: buses only.

Designated 'Transit' lanes are specifically reserved for public transportation vehicles, primarily buses. This designation allows buses to bypass general traffic congestion, ensuring they can maintain schedules and provide efficient service. These lanes help improve the reliability and attractiveness of public transit.

Question 14: What is the safest way to handle a tire blowout while driving in SC?

Grip the wheel firmly, ease off the gas, and steer straight while braking gently (Correct answer)
Brake hard immediately
Swerve quickly to the shoulder
Accelerate briefly then brake hard

Correct answer: Grip the wheel firmly, ease off the gas, and steer straight while braking gently

In a blowout, grip the wheel firmly, do not brake suddenly, ease off the accelerator, and steer to a gradual stop.

Question 15: What happens to your license if you refuse a breath test in SC after a DUI arrest?

Nothing — refusal is protected
License suspended only if convicted
Automatic license suspension (Correct answer)
A warning is issued only

Correct answer: Automatic license suspension

Refusing a breath test in SC results in an automatic license suspension regardless of whether you are convicted of DUI.

Question 16: In South Carolina, what must you do when an emergency vehicle with lights/sirens approaches?

Pull to the right and stop (Correct answer)
Stay in your lane and slow down
Speed up to clear the road
Pull left to let it pass

Correct answer: Pull to the right and stop

SC law requires all drivers to pull to the right edge of the road and stop when an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and sirens.

Question 17: A flashing red traffic light requires you to:

Slow down and proceed
Yield to vehicles on the right
Wait for green
Stop, then go when safe (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Stop, then go when safe

A flashing red light must be treated exactly like a stop sign — stop completely, then proceed when it is safe.

Question 18: When must you yield to pedestrians at a crosswalk in SC?

Only in school zones
Whenever a pedestrian is in or entering your half of the roadway (Correct answer)
Only at marked crosswalks with stop lines
Only when the pedestrian has a walk signal

Correct answer: Whenever a pedestrian is in or entering your half of the roadway

SC law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians who are in or entering the half of the roadway on the driver's side.

Question 19: Parking in a handicapped space without a valid permit in SC can result in:

A fine and possible towing (Correct answer)
No penalty if parked briefly
A verbal warning only
Only a parking ticket

Correct answer: A fine and possible towing

Illegally parking in a handicapped space in SC results in significant fines and the vehicle may be towed.

Question 20: Which of the following is true about driving in a work zone in South Carolina?

Speed limits are suggestions only
You may pass other vehicles freely
Fines for violations are doubled (Correct answer)
The speed limit returns to normal once workers leave

Correct answer: Fines for violations are doubled

In South Carolina work zones, fines for traffic violations are doubled to protect workers and drivers.

Question 21: When passing a bicycle on an SC road, how much space must you give?

2 feet
1 foot
5 feet
3 feet (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 3 feet

South Carolina law requires drivers to give cyclists at least 3 feet of clearance when passing them on the road.

Question 22: What is the open container law in South Carolina regarding alcoholic beverages?

Only the driver cannot have open containers
Open containers are permitted on private property
Open alcoholic beverage containers are prohibited in the passenger area of a vehicle (Correct answer)
Open containers are allowed if the driver is not drinking

Correct answer: Open alcoholic beverage containers are prohibited in the passenger area of a vehicle

SC law prohibits open containers of alcoholic beverages in the passenger area of a motor vehicle on a public highway.

Question 23: In South Carolina, headlights must be used starting from what time after sunset?

45 minutes after sunset
30 minutes after sunset (Correct answer)
1 hour after sunset
Exactly at sunset

Correct answer: 30 minutes after sunset

SC law requires headlights from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise.

Question 24: What is the speed limit for vehicles passing a stationary emergency vehicle with lights on in SC (Move Over Law)?

25 mph
Normal posted speed
5 mph below posted speed
At least one lane over or slow to safe speed (Correct answer)

Correct answer: At least one lane over or slow to safe speed

SC's Move Over Law requires drivers to move one lane away from the stationary vehicle or slow to a safe speed if lane change is not possible.

Question 25: When driving in heavy rain in SC, what should you do to improve safety?

Use high-beam headlights
Stay in the left lane
Increase speed to clear rain faster
Reduce speed and increase following distance (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Reduce speed and increase following distance

In heavy rain, reduce speed, increase following distance, and use low-beam headlights to improve visibility and traction.

Question 26: How far in advance must you signal before turning or changing lanes in South Carolina?

200 feet
100 feet (Correct answer)
50 feet
150 feet

Correct answer: 100 feet

South Carolina requires drivers to signal at least 100 feet before turning or changing lanes.

Question 27: When should you use your vehicle's horn in South Carolina?

To greet friends on the road
To signal lane changes
To warn others of danger or signal your presence (Correct answer)
To express frustration with traffic

Correct answer: To warn others of danger or signal your presence

The horn should only be used as a safety device to warn others of danger or alert them to your vehicle's presence.

Question 28: What should you do when a motorcycle is sharing your lane in SC?

Speed up to move away from it
Pass it as quickly as possible
Treat the motorcycle as if it occupies the full lane (Correct answer)
Signal for the motorcycle to move over

Correct answer: Treat the motorcycle as if it occupies the full lane

Motorcycles are entitled to the full use of a lane, and drivers should treat them as they would any other full-size vehicle.

Question 29: When driving near farm machinery or slow-moving vehicles on SC rural roads, you should:

Pass immediately without delay
Honk repeatedly until they pull over
Follow at a safe distance and pass only when it is clearly safe (Correct answer)
Tailgate to signal them to move over

Correct answer: Follow at a safe distance and pass only when it is clearly safe

Farm equipment moves slowly and may make unexpected turns — follow at a safe distance and only pass when you have a clear, safe opportunity.

Question 30: How far from an intersection must you NOT park in SC?

25 feet
10 feet
20 feet (Correct answer)
15 feet

Correct answer: 20 feet

SC law prohibits parking within 20 feet of an intersection to maintain clear lines of sight for all drivers.

Question 31: When parallel parking in SC, how far from the curb should your vehicle's wheels be?

No more than 12 inches
No more than 18 inches
No more than 6 inches (Correct answer)
No more than 24 inches

Correct answer: No more than 6 inches

When parallel parking, SC law requires your vehicle's right wheels to be within 6 inches of the curb.

South Carolina DMV Permit Test

The South Carolina DMV Permit Test evaluates knowledge of road signs and signals, speed limits, right-of-way rules, alcohol and drug laws, sharing the road, parking rules, and safe driving techniques required for a South Carolina driver's permit.

Questions

60 min

Time Limit

80%

To Pass

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Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
Flag questions for review before submitting
No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds

These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

scstatehouse.gov — Score validity · verified Oct 2026
dmv.sc.gov — Test delivery, eligibility, renewal, fees, retake fee · verified Oct 2026