South Carolina DMV Permit Practice Test 2026

This page covers what you need to know for the South Carolina driver's license knowledge exam: how the test works, the South Carolina-specific rules that often show up on it, and sample questions with explained answers. Everything here is based on the official South Carolina driver's manual and state traffic code (sources are listed at the bottom). The real South Carolina test has 30 questions and you need 24 correct (80%) to pass.

When you're ready, take a free 25-question practice test that mixes South Carolina-specific questions with general driving questions, with an explanation after every answer. Each attempt draws a new set. No signup needed.

South Carolina Permit Test and Licensing Facts

Knowledge Test	30 questions, must score 24/30 (80%) to pass
Minimum Permit Age	15
Minimum License Age	15 years 6 months
Speed Limits	Highway: up to 70 mph \| Residential: 30 mph \| School Zone: 15 mph
DUI Law	BAC limit: 0.08% (Under 21: 0.02%)
Point System	Points range from 2 to 6. 12 or more points in 2 years triggers a suspension.

Rules Specific to South Carolina

South Carolina allows a conditional license at 15 years 6 months — one of the youngest full license ages
South Carolina has no motorcycle helmet law for riders over 21
Provisional license holders under 16 may not drive between 6 PM (8 PM during summer) and 6 AM

Sample South Carolina Permit Test Questions

These questions cover rules that are specific to South Carolina. They're the ones people most often miss, because the answer differs from state to state.

At what blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is a driver at or above the per se level for DUI?
- A. 0.08% BAC
- B. 0.10% BAC
- C. 0.05% BAC
- D. 0.02% BAC
Answer: 0.08% BAC. A BAC of 0.08% or more meets the per se DUI threshold. You can still be prosecuted below that level if impairment is proven.
For a driver under 21, what BAC level can trigger underage alcohol driving penalties (zero tolerance level)?
- A. 0.02% BAC
- B. 0.08% BAC
- C. 0.05% BAC
- D. 0.00% BAC
Answer: 0.02% BAC. Drivers under 21 can face consequences at a much lower BAC. The goal is to deter any drinking and driving by minors.
A child under 8 who is shorter than what height must be in an appropriate child restraint system rather than just an adult seat belt?
- A. 57 inches
- B. 60 inches
- C. 54 inches
- D. 49 inches
Answer: 57 inches. Children under 8 who are under the height threshold must use the correct child restraint. The restraint must match the child’s size and the manufacturer’s instructions.
When turning, how far before the turn should you signal, when required?
- A. At least 100 feet
- B. At least 50 feet
- C. At least 200 feet
- D. At least 25 feet
Answer: At least 100 feet. Signaling at least 100 feet before turning gives other drivers time to react. Keep the signal on continuously until the turn is completed.
How is the seat belt law typically enforced for required occupants in a passenger vehicle?
- A. It is a primary offense for required occupants
- B. It is enforced only if you are stopped for another violation
- C. It is enforced only during nighttime hours
- D. It is enforced only in school zones
Answer: It is a primary offense for required occupants. A primary offense means an officer can stop a vehicle for a seat belt violation alone. Drivers should ensure required passengers are properly restrained before moving.
What is the minimum age for a South Carolina beginner's permit?
- A. 14
- B. 15
- C. 15½
- D. 16
Answer: 15. You must be at least 15 and pass the vision and knowledge tests.
With a South Carolina beginner's permit, when may you drive (with a licensed driver at least 21)?
- A. Any time
- B. 6 a.m. to midnight
- C. 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- D. Daylight only
Answer: 6 a.m. to midnight. Beginner's permit holders may drive from 6 a.m. to midnight with a licensed driver who is at least 21.
How much practice driving must a 15- or 16-year-old in South Carolina complete?
- A. 30 hours, 5 at night
- B. 40 hours, 10 at night
- C. 50 hours, 10 at night
- D. 60 hours, 15 at night
Answer: 40 hours, 10 at night. You must practice at least 40 hours, including ten at night, with a parent, guardian, or other listed individual.
With a South Carolina conditional license, when may you drive alone?
- A. Any time
- B. 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (8 p.m. during daylight saving time)
- C. 6 a.m. to midnight
- D. Only to school
Answer: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (8 p.m. during daylight saving time). Conditional license holders may drive alone from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., or to 8 p.m. during daylight saving time.
How many passengers under 21 may a South Carolina conditional or special restricted license holder carry without a licensed adult 21+?
- A. None
- B. One
- C. Two
- D. Three
Answer: Two. You can't have more than two passengers under 21 unless a licensed adult at least 21 is with you, except family or students to and from school.
What happens if a South Carolina driver under 17 gets six or more points in the first year of licensing?
- A. A warning
- B. A six-month suspension
- C. A one-year suspension
- D. A fine only
Answer: A six-month suspension. Drivers under 17 who get six or more points in their first licensed year are suspended for six months.
When must South Carolina drivers dim their high beams for an oncoming vehicle?
- A. When 200 feet away
- B. When 300 feet away
- C. When 500 feet or more away
- D. When 1,000 feet away
Answer: When 500 feet or more away. Dim your high beams when you are 500 feet or more away from any oncoming vehicle.
What does South Carolina law say about phones while driving?
- A. Handheld calls are allowed
- B. Using a wireless device that requires either hand is unlawful
- C. Only texting is banned for teens
- D. Phones are allowed below 35 mph
Answer: Using a wireless device that requires either hand is unlawful. It's unlawful to use a wireless electronic communication device while driving if it requires the use of either hand.
What happens in South Carolina if a driver under 21 registers a BAC of 0.02% or greater?
- A. A warning
- B. Immediate suspension of at least three months
- C. A $50 fine
- D. No penalty
Answer: Immediate suspension of at least three months. Drivers under 21 at 0.02% or more are suspended immediately for at least three months.
What happens if you refuse an intoxicant test in South Carolina?
- A. Nothing
- B. Immediate loss of driving privileges for at least six months
- C. A 30-day suspension
- D. A fine only
Answer: Immediate loss of driving privileges for at least six months. Refusing the test means immediately losing your driving privileges for at least six months.
How long do you have to request an administrative hearing after a South Carolina implied consent suspension?
- A. 10 days
- B. 30 days
- C. 60 days
- D. 90 days
Answer: 30 days. You may request an administrative hearing within 30 days and get a temporary alcohol license while it's pending.
What fees can you owe in South Carolina if you cancel your insurance without first returning your license plate?
- A. Nothing
- B. Up to $100
- C. Up to $400
- D. Up to $1,000
Answer: Up to $400. Turn in your plate before canceling SC insurance or you could owe up to $400 in fees.
During a South Carolina skills test, how far may you be asked to back in a straight line?
- A. 25 feet
- B. 50 feet
- C. 100 feet
- D. 200 feet
Answer: 100 feet. The skills test can include 100 feet of straight-line backing, parallel parking, and parking on a hill.

South Carolina Permit Test FAQ

How many questions are on the South Carolina permit test?

The South Carolina knowledge test has 30 multiple-choice questions. You need at least 24 correct answers (80%) to pass.

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

The minimum age for a learner's permit in South Carolina is 15. The minimum age for a driver's license is 15 years 6 months.

What is the legal blood alcohol limit in South Carolina?

South Carolina calls impaired driving DUI. The limit is 0.08% BAC for drivers 21 and over, and 0.02% for drivers under 21.

How does the South Carolina driver point system work?

Points range from 2 to 6. 12 or more points in 2 years triggers a suspension.

What are the default speed limits in South Carolina?

Typical limits in South Carolina are up to 70 mph on highways, 30 mph in residential areas and 15 mph in school zones. Posted signs always take priority.

Sources

The facts and questions on this page are based on the following official South Carolina government sources:

Facts and questions last checked against the South Carolina Driver's Manual on September 26, 2026.

Laws change. Always check the current South Carolina driver's manual before your test. This site is unofficial and not affiliated with any South Carolina government agency.