Ace Your SC Permit Test: 15 Practice Questions You Need to Know
The first official step on your journey to driving in the Palmetto State is passing the SCDMV knowledge test. This computerized exam is designed to ensure you have a solid understanding of South Carolina's traffic laws and safety rules before you hit the road for practice. The test consists of multiple-choice questions based directly on the official SC Driver's Manual.
To help build your confidence and focus your studies, we have compiled 15 practice questions that cover the types of topics you are very likely to see on the real test. Understand these questions and their answers, and you'll be well on your way to success.
Permit Test Practice Questions
1. A driver with a Conditional License is not allowed to drive with more than how many passengers under the age of 21? a) One b) Two c) Three d) Four
Answer: b) Two. Explanation: South Carolina's GDL law restricts a conditional license holder to no more than two passengers under the age of 21, unless the passengers are family members or they are being transported to or from school. This restriction does not apply if a licensed adult is in the front seat.
2. In South Carolina, what is the "two-second rule" used to determine? a) The time you have to report an accident. b) The time you should wait at a stop sign. c) A safe following distance at any speed. d) How long to signal before a turn.
Answer: c) A safe following distance at any speed. Explanation: To maintain a safe distance, watch the vehicle ahead of you pass a fixed object (like a sign or tree). It should take you at least two full seconds to reach that same object. Increase this to three or four seconds in bad weather.
3. This road sign (a pentagon shape, typically yellow-green) indicates: a) A yield sign is ahead. b) You are entering a hospital zone. c) You are near a school or school crossing. d) A playground is nearby.
Answer: c) You are near a school or school crossing. Explanation: The five-sided pentagon shape is used exclusively for school advance and school crossing warning signs. When you see this sign, slow down and be extremely alert for children.
4. When parking your vehicle on a hill facing uphill without a curb, you should turn your front wheels: a) Straight ahead. b) To the right, towards the edge of the road. c) To the left, away from the edge of the road. d) It doesn't matter.
Answer: b) To the right, towards the edge of the road. Explanation: This is a key safety maneuver. If your brakes fail, turning the wheels to the right will cause the car to roll off the road rather than into the path of traffic. This is the same direction you would turn for downhill parking (with or without a curb).
5. A flashing yellow arrow at a traffic light means: a) You must stop and wait for a green arrow. b) You may proceed with the turn after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. c) The same thing as a solid green light. d) The intersection is closed.
Answer: b) You may proceed with the turn after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Explanation: A flashing yellow arrow indicates an "unprotected" turn. The right-of-way belongs to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians, but you may turn when it is safe to do so.
6. To be eligible for a Conditional License in South Carolina, a teen must have held their beginner's permit for at least: a) 90 days. b) 120 days. c) 180 days. d) One year.
Answer: c) 180 days. Explanation: A teen driver must hold their beginner's permit for a minimum of 180 days and meet all other requirements (driver's ed, 40 hours of practice) before they can apply for a conditional license.
7. A solid yellow line on your side of the road means: a) You may pass if the way is clear. b) You are in a passing zone. c) You may not pass. d) The road is ending.
Answer: c) You may not pass. Explanation: A solid yellow line on your side of the center line marks a no-passing zone. You must stay in your lane until the line becomes dashed or the zone ends.
8. In South Carolina, what is the maximum unposted speed limit in a rural area? a) 45 mph b) 55 mph c) 65 mph d) 70 mph
Answer: b) 55 mph. Explanation: Unless a different speed limit is posted, the maximum speed on any highway outside of an urban district is 55 mph. The limit in an urban or residential district is 30 mph unless otherwise posted.
9. What is the penalty for a first offense of littering in South Carolina? a) A warning. b) A fine of up to $100. c) A minimum fine of $200. d) A mandatory license suspension.
Answer: c) A minimum fine of $200. Explanation: The SC Driver's Manual emphasizes the state's tough stance on littering. A first offense conviction carries a minimum fine of $200 and could include community service.
10. What is the minimum age to obtain a beginner's permit in South Carolina? a) 14 and a half b) 15 c) 15 and a half d) 16
Answer: b) 15. Explanation: A person must be at least 15 years old to apply for a beginner's driving permit in South Carolina.
11. This road sign (a diamond shape) is used for what purpose? a) To state a law or regulation. b) To provide guidance and information. c) To warn of existing or potential hazards. d) To indicate motorist services.
Answer: c) To warn of existing or potential hazards. Explanation: Diamond-shaped signs are used as warning signs. They alert drivers to things like sharp curves, intersections, slippery roads, or other conditions that require special attention.
12. To get a Conditional License, a teen driver must complete how many hours of supervised practice? a) 30 hours, with 5 at night. b) 40 hours, with 10 at night. c) 50 hours, with 10 at night. d) 60 hours, with 15 at night.
Answer: b) 40 hours, with 10 at night. Explanation: The GDL program requires 40 hours of certified behind-the-wheel practice, including 10 hours of nighttime driving, before a teen can take the road test for their conditional license.
13. A conviction for reckless driving in South Carolina will add how many points to your driving record? a) 2 points. b) 4 points. c) 6 points. d) 8 points.
Answer: c) 6 points. Explanation: Reckless driving is a very serious offense and is one of the highest point violations, carrying 6 points against your license.
14. When you see or hear an emergency vehicle approaching with its lights and siren on, you must: a) Continue at the same speed. b) Stop immediately in your lane. c) Pull over to the right edge of the road and stop. d) Speed up to get out of the way.
Answer: c) Pull over to the right edge of the road and stop. Explanation: The law requires you to yield the right-of-way by pulling as far to the right as is safe and coming to a complete stop until the emergency vehicle has passed.
15. If a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing on a two-lane road, what must you do? a) Slow down and pass with caution. b) Stop only if you are behind the bus. c) All traffic in both directions must stop. d) Only traffic traveling in the same direction must stop.
Answer: c) All traffic in both directions must stop. Explanation: On a two-lane highway, all vehicles, regardless of their direction of travel, must stop for a stopped school bus with flashing red lights. On a multi-lane highway (four or more lanes), only traffic following the bus must stop.
How to Study: These questions are a great start. The absolute best way to prepare is to read the South Carolina Driver's Manual thoroughly. Pay special attention to chapters on traffic signs, GDL rules, and the point system. Good luck!
