SC DMV Permit Practice Test: 30 Free Questions

1. Why should you avoid sounding your horn close to a bicyclist?

1. a) It is rude to honk at cyclists.
2. b) Cyclists cannot hear car horns.
3. c) It is illegal in all situations.
4. d) It may startle them, causing them to steer into your path.

2. Why should you avoid driving alongside a large vehicle for long periods?

1. a) It increases the chance of collision if the vehicle needs to swerve or change lanes.
2. b) It distracts the driver.
3. c) It consumes more fuel.
4. d) It is illegal on highways.

3. What is a danger of following a large vehicle too closely?

1. a) You will use more gas.
2. b) The driver cannot see you, and your view of the road ahead is blocked.
3. c) The truck will drive slower.
4. d) It is illegal to follow trucks.

4. When yielding to an emergency vehicle, what should you avoid blocking?

1. a) Intersections or driveways.
2. b) The shoulder.
3. c) The sidewalk.
4. d) Parking spaces.

5. Which parts of the roadway tend to freeze first in winter conditions?

1. a) Gravel roads.
2. b) Bridges and overpasses.
3. c) Intersections with traffic lights.
4. d) Straight sections of highway.

6. How should you adjust your following distance for night driving conditions?

1. a) Decrease it by one second.
2. b) Maintain the same distance as daytime.
3. c) Add at least one additional second.
4. d) Add at least five additional seconds.

7. What is the correct way to transport pets in a vehicle?

1. a) Sitting in the front passenger seat with a seatbelt.
2. b) Holding them on your lap.
3. c) Letting them roam freely in the back seat.
4. d) Properly secured in a pet carrier or portable kennel.

8. Is it necessary to wear a safety belt if your vehicle has air bags?

1. a) Only on the highway.
2. b) Only for passengers in the front seat.
3. c) Yes, safety belts should always be worn.
4. d) No, air bags replace seat belts.

9. Why is the 2 and 10 o'clock hand position not recommended?

1. a) It provides less control over the vehicle.
2. b) It obstructs the view of the dashboard.
3. c) It can be dangerous in vehicles equipped with air bags.
4. d) It causes fatigue in the driver's arms.

10. What is the correct action at a red traffic light?

1. a) Stop only if other traffic is present.
2. b) Stop before entering the intersection and wait for green.
3. c) Slow down and proceed with caution.
4. d) Turn right without stopping.

11. What does a flashing yellow traffic light mean?

1. a) Stop immediately.
2. b) Accelerate to clear the intersection.
3. c) Slow down and proceed with caution.
4. d) The signal is out of order.

12. Identify this sign.

1. a) Stop Here on Red.
2. b) Do Not Enter.
3. c) Stop Sign Ahead.
4. d) Yield Ahead.

13. What options do you have in a lane with this sign?

1. a) Turn right or go straight.
2. b) Go straight only.
3. c) Turn left or go straight.
4. d) Turn right only.

14. What is the shape and color of a stop sign?

1. a) Red triangle.
2. b) White rectangle.
3. c) Yellow diamond.
4. d) Red octagon (eight sides).

15. When can you pass on a road with a solid yellow line next to a broken yellow line?

1. a) When the broken (dashed) line is on your side.
2. b) Anytime it is safe.
3. c) When the solid line is on your side.
4. d) Never.

16. What does a green traffic light indicate?

1. a) Slow down and prepare to stop.
2. b) Go through the intersection if it is clear to do so, with caution.
3. c) Stop and wait for the light to turn red.
4. d) Proceed immediately without looking.

17. Where should you look when making a turn?

1. a) At the vehicle directly in front of you.
2. b) Directly at the curb or edge of the road next to you.
3. c) At the steering wheel to ensure it is turning correctly.
4. d) Through the turn to the farthest point possible along your path.

18. How should you react to an approaching vehicle with an active turn signal?

1. a) Do not turn just because the signal is active; wait until they actually start to turn.
2. b) Signal back to acknowledge them.
3. c) Accelerate to clear the intersection before they arrive.
4. d) Assume they will turn and proceed into their path.

19. In which direction does traffic flow in a roundabout?

1. a) Clockwise.
2. b) Counterclockwise.
3. c) Whatever direction is shortest.
4. d) Alternating directions.

20. What should you avoid doing when making a right turn?

1. a) Looking through the turn.
2. b) Slowing down before the turn.
3. c) Signaling 100 feet before the turn.
4. d) Swinging wide to the left before the turn.

21. What must you do when making a left turn?

1. a) Turn immediately without stopping.
2. b) Claim the right-of-way over oncoming traffic.
3. c) Yield to oncoming traffic.
4. d) Speed up to beat oncoming traffic.

22. How should you check your blind spots before changing lanes?

1. a) Rely solely on your mirrors.
2. b) Turn on your high beams.
3. c) Turn your head and look over your shoulder in the direction you plan to move.
4. d) Look out the rear window only.

23. If you see a 'Lane Closed Ahead' sign and traffic is backed up, what should you do?

1. a) Switch lanes back and forth to find the fastest one.
2. b) Drive on the shoulder.
3. c) Stay in your current lane until you reach the point of merge.
4. d) Merge immediately.

24. Why should you be cautious even when you have the right-of-way at an intersection?

1. a) You are required to yield to everyone.
2. b) Traffic lights are often broken.
3. c) It is illegal to proceed immediately.
4. d) Some road users may not yield the right-of-way or obey signals.

25. When should you not use your horn?

1. a) When a driver is not paying attention.
2. b) When pedestrians move into your lane.
3. c) When near blind pedestrians.
4. d) When a driver starts to turn into your lane.

26. What is 'Braking Distance'?

1. a) The time and distance it takes for your brakes to slow and stop your vehicle.
2. b) The distance traveled while moving your foot to the brake.
3. c) The time it takes to see a hazard.
4. d) The total time from perception to stop.

27. Why is it important to signal before changing direction?

1. a) It gives other roadway users time to react to your movements.
2. b) It is only required at night.
3. c) It activates the car's steering assist.
4. d) It is polite but not required.

28. When must you be aware of what is happening around your vehicle?

1. a) Before you start the vehicle and while you are driving.
2. b) Only when you are traveling at high speeds.
3. c) Only when you are driving in heavy city traffic.
4. d) Only when you are preparing to change lanes or turn.

29. How should you properly use an anti-lock braking system (ABS) in an emergency?

1. a) Press the brake pedal gently and increase pressure slowly.
2. b) Press the brake pedal intermittently to check for traction.
3. c) Press the brake pedal as hard as you can and maintain constant pressure.
4. d) Pump the brake pedal rapidly to prevent locking.

30. In which of the following scenarios might you need to accelerate to avoid a collision?

1. a) When you are approaching a sharp curve with a high center of gravity.
2. b) When your front tire blows out and the vehicle pulls to the side.
3. c) When another vehicle is about to hit you from behind or the side.
4. d) When your vehicle starts to skid on a slippery road surface.