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Test your knowledge forthe South Carolina permit test

The South Carolina permit test has 30 multiple-choice questions and you need 80% to pass: 24 correct answers, so you can miss up to 6.

10 questions from your state's handbook. Instant results, and every answer explained.

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The South Carolina permit test at a glance

Updated October 2026

Questions on the real test
30
Score needed to pass
80%24 of 30 correct
South Carolina practice questions on GetMyPermit
500

What's on the South Carolina permit test

Every question comes from the South Carolina driver handbook. These are its topics, with how many of our South Carolina practice questions cover each one.

  • The driver's license79
  • Special driving situations74
  • Be in shape to drive65
  • Sharing the road60
  • General driving46
  • Safe driving tips46
  • Emergency situations and avoiding collisions44
  • Before you drive42
  • Rules of the road17
  • Basic driving15
  • State laws and rules of the road12

South Carolina permit test sample questions and answers

  1. 1. What is true for drivers under age 21 regarding alcoholic beverages?

    • A. They may drink if a parent is present.
    • B. It is illegal to purchase, possess, or drink alcoholic beverages.
    • C. They may drink small amounts at home.
    • D. They may drink only on holidays.

    Answer: It is illegal to purchase, possess, or drink alcoholic beverages.

    The section “If You are Under 21” states it is illegal for under-21 drivers to purchase, possess, or drink alcoholic beverages, and all states have “zero tolerance” laws.

  2. 2. What must a golf cart display to be operated legally in South Carolina?

    • A. A front license plate only
    • B. An SCDMV-issued permit/registration decal
    • C. A safety triangle
    • D. A rental tag

    Answer: An SCDMV-issued permit/registration decal

    A golf cart must have an SCDMV-issued permit/registration decal affixed to it, according to the manual.

  3. 3. How must an infant under the age of two be restrained?

    • A. By an adult’s arms in the front seat
    • B. In a forward-facing car seat in the front
    • C. Secured in a rear-facing car seat in the rear seat of the vehicle until exceeding the manufacturer’s height or weight limit
    • D. Using only a lap belt in the back

    Answer: Secured in a rear-facing car seat in the rear seat of the vehicle until exceeding the manufacturer’s height or weight limit

    The chart explains that an infant under age two must be secured in a rear-facing car seat in a rear seat until exceeding the manufacturer’s height or weight limit.

  4. 4. When starting the engine, where should you place your right foot before turning the key or pushing the start button?

    • A. On the accelerator pedal
    • B. Off the pedals
    • C. On the brake pedal
    • D. On the parking brake

    Answer: On the brake pedal

    The “Starting the Engine” steps say to place your right foot on the brake pedal and check the gear selector before starting.

  5. 5. What should you do at the first sign of rain, snow, sleet, or ice on the roadway?

    • A. Maintain normal speed
    • B. Reduce speed
    • C. Turn on high beams
    • D. Drive on the shoulder

    Answer: Reduce speed

    It states to reduce speed at the first sign of rain, snow, sleet, or ice because tires do not grip as well and it takes longer to stop.

  6. 6. Warning signs are usually what color and shape?

    • A. Red and octagon
    • B. Yellow with black lettering/symbols and diamond shaped
    • C. Green and rectangular
    • D. Blue and circular

    Answer: Yellow with black lettering/symbols and diamond shaped

    Warning signs are usually yellow with black lettering or symbols and typically diamond shaped.

  7. 7. If your vehicle gets stuck in the snow, what should you avoid doing?

    • A. Turning wheels from side to side
    • B. Using a light touch on the gas
    • C. Spinning your wheels
    • D. Using sand or cat litter for traction

    Answer: Spinning your wheels

    The manual says do not spin your wheels; this will only dig the vehicle in deeper.

  8. 8. When is a three-point turnabout used?

    • A. When you can easily drive around the block.
    • B. When the road is wide enough for a U-turn.
    • C. When the road is too narrow for a U-turn and you cannot go around the block
    • D. Only on interstate highways.

    Answer: When the road is too narrow for a U-turn and you cannot go around the block

    A three-point turnabout is used when the road is too narrow for a U-turn and going around the block is not possible.

South Carolina permit test FAQ

How many questions are on the South Carolina permit test?

The South Carolina permit test (the DMV knowledge test) has 30 multiple-choice questions.

What score do you need to pass the South Carolina permit test?

You need 80% to pass: at least 24 of the 30 questions right, so you can miss up to 6.

What is on the South Carolina permit test?

Questions come from the South Carolina driver handbook. The main topics are the driver's license, special driving situations, be in shape to drive, sharing the road and general driving.

How should I study for the South Carolina permit test?

Read the South Carolina driver handbook, then practice with questions written from it until you score well above the pass mark every time. GetMyPermit has 500 South Carolina practice questions, explains every answer and shows which topics you still miss.

Is this South Carolina permit practice test free?

Yes. The 10-question South Carolina practice test on this page is free, with instant results and every answer explained. The GetMyPermit app has the full question bank and a study plan.

Want the full South Carolina question bank and a study plan? Get GetMyPermit on the App Store.