Select Your Free 2023 South Carolina Practice Permit Test to Get Started

Select Your Free 2023 South Carolina Practice Permit Test to Get Started
How would you feel if you failed your written test?   Now imagine the feeling of walking out of the DMV office empty-handed. With statistics revealing that 50% of people fail the exam every year, it’s more important than ever to prepare yourself. That’s why we’re here. To help you pass your test, stress-free. On this page, you’ll find a collection of study resources to help you do just that. By using our powerful study tools, you’ll find preparing for the test to be an easy and simple process. Our interactive South Carolina practice permit tests are designed to give you a closer look at what the real exam format looks like. You’ll also find a copy of the official South Carolina Driver’s Manual. Boasting a variety of landscapes, topography, and scenic views, South Carolina keeps drivers guessing. From the salt marshes of the coastline to the rolling hills of the Piedmont to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, there’s never a dull drive here. But before you can get behind the wheel, will need to get your learners permit or drivers license. The path to a learners permit or drivers license begins with preparing for the required state written test. Start preparing for success now with our free study guides and practice tests.

Permit Practice Tests (150 questions)

  • Questions 1-40
    Practice Test 1

    Gain the advantage on test day with this powerful study tool. This SC DMV Practice Permit Test will assess your knowledge of the rules of the road.

  • Questions 41-80
    Practice Test 2

    Get even more practice with SC Permit Practice Test 2. Simulate the test-taking experience with questions just like the real exam. Test your knowledge here.

  • Questions 81-120
    Practice Test 3

    Take your study session even further with SC Permit Practice Test 3. 40 additional questions will challenge your knowledge of the rules of the road and help ensure you’re ready for test day.

  • Questions 121-160
    Practice Test 4

    Build your confidence with a bit of extra practice. SC Permit Practice Test 4 includes 40 additional questions to test your knowledge of the rules of the road.

  • Questions 161-210
    Road Signs Test

    Continue your preparation for the South Carolina permit test by taking our new practice test on SC road signs. Road signs are a must if you want to pass your permit test.

  • 50 random questions
    DMV Test Simulator

    Get a feel for the real exam before you visit your local DMV office. Designed to simulate the real test with randomized questions, no explanations, and new questions every time.

  • All 150 questions
    Endurance Test

    This mammoth test should not be overlooked. With more questions than other exam you’ll want to take this test before you head to the DMV.

Motorcycle Practice Tests (100 questions)

  • Questions 1-25
    Motorcycle Test 1

    Our SC Motorcycle Practice Test 1 features 25 questions that will test your motorcycle knowledge and your readiness to take the official exam. Take our practice test now.

  • Questions 26-50
    Motorcycle Test 2

    Take our SC Motorcycle Practice Test 2 to ensure you are learning the right material in the state motorcycle manual. Assess your motorcycle knowledge by taking this test now.

  • Questions 51-75
    Motorcycle Test 3

    Take our SC Motorcycle Practice Test 3 to see if your motorcycle knowledge has reached the level where you are ready to take the official exam. Get started now.

  • Questions 76-100
    Motorcycle Test 4

    The SC Motorcycle Practice Test 4 continues our tradition of creating challenging practice tests for the state motorcycle written exam. Take it now to assess your knowledge.

  • All 100 questions
    Motorcycle Endurance Test

    Prepare for the South Carolina motorcycle permit test with this comprehensive practice test featuring the largest number of questions we have for South Carolina. Test your knowledge and endurance now!

South Carolina Learner's Permit FAQ

Applying for Your SC License

What are the age requirements for getting started?

South Carolina is another of the many states that have instituted a Graduated Driver’s Licensing Program (GDL) for teen drivers. The program is designed to reduce crashes involving teens and includes the following stages and age levels:

  • Learner’s Permit – 15 years old
  • Conditional License – 15 years, 180 days old
  • Special Restricted License – 16 years old
  • Regular, Unrestricted License – 17 years old

What documents am I required to bring with me when applying for a license in South Carolina?

  • Form MV93 – Permit Application
  • Social Security Card and citizenship proof
  • Residency proof
  • $2.50 for permit fee

Here are accepted forms of identification for South Carolina.

Where do I file my SC driver’s license application?

You should file your application at a local SCDMV office.

How can I contact my local office?

Visit https://www.scdmvonline.com/DMVNew/offloclist.aspx for office locations and contact information.

Do I have to take a Driver’s Ed Course?

Yes, to receive your driver’s license in South Carolina you need to complete drive’s ed. It is not required for your learner’s permit.

What if I am new to South Carolina?

To transfer an out-of-state learner’s permit to South Carolina visit a local SCDMV office with identification and $2.50 for the permit fee. South Carolina will count the time you’ve held your permit against its 180 day requirement to apply for a license.

What subjects are commonly covered on the written test?

South Carolina traffic laws, road signs and safe driving practices are all covered on the written test. The questions that make up the test are drawn from the South Carolina Driver’s Manual. Here are two examples of content from the manual that you could be asked a question about:

  • The maximum un-posted speed limit in an urban district or residential area is 30 miles per hour. The maximum un-posted speed limit in a rural area is 55 miles per hour except when a higher limit is allowed by the federal law.
  • Use one hand steering only when backing or operating vehicle controls (wipers, flashers, lights, etc.) that require a temporary reach from the steering wheel.

How is the test formatted?

The test is multiple choice.

Are there a lot of “trick” questions on the written test?

No, questions are drawn from the content in the South Carolina Driver’s Manual. The questions are not meant to trick you but rather ensure that you have the knowledge to drive safely in the state of South Carolina.

How many questions are on the test and how many do I need to answer correctly to pass?

There are 30 questions on the test and you must answer at least 24 of them correctly to pass.

What are the best ways to prepare for the written test?

You should read/study the South Carolina Driver’s Manual extensively. You should also take practice tests online to identify areas that you need to study more.

Where can I get a free South Carolina Driver’s Manual to study?

We offer free copies of the manual.

How can I improve my odds for passing the first time I take the test?

When studying pay attention to numerical figures, such as distances, lengths and measurements – for example, stopping distances for different speeds, etc. You should also study road signs so that you recognize them by sight. Also, be sure to devote study time to the drugs and driving section of the manual. To get a better idea of the type of questions you will face on the test, take a practice test.

What should I do the night before the test?

Plan on reviewing the driver’s manual and taking a practice test the night before your exam. If you ace the practice test or just miss a question or two, then try to get to bed early so you are rested for the exam. If you do not do well on the practice test, obviously you should study more. If you do really poorly on the practice test, maybe you should consider delaying your test so that you can get significantly more study time.

Do I need to make an appointment to take the written test?

Contact your local SCDMV office to see if appointments are accepted. If they are, it is recommended that you make one to avoid a possible long wait.

Where do I take the written test?

You will take the test at a local SCDMV office.

What do I need to bring when I sit for the written test?

  • Form MV93 – Permit Application
  • Social Security Card and citizenship proof
  • Residency proof
  • $2.50 for permit fee

Here are accepted forms of identification for South Carolina.

Who should accompany me to the written test?

You should be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Do I need to pay a fee to take the written test?

Yes, you will need to pay a fee of $2.50.

What should I expect when I sit for the written test?

The test has 30 questions covering traffic laws, road signs and safe driving methods. The questions are drawn from the driver’s manual and you can miss up to six of them and still pass the test. When taking the test, you cannot refer to the manual or to any notes. To familiarize yourself with the test format, take a practice test.

What happens after I pass the written test?

You will receive your Learner’s Permit and can begin supervised driving practice. You must complete 40 total hours of driving practice with at least 10 of those hours coming at night.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test.

How soon can I retake the written test?

You will have to wait two weeks after your first and second attempts to retake the test. If you fail three times or more you will have to wait 60 days to take the test again.

I’ve passed the written permit test, what are the next steps?

Your Learner’s Permit will allow you to drive between 6 a.m. and midnight as long as you are accompanied by a licensed supervising driver who is 21 years of age or older and who has at least one year of driving experience. You need to log 40 hours of driving practice, with 10 of those hours completed at night, to apply for a conditional license.

How long after getting my Learner’s Permit can I apply for a license?

You must hold your Learner’s Permit for at least 180 days and be at least 15 years and 180 days old to apply for a conditional license.

Can I drive anywhere in South Carolina with my Learner’s Permit?

Yes, as long as you are accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older with at least one year of driving experience, you can drive on any South Carolina public road or street.

Should I practice driving solely during the day?

No, South Carolina also requires that you long 10 hours of driving practice at night.

Does anyone have to be in the car with me when I’m driving with my Learner’s Permit?

Yes, you must be accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older who has at least one year of driving experience.

What should I do if I have a lost South Carolina Learner’s Permit?

Visit a local SCDMV office with proper identification and $2.50 for the replacement fee to receive a new permit.

How can I be sure I’m prepared to ace the driving test?

The best thing is to get a lot of quality driving practice. You should drive in traffic, where you need to use good defensive driving skills, and you should also practice common vehicle maneuvers such as parking, making proper turns, stopping and starting.

Are there particular driving maneuvers I should practice?

Yes, you should practice parallel parking; stopping smoothly; backing; stopping at stop signs and traffic signals; turning around with a three-point turn; approaching corners; yielding the right of way; stopping and starting on grades; turning; and passing.

How can I simulate the driving test?

You should practice both completing maneuvers and driving in traffic as you will be asked to do both on the test. If you have access to an empty parking lot or seldom used road, those can be good locations to practice maneuvers like three-point turns, parallel parking, stopping and starting and more. You should also drive in traffic where you need to obey traffic signs, observe and respond to other cars, and signal when making a turn.

How do I schedule my driving test?

Contact your SCDMV office to schedule your road test.

Where do I take the driving test?

You will take the test at a local SCDMV office.

What should I bring to the driving test?

  • PDLA form confirming driver’s ed completion, school attendance and completion of supervised driving practice hours
  • Proof of residency and citizenship – acceptable documents
  • $12.50 for five year license or $25 for 10 year license
  • Properly functioning vehicle
  • Vehicle registration
  • Proof of insurance

Who should bring me to the driving test?

A licensed parent or legal guardian should bring you.

What will I be asked to do on the driving test?

You will be asked to perform various maneuvers as well as to drive in traffic. You will need to show competence at, among other things: parallel parking; stopping smoothly; backing; stopping at stop signs and traffic signals; turning around with a three-point turn; approaching corners; yielding the right of way; stopping and starting on grades; turning; passing; and maintaining good driving posture.

What are the most common reasons new drivers fail the driving test?

Nerves, not listening to the examiner, being unable to perform a maneuver, leaving the roadway, getting a moving violation or becoming involved in an accident are all common reasons for failure.

What are five mistakes I should be sure to avoid when taking the driving test?

  • Not checking blind spot when changing lanes
  • Using poor driving posture
  • Not being able to parallel park
  • Not obeying a traffic sign or signal
  • Speeding

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You will be allowed to retake the test.

How soon can I retake the test?

You must wait at least one week to retake the test following your first and second attempts. On your third attempt and thereafter you will have to wait 60 days before you can retake the test.

I’ve passed the road test, now what?

You will receive your Conditional License.

What restrictions come with a South Carolina license?

Restrictions include:

  • Can only drive unsupervised during daylight hours 6 a.m. to 6 or 8 p.m. depending on time of year
  • Can drive from 6 p.m. (or 8 p.m. during DST) until midnight with a supervising driver age 21 or older
  • Can only drive between midnight and 6 a.m. if accompanied by a licensed parent or legal guardian
  • Cannot carry more than 2 passengers under 21 years old unless accompanied by a licensed adult age 21 or older unless transporting family members or students to and from school

A special restricted license allows you to waive the restrictions due to an interference with work or school. You can get a special restricted license at 16.

You can get an unrestricted license once you turn 16 years old and have held your conditional or special restricted license for one year.

What are the insurance requirements for drivers in SC?

South Carolina requires that drivers purchase liability and uninsured motorist coverage to drive legally in the state. Minimum coverage requirements are:

  • $25,000 per person for bodily injury
  • $50,000 for all persons injured in one accident
  • $25,000 for all property damage in one accident

Uninsured motorist coverage protects you, the policy holder, by paying if you are injured and/or your property is damaged by a driver who does not have auto insurance. There is a $200 deductible by law.

What if I need to renew my license or replace a lost/stolen license?

South Carolina driver’s licenses are valid for either 5 or 10 years and expire on your birthday. You can renew by mail or in person. You will receive a renewal notice with instructions before the expiration date. You can renew your license up to nine months after it has expired.

You can replace a lost or stolen license by visiting a SCDMV office with proper identification. You will need to pay a $10 replacement fee.

Where can I renew my South Carolina driver’s license?

You can renew by mail or in person at a SCDMV office. If renewing by mail, you can only renew for a five-year term. When renewing in person, you can choose either the five-year or 10-year renewal option.

Will I be required to take a vision test when renewing my license?

Yes, you will either need to pass the vision test or show proof that you have passed an eye exam in the past 12 months to renew your license.

South Carolina’s minimum visual acuity standards are:

  • 20/70 or better in at least one eye or if applicant’s weaker eye is worse than 20/200, the stronger eye must read 20/40 or better.
  • Worse than 20/70 in each eye but 20/70 or better with both eyes together.

How to Get Your South Carolina Learner’s Permit in 2023

Excited about getting your driver’s license in South Carolina, but you feel a bit confused about how to get started? If you want to become a fully licensed driver, you will need to learn as much as you can about each stage of the process, from preparing for the permit test, applying for your Beginner’s Permit, and finally earning your Regular Driver’s License.

Like most other states, South Carolina requires that all young drivers complete a Graduated Driver’s License Program (GDL), a multi-stage process that allows you time to learn crucial driving skills while remaining in a supervised environment.

In South Carolina, the GDL process includes three stages:

  • Beginner’s Permit
  • Conditional Driver’s License
  • Regular Driver’s License

In this article, we will walk you through how to pass the South Carolina permit test and go on to earn unrestricted driving privileges.

Learner’s Permit

When you are 15 years old, you can apply for your Beginner’s Permit (or learner’s permit) in South Carolina. This requires that you pass a written knowledge test (permit test) that will check how well you know the rules of the road, traffic signs, traffic signals and other important factors.

The South Carolina DMV Test — What You Need to Know

Before you can get your driver’s license in South Carolina, you need to first apply for your beginners permit.  Why postpone getting your beginners permit another day? A permit provides you with your first real taste of driving.  Soon the days of bumming rides from friends and family or taking public transportation will be a distant spot in your rearview mirror.

More commonly known as the South Carolina permit test, the test is designed to ensure you have the knowledge to be a safe and responsible driver.  The South Carolina’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is responsible for administering the test and has offices throughout the state.  But before you head down to take the exam, it’s important to understand that the test can be a real challenge for the unprepared.

Study, Study, Study

Your first step toward becoming a licensed driver is to learn everything you can about traffic law. We offer a free copy of the South Carolina Driver’s Manual for you to use in your studies. Be sure to read the entire book, and spend extra time on any subjects you are confused about.

Make Sure to Take Practice Exams

Your next step is to check your preparedness by taking some practice tests. Our South Carolina practice permit test is one of the best resources for study because it includes much of the same information you will find on the actual exam. After passing it a few times, you should feel confident enough to attempt the real thing.

Visit the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Offices and Take Your Tests

When you feel prepared, visit the DMV offices, bringing along:

  • Your completed permit application (Form MV93), signed by your parent or guardian.
  • Your certified birth certificate, Social Security card or other identifying information.
  • Proof of residency (school enrollment card, utility bill or other acceptable document).
  • $4.50 in fees.

At this point, you will take the multiple-choice permit test. Relax and do your best. If you studied hard, none of the questions should prove to be difficult for you.

When you pass, you will be given a vision test to make sure you can see well enough to drive. If you wear contacts or glasses, make sure to bring them along too.

Time to Get to Practicing

The state of South Carolina requires that all permit holders complete a total of 40 hours of practice driving under the supervision of a licensed parent or guardian. Of those hours, 10 must take place at night.

If you would like to move on to the next stage of the GDL process before the age of 17, you must also enroll in driver’s education at this time. Your chosen course must be approved by the state and needs to include eight hours of classroom education and six hours of behind-the-wheel training. If you would like to skip this course, you will have to wait until age 17 to apply for your Conditional Driver’s License.

Conditional Driver’s License

When you have held your permit for at least 180 days, you have completed a driver’s education course (if necessary), you have completed your practice driving and you are enrolled in school, you qualify to apply for your Conditional Driver’s License. When you feel ready, make an appointment with the DMV to take the road test.

On test day, bring along:

  • The same identification and residency documents you used before.
  • Your PDLA form that shows you completed driver’s education (if younger than 17) and finished your practice driving. It must also show that you are enrolled in school, a requirement to drive as a teen in South Carolina.
  • A completed application with a signature from your parent or guardian.
  • Up to $30 in fees (will vary depending on your age and whether you are getting a five or 10 year license).

Now, you will be given the behind-the-wheel road test and another vision exam. The road test should be very easy as long as you have been practicing. Try not to get too nervous and you are sure to do well.

When you pass your second vision exam, you will be given your Conditional License. It comes with a few limitations. Unless accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older, you cannot:

  • Drive between 6 p.m. (8 p.m. during Daylight Savings Time) and 6 a.m.
  • Drive after midnight unless your licensed supervisor is a parent or guardian.
  • Drive with more than two passengers under the age of 21, unless those passengers are family members or you are transporting students to school.

Driver’s License

When you are at least 17 years old and have completed the other stages of the GDL process, you can apply for your Regular License. This will require that you complete another vision and behind-the-wheel road test. At this point, passing the road test should be easy since you’ve done it once before. Be sure to bring along your permit. You will need to turn it in so that you can be given your full license.

Congratulations! You are now an unrestricted driver.’

Additional Information

When you are at least 16 years old, you have the option of applying for the Special Restricted Driver’s License, which is just like the Conditional License except you will be allowed to drive alone at night for the purposes of school or work. You will need two separate statements of permission from your parents and a letterhead notification from your workplace or school to receive this allowance.