SC Permit Practice Test

Based on the 2025 SC DMV Manual

Permit Practice Tests (360 questions)

South Carolina Permit Test FAQ

Basic Eligibility Requirements

How old do I have to be to get my permit in South Carolina?

You must be 15 years old to apply for a beginner’s permit (also called a learner’s permit) in South Carolina. This applies to all first-time permit applicants regardless of prior driving experience.

What documents do I need to bring when I apply for my permit?

When you apply for a beginner’s permit in South Carolina you will need to bring:

  • Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
  • Two proofs of South Carolina residency
  • Social Security card or proof of your Social Security number
  • Proof of school attendance (if you’re under 18)
  • Payment for the application fee

If you’re applying for a REAL ID compliant license additional documentation may be required. Check the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) website for current accepted documents.

If I'm under 18 do my parents need to be involved in the permit application process?

Yes. If you’re under 18 a parent or legal guardian must:

  • Sign your permit application in person at the SCDMV
  • Provide proper identification
  • Accept financial responsibility for you

How do I apply for a permit in South Carolina?

The application process in South Carolina is as follows:

  1. Visit your local SCDMV office with all required documents
  2. Complete an application form (Form 447-NC)
  3. Provide proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number
  4. If under 18, provide proof of school attendance
  5. Have your parent or guardian sign the application
  6. Pay the application fee
  7. Pass the vision test
  8. Pass the knowledge test

Can I apply online?

No, you cannot apply online for a beginner’s permit in South Carolina. You must visit an SCDMV office in person to complete the application, provide your documents, take your vision test, and complete your knowledge test.

How much does it cost to get a permit?

The South Carolina DMV charges a fee for a beginner’s permit. This fee covers the cost of processing your application, the knowledge test, and issuing your permit. Check the South Carolina DMV website for current fee information.

What tests do I have to pass to get my permit?

To get your beginner’s permit in South Carolina you must pass:

  • A vision test to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely
  • A knowledge test with multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices

How many questions are on the South Carolina permit test?

The South Carolina permit knowledge test has 30 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 24 questions correctly (80%) to pass the test.

What's on the South Carolina permit test?

The South Carolina permit test covers:

  • Traffic laws and regulations
  • Road signs and signals
  • Right-of-way rules
  • Safe driving practices
  • Penalties for violating traffic laws
  • Alcohol and drug effects on driving

How can I prepare for the permit test?

The best ways to prepare for your South Carolina permit test:

  • Study the South Carolina Driver’s Manual thoroughly, available on our website at South Carolina Driver’s Manual
  • Take our free practice tests that simulate the actual permit test
  • Review the test materials multiple times to ensure you understand the key concepts
  • Focus especially on road signs and traffic laws

What if I fail the permit test?

If you fail the South Carolina permit test:

  • You can retake the test after waiting one day
  • You will need to pay a retest fee for each subsequent attempt
  • Consider additional study time between attempts to improve your chances of passing

What can I do with a permit in South Carolina?

With a South Carolina beginner’s permit you can:

  • Practice driving with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old
  • Gain experience to prepare for your conditional or regular driver’s license

What restrictions come with a permit in South Carolina?

When driving with a beginner’s permit in South Carolina you:

  • Must have a licensed driver at least 21 years old in the passenger seat
  • Can only drive between 6 a.m. and midnight
  • Cannot use any electronic devices while driving
  • Must ensure all occupants wear seat belts
  • Cannot drive alone under any circumstances

How long do I have to practice with my permit before I get a license?

In South Carolina the requirements depend on your age:
If you are under 17:

  • You must hold your beginner’s permit for at least 180 days (6 months)
  • Complete 40 hours of practice driving, including 10 hours of night driving

If you are 17 or older:

  • You must hold your beginner’s permit for at least 180 days
  • No specific number of practice hours is required, though additional practice is recommended

Do I need to take a driver education course to get my permit?

South Carolina has different driver education requirements based on your age:

  • If you are under 17: Yes, you need to complete 8 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training
  • If you are 17 or older: No formal driver education is required, though it’s still recommended

What driver education do I need to complete before I get my license?

In South Carolina, before you get your driver’s license the requirements depend on your age:

  • If you are under 17:
    • Complete 8 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training
    • Complete 40 hours of supervised driving practice (including 10 hours at night) with someone at least 21 years old
  • If you are 17 or older: No formal driver education is required, though it is beneficial

How do I find an approved driver education program?

You can find South Carolina-approved driver education programs by:

  • Checking your high school’s offerings
  • Visiting the South Carolina DMV website for a list of licensed driving schools
  • Looking for programs that meet the state’s requirements for classroom and behind-the-wheel training

What can I expect during the road test?

The South Carolina road test checks:

  • If you can safely operate the vehicle
  • If you follow traffic laws and signs
  • Basic maneuvers like turns, lane changes, and parking
  • Awareness of other road users
  • Good decision making in various traffic situations

Before you start, the SCDMV examiner will check your vehicle to ensure it’s properly registered, insured, and in safe operating condition.

How do I schedule my road test?

You can schedule your road test in South Carolina by:

  • Visiting an SCDMV office that offers road tests
  • Making an appointment through the SCDMV website
  • Calling your local SCDMV office

Note: Not all SCDMV offices offer road tests, so check the website for locations that provide this service.

What do I need to bring to my road test?

On the day of your road test in South Carolina, bring:

  • Your beginner’s permit
  • A properly registered and insured vehicle for the test
  • A licensed driver who is at least 21 years old
  • Proof of insurance for the vehicle
  • Vehicle registration
  • If you’re under 17, proof that you’ve completed driver education and the required practice hours

What are the most common reasons people fail the road test?

Common reasons for failing the South Carolina road test include:

  • Not checking blind spots before changing lanes
  • Rolling through stop signs instead of coming to a complete stop
  • Driving too fast or too slow for conditions
  • Improper lane positioning or lane changes
  • Not yielding to pedestrians or other vehicles
  • Lack of steering control
  • Poor awareness of surroundings
  • Inability to parallel park

How do I convert my beginner's permit to a driver's license?

To convert your beginner’s permit to a driver’s license in South Carolina:
If you are under 17:

  • Hold your beginner’s permit for at least 180 days (6 months)
  • Complete a driver education course
  • Complete at least 40 hours of supervised driving practice (including 10 hours at night)
  • Pass the road test
  • Pay the license fee

If you are 17 or older:

  • Hold your beginner’s permit for at least 180 days
  • Practice driving with your permit
  • Pass the road test
  • Pay the license fee

What are the graduated licensing stages in South Carolina?

South Carolina’s graduated licensing program has these stages:

  • Beginner’s Permit: Must be at least 15 years old and pass the knowledge test. Valid for one year.
  • Conditional License (for drivers under 17): Must have held a beginner’s permit for at least 180 days, completed driver education, and passed the road test.
  • Regular License: Available directly to those 17 and older after holding a beginner’s permit for 180 days, or automatically when a conditional license holder turns 17.

What am I restricted from doing as a new driver after getting my license?

As a new driver under 17 in South Carolina with a conditional license, you will have these restrictions:

  • No driving between midnight and 6 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed parent or guardian (exceptions apply for work or school functions with proper documentation)
  • No more than two passengers under 21, unless accompanied by a licensed adult at least 21 years old (family members are exempt)

These restrictions end when you turn 17 and receive a regular license.

I have a permit from another state. Is it valid in South Carolina?

South Carolina does not recognize out-of-state permits for driving privileges. If you are moving to South Carolina with an out-of-state permit:

  • You will need to apply for a South Carolina beginner’s permit
  • You may be able to use your out-of-state driver education documentation to satisfy certain requirements

What accommodations are available for permit applicants with disabilities?

South Carolina offers the following accommodations for applicants with disabilities:

  • Audio versions of the driver handbook
  • Oral knowledge tests
  • Interpreters for the hearing impaired
  • Extended testing time
  • The ability to use special equipment in your own vehicle for the driving test
  • Contact your local SCDMV office before your appointment to request accommodations

Can I get my permit if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, non-U.S. citizens can get a beginner’s permit in South Carolina by providing:

  • Proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate)
  • Proof of lawful status in the United States
  • Proof of South Carolina residency
  • Social Security number or proof of ineligibility

Visit the South Carolina DMV website for more information on documentation requirements for non-citizens.

Where can I download the South Carolina Driver's Manual?

You can download a copy of the South Carolina Driver’s Manual here. Physical copies are also available at any SCDMV office.

Are there free practice tests available?

Yes! We offer free South Carolina-specific practice tests that mimic the actual permit test. Our practice tests are designed to help you study the material and get comfortable with the test format before your exam.

Who can I contact if I have more questions about the permit process?

For more information about the South Carolina permit process:

  • Visit the South Carolina DMV website at scdmvonline.com
  • Call the SCDMV at 803-896-5000 during business hours
  • Visit your local SCDMV office
  • For hearing impaired assistance, call 711 and ask the operator to connect you to the SCDMV

What if I lose my permit?

If you lose your South Carolina beginner’s permit:

  • You must visit an SCDMV office in person
  • Bring proof of your identity
  • Pay the replacement fee
  • Fill out a replacement application form if required

How do I cancel a minor's permit or license?

A parent or guardian who signed the application for a minor can cancel their teen’s permit or license by submitting a written request to the SCDMV. The parent must appear in person at an SCDMV office, bring proper identification, and complete the required paperwork.

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Prepare for the South Carolina Permit Test

Getting your driver’s license starts with taking a multiple-choice written test on the rules of the road. Routinely referred to as the South Carolina permit test, this multiple-choice exam includes questions based on the material found in the state’s driver’s handbook. To help get you started, we’ve prepared a few South Carolina permit practice tests.

Once you feel you are familiar with the information in the handbook, it’s time to test your knowledge with our SC Permit Practice Tests. Combined, these study tools have been proven to boost scores and make safer drivers.

  • Real Test Simulation: Our South Carolina permit practice tests replicate the format and content of the actual written exam.
  • Instant Feedback: Get immediate answers to each question to help you learn quickly and correct mistakes.
  • Track Your Progress: Monitor your performance and focus on areas that need more practice.
  • Unlimited Practice: Take the tests as many times as needed to build confidence before the real exam.

Start Your SC Permit Practice Test Now

Select a practice test to get started on your journey to becoming a licensed driver in South Carolina. Our free South Carolina DMV permit practice tests will help you prepare for the written exam and ensure your success.

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