South Carolina Permit Test Practice
In South Carolina, the first license step is a beginner's permit from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV), available at age 15. The knowledge test has 30 questions and you need 24 correct (80%), and it's one of the cheapest permit tests in the country: SCDMV lists $2 for the knowledge test and $2.50 for the permit.
Teens hold the beginner's permit at least 180 days, log 40 hours of supervised driving (10 at night) and finish driver's education before moving to a conditional license. South Carolina also changed the rules of the road in 2025, when its hands-free law took effect on September 1, banning drivers from holding a phone. New laws like that tend to show up on the test, so practicing free on DMV Permit Prep keeps you current on SC-specific rules, from school bus stops to the move-over law.
- Questions
- 30
- To pass
- 24 correct · 80%
- Permit age
- 15
- Practice
- 40 hours, 10 at night
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South Carolina permit test sample questions
Tap an answer to check yourself.
1. What is the youngest age at which you can get a beginner's permit in South Carolina?
2. In South Carolina, how many passengers under 21 may a special restricted license holder carry without an adult?
3. How many hours of supervised driving must a South Carolina teen complete for a conditional license?
4. A yellow diamond sign with a deer on it means:
5. A broken yellow center line on your side means:
How to get your learner's permit in South Carolina
- 1Study the South Carolina Driver's Manual and take practice tests.
- 2Gather proof of identity, Social Security number and SC residency; a parent or guardian signs if you're under 18.
- 3Visit an SCDMV branch and pass the vision screening.
- 4Pass the 30-question knowledge test ($2 test fee).
- 5Pay $2.50 for your beginner's permit.
- 6Complete driver's education and log 40 supervised hours (10 at night).
- 7After 180 days, take the road test for a conditional license.
Conditional license holders need a licensed adult 21+ after 6 p.m. (8 p.m. during daylight saving time), and permit and restricted drivers may not use a phone while driving. Permit holding period: 180 days. Fee: $4.50 ($2 test + $2.50 permit).
The South Carolina knowledge test
Taken on a computer at an SCDMV branch (or through an authorized third-party tester), along with a vision screening.
Study tips for South Carolina
- Study South Carolina's hands-free law (effective September 1, 2025): no holding or supporting a phone while driving.
- Memorize SC's parking distances (15 feet from a hydrant, 20 from a crosswalk, 50 from a railroad crossing).
- Know the move-over rules for stopped emergency vehicles, since fines of $300 to $500 make them a favorite test topic.
CDL in South Carolina
SCDMV issues a commercial learner's permit after you pass the CDL general knowledge test and any class or endorsement tests, and first-time Class A or B applicants must complete federal Entry-Level Driver Training before the skills test.
Motorcycle in South Carolina
South Carolina riders can get a motorcycle beginner's permit at 15 after passing the motorcycle knowledge test and must hold it at least 180 days before a Class M license; permit riders ride alone only in daylight hours (6 a.m. to 6 p.m., or 8 p.m. during daylight saving time).
South Carolina permit test FAQ
How many questions are on the SC permit test?
The South Carolina knowledge test has 30 questions, and you need 24 correct (80%) to pass.
How much does a beginner's permit cost in South Carolina?
SCDMV lists $2 for the knowledge test and $2.50 for the beginner's permit, so about $4.50 for a first-time applicant who passes.
How long do you have to hold a permit in South Carolina?
Teens must hold the beginner's permit for at least 180 days and complete 40 hours of supervised driving, including 10 at night.
Can I use my phone with a beginner's permit in SC?
No. South Carolina bars permit and restricted drivers from using a phone while driving, and since September 1, 2025, no driver may hold a phone.
Official information: South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) . DMV Permit Prep is an independent study tool, not affiliated with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV).
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