South Carolina SCDMV permit practice test 2026
Practise for the South Carolina SCDMV knowledge test. Our 294 practice questions are written from the South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Driver's Manual) (2026), and every answer tells you where to find the rule in the handbook. Free, with no sign-up.
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All 12 South Carolina practice tests
Each test mixes questions from every part of the handbook. Work through them in order, then use the simulator.
- Practice test 125 questions
- Practice test 225 questions
- Practice test 325 questions
- Practice test 425 questions
- Practice test 525 questions
- Practice test 625 questions
- Practice test 725 questions
- Practice test 825 questions
- Practice test 925 questions
- Practice test 1025 questions
- Practice test 1125 questions
- Practice test 1219 questions
What the test covers
Our questions follow the handbook's chapters. The number of practice questions on each topic:
| Topic | Practice questions |
|---|---|
| Safe and defensive driving | 48 |
| Licensing laws and penalties | 44 |
| Sharing the road | 32 |
| Hazards, weather and night driving | 24 |
| Emergencies | 21 |
| Road signs | 20 |
| Alcohol and drugs | 16 |
| Turns and intersections | 16 |
| Signals and pavement markings | 15 |
| Right of way | 14 |
| Following and passing | 12 |
| Lanes, highways and freeways | 11 |
| Speed limits | 11 |
| Parking | 10 |
South Carolina learner's permit rules
- Minimum age: 15
- Hold the permit for at least 180 days if 17 or younger (apply on the 181st day); at least 30 days if 18 or older (apply on the 31st day) before the road test
- 40 hours of supervised driving, including 10 at night
- 6 a.m. to midnight: a licensed driver at least 21 with at least one year of driving experience must be in the front seat
- Midnight to 6 a.m.: you must be supervised by a qualified person defined in state law (such as a parent or guardian)
- Ages 15-16 applying for a first license: 40 hours of practice including 10 hours at night, driver education (8 hours classroom plus 6 hours driving), school enrollment with satisfactory attendance, and Form PDLA
- Under 18: a qualified adult must sign consent (Form 447-CM) at an SCDMV branch
- Six or more points while holding a beginner's permit, conditional or special restricted license means a suspension for excessive points (six months)
Fees: Knowledge test $2 each; Beginner's permit (original, renewal, duplicate, modified) $2.50; 8-year driver's license $25; Special restricted license with waiver $25.
The official handbook
Everything on the test comes from the South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Driver's Manual). Read it alongside the practice tests. Our chapter-by-chapter guide.
Renewing your license
No age-based test. Every renewal requires passing a vision test (free screening at branches) or a Certificate of Vision Examination dated within 36 months. Licenses are 8-year ($25). Online/mail renewal available to US citizens meeting conditions (no more than five points in the last two years, not renewed by mail/online last time, SC eye-care professional's electronic vision certificate). Licenses expired more than nine months require vision, knowledge and skills tests.
Questions
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in South Carolina?
15. You then hold the permit for at least 180 days if 17 or younger (apply on the 181st day); at least 30 days if 18 or older (apply on the 31st day) before the road test and 40 hours of supervised driving, including 10 at night.
What do I need to bring for the South Carolina permit test?
Original documents proving US citizenship, identity, date and place of birth (e.g. government-issued birth certificate); Social Security number; Proof of current physical SC address (two proofs for REAL ID); Full document list: US Citizens' Checklist (Form MV-93); non-US citizens: Form MV-94; Under 18: a qualified adult to sign consent at the branch (with picture ID).
What is the vision requirement in South Carolina?
20/40 or better; the minimum standard does not require more than 20/40 corrected in one eye. A corrective-lens restriction ('A') is added if lenses are needed to meet the standard. Certificates of Vision Examination from an eye care professional are valid 36 months.
Independent practice tests, not affiliated with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. Questions written by us from the official handbook and checked against it.