South Carolina SCDMV road test: what to expect

What the examiner checks

• Headlights, windshield wipers and turn signals (including four-way flashers)
• Brake lights
• Lane changes
• Right and left turns
• Identify road signs
• Parallel parking
• 100 feet straight-line backing
• Park on a hill
• Reverse two-point turnabout
• Forward two-point turnabout
• Three-point turnabout
• Interstate driving

Mistakes that end the test

• Not using your seat belt

Your car

• Working headlights and brakes, windshield wipers, mirrors, speedometer, safety belts, turn signals, defroster and horn
• Valid license plate, registration card and insurance card
• Test is postponed if the vehicle is not safe
• Certain driver-assist features such as parking assist and cruise control may not be used during the test

After you pass

Drivers under 17, or after holding a conditional or special restricted license for one year with no traffic offenses and no at-fault collisions (no branch visit needed; SCDMV mails a sleeve for the license) get a provisional or junior license first. Its restrictions:

• No more than two passengers under 21 unless a licensed adult 21 or older is in the vehicle (exceptions: family members, or students going to or from school)
• May drive alone 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (8 p.m. during daylight saving time)
• 6 p.m. (8 p.m. DST) to midnight: only with a licensed driver at least 21
• Midnight to 6 a.m.: only when supervised by a qualified person defined in state law (such as a parent or guardian)
• Special restricted license with a waiver (age 16, for work or extracurricular activities): may drive alone until midnight; $25
• Under 17 with six or more points before holding the license one year: six-month suspension

How to prepare

• Practise in the car you'll take the test in, including parking and backing up.
• Drive the kinds of roads near the test site with your supervising driver: intersections, lane changes, school zones.
• Check the car the day before: lights, signals, horn, brakes, mirrors, tires, seat belts, and current registration and insurance documents.
• On the day, signal every turn and lane change, check mirrors and blind spots visibly, and come to full stops behind the line.