PermitoSouth Carolina permit practice test
Here are 10 practice questions written for South Carolina, based on the South Carolina driver handbook and vehicle code. Think of your answer first, then open “Show answer” to see the explanation and the source.
This is practice, not the state test, and the questions are not taken from it. The set changes every quarter (this one is 2026-Q4).
Question 1
How close to a railroad crossing is passing on the left prohibited?
- Within 25 feet
- Within 200 feet
- Within 50 feet
- Within 100 feet of it
Show answer
Answer: D. Within 100 feet of it
A vehicle may not be driven on the left side of the road while attempting to pass another vehicle within 100 feet of a railroad grade crossing.
Sources: S.C. Code Ann. 56-5-2735; Driver handbook, Section 7: General Driving
Question 2
Who must wear a helmet on a two-wheeled motor vehicle in South Carolina?
- Operators and passengers under 18 only
- Only riders on highways
- Operators and passengers under 21
- Only passengers of any age
Show answer
Answer: C. Operators and passengers under 21
Anyone under 21 must wear an approved helmet on a two-wheeled motor vehicle. Riders 21 and over are not covered by this law.
Sources: S.C. Code Ann. 56-5-3660
Question 3
You park facing downhill next to a curb and walk away. What must you have done first?
- Turned the wheels away from the curb
- Left the engine running for the heater
- Removed the key and set the brake
- Left the key in the ignition for a quick return
Show answer
Answer: C. Removed the key and set the brake
Before leaving a vehicle, the driver must stop the engine, lock the ignition, remove the key and set the brake. On a grade the front wheels must also be turned to the curb or side.
Sources: S.C. Code Ann. 56-5-2570; Driver handbook, Section 7: General Driving
Question 4
Which limit applies to both the conditional and the special restricted license?
- No restrictions after the first six months
- Driving alone is allowed at any hour
- No solo driving from midnight to 6 a.m.
- Passengers under 21 are unlimited
Show answer
Answer: C. No solo driving from midnight to 6 a.m.
Both teen licenses bar driving from midnight to 6 a.m. unless a parent, guardian or listed adult supervises. They also limit passengers under 21 to two without an adult 21 or older.
Sources: S.C. Code Ann. 56-1-180; Driver handbook, Section 1: The Driver's License
Question 5
You hold a permit and want to drive at 1 a.m. Who may supervise you?
- Any licensed friend who is over 21
- A licensed driver with three years of experience
- No one is needed if the road is well lit
- A parent or other listed adult
Show answer
Answer: D. A parent or other listed adult
Between midnight and 6 a.m., a permit holder may drive only with a parent, guardian or another adult the law names for minors. A licensed friend over 21 is enough only before midnight.
Sources: S.C. Code Ann. 56-1-50; S.C. Code Ann. 56-1-100; Driver handbook, Section 1: The Driver's License
Question 6
On a highway with two lanes each way, you see a stopped police car with flashing lights ahead. What should you do?
- Stop in the right lane until it leaves
- Slow down and move away from it if safe
- Move into the lane next to it for a better view
- Maintain your speed in your current lane
Show answer
Answer: B. Slow down and move away from it if safe
On a highway with at least four lanes and two in your direction, slow down and move to a lane not next to a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights, if it is safe.
Sources: S.C. Code Ann. 56-5-1538; Driver handbook, Section 10: Sharing the Road
Question 7
A police car behind you flashes its blue lights. What must you do?
- Slow down but continue to your home
- Pull over and stop as soon as it is safe
- Keep driving until the next exit
- Speed up to reach a well-lit place
Show answer
Answer: B. Pull over and stop as soon as it is safe
A driver must stop when signaled by a police vehicle's siren or flashing light. Speeding up or otherwise trying to avoid the officer is evidence of a violation.
Sources: S.C. Code Ann. 56-5-750; Driver handbook, Section 10: Sharing the Road
Question 8
What is the maximum speed on a signed multilane divided primary highway in South Carolina?
- 55 mph, as on other roads
- 60 mph on a signed divided road
- 65 mph, as on rural freeways
- 70 mph, as on signed interstates
Show answer
Answer: B. 60 mph on a signed divided road
Where signs are posted, the top speed is 70 mph on interstates and freeways, 60 mph on multilane divided primary highways, and 55 mph on other roads.
Sources: S.C. Code Ann. 56-5-1520
Question 9
A pedestrian with a white cane starts to cross in front of you. What must you do?
- Come to a complete stop
- Proceed if the pedestrian is far away
- Honk once to warn the pedestrian
- Slow down and steer around the person
Show answer
Answer: A. Come to a complete stop
A driver must stop completely for a pedestrian crossing with a white cane or a guide dog. Take care not to injure the person before you proceed.
Sources: S.C. Code Ann. 56-5-3200; Driver handbook, Section 10: Sharing the Road
Question 10
You will change lanes on a road near a shrimp dock. At the least, how long before the move must your signal be on?
- For the last 25 feet before the move
- Only once you start to move over
- For the last 500 feet before the move
- For the last 100 feet before the move
Show answer
Answer: D. For the last 100 feet before the move
A turn or lane-change signal must be given continuously for at least the last 100 feet before the move.
Sources: S.C. Code Ann. 56-5-2150; Driver handbook, Section 8: Safe Driving Tips
More South Carolina practice
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