Take a SC DMV Practice Test

If you're simply visiting South Carolina, you can drive with your out-of-state license throughout your stay, as long as you maintain residency elsewhere. If you establish residency within the state, you must exchange your out-of-state license for a South Carolina driver's license within 90 days.

You may practice driving with an out-of-state permit if you aren't a resident of the state. As soon as you establish residency, you must transfer it to a South Carolina permit, and it must meet all of the qualifications for a SC instruction permit.

If you have an unrestricted out-of-state driver's license, you do not need to pass the road test if it's currently valid/unexpired for less than 9 months. If it has expired for 9 months or longer, you must take both the knowledge and skills tests.

Yes, a vision exam is required to renew any permit or license in South Carolina. You can also have your eye care professional electronically submit a Certificate of Vision Examination to SCDMV within the year prior to your renewal.

Yes, you may renew your South Carolina driver's license by mail as long as you are a U.S. citizen.

Yes, South Carolina drivers are encouraged to renew your license online if your renewal notice states that you're eligible to do so.

If you're transitioning from a non-compliant license to a REAL ID license, you'll need to do your renewal in person (this is a one-time requirement so you can submit your additional identity documents).

To renew online, you do not need any specific documents, but you will need to provide information pertaining to your identity and license status, plus valid payment information. This includes:

• Your first and last name as it appears on your current driver's license.
• Your date of birth.
• Your street address.
• Your driver's license number.
• Your Social Security number.

You'll also need payment for the $25 license fee.

To renew in person or by mail, you will need all documents listed on your renewal form, plus payment for your renewal fee.

Yes, all new drivers in South Carolina must obtain a beginner's permit prior to applying for a driver's license.

If you fail your first or second driving test attempts, you must wait at least 2 weeks before taking the exam again. Practice the skills you failed with your supervising driver until you're able to come back for a retest.

If you fail any subsequent attempts, you must wait at least 60 days before retesting.

If you fail your first or second driving test attempts, you must wait at least 2 weeks before taking the exam again. If you fail any subsequent attempts, you must wait at least 60 days before retesting.

Your teen should be insured once they're licensed and begin driving on their own (i.e., without another supervising licensed driver). Teens with learner's permits don't yet require insurance while they're driving under the supervision of a licensed adult.

If you have a South Carolina beginner's permit, you may drive between the hours of 6 AM and midnight only with a supervising licensed driver at least 21 years old seated next to you who has been licensed themselves for at least 1 year. After midnight, you must be accompanied by one of the individuals named on your Consent for Minor form.

If you have a Conditional or Special Restricted driver's license:

• You may carry only 2 passengers who are under 21 years old while driving unsupervised; otherwise, a licensed driver at least 21 years old must accompany you.
  • Exceptions include family members, or if you are driving students to and from school.
• You must adhere to the following daylight driving restrictions:
  • You may drive unsupervised between 6 AM and 6 PM, or until 8 PM during Daylight Savings.
  • From 6 PM/8 PM to midnight, you must be accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years old.
    • If you're at least 16 years old, you may be eligible to apply for a waiver that allows you to drive until midnight unsupervised.
  • From midnight to 6 AM, you must be accompanied by one of the individuals listed on your Consent for Minor form.

Once you pass your road test, you'll have your photo taken and receive either your official driver's license or a temporary license until your photo license arrives in the mail.

• Knowledge test: $2
• Beginner's permit: $2.50
• Driver's license: $25

No, there is no one else permitted to be in the vehicle during your road exam except for your examiner.

No. The knowledge test is a prerequisite to taking your road test. Once you have passed the knowledge test, you do not need to take it again to get your license.

You should be prepared to do the following during your road test:

• Properly adjust the seat, mirrors, steering wheel, and seat belts.
• Operate vehicle equipment such as windshield wipers and washers, heater and defroster, parking brake, headlights, and the horn.
• Respond to traffic control signs and signals.
• Interact with other motorists (e.g., yielding right-of-way correctly, responding to emergency vehicles).
• Back up and park your vehicle.
• Display proficiency in basic driving skills such as stopping and turning.
• Recognize any warning lights that may appear on your instrument panel.
• Execute other driving maneuvers as the inspector requires.

The biggest tip is to study the South Carolina Driver's Manual! Everything you need to know to pass your skills exam is in the guide.

A licensed driver at least 21 years old may bring you to your driving test.

The vehicle you use for your road test must meet the following standards:

• It should be appropriate for the license class for which you are applying.
• It should have a valid registration certificate.
• It should have proof of insurance.
• It should comply with SC laws regarding tinted windows.
• It should not have an Ignition Interlock Device (unless you are required by law to use one).

The road test will not be conducted if the vehicle is deemed to be unsafe. Common reasons why vehicles are deemed unsafe include the following:

• The windows are illegally tinted.
• The brake lights or turn signals are defective.
• The tires are worn or damaged.
• One or more lug nuts are missing.
• A seatbelt is defective.
• The speedometer is defective.
• The brakes are defective.
• Other equipment is defective or missing.

Road tests are administered at driver licensing exam stations throughout the state.

Schedule your appointment online to take your road test at a local driver license office.

After passing your SC permit exam, applicants will need to hold their permit for at least 180 days with no traffic violations.

If you're under 18 years old, you must also:

• Complete a state-approved driver education course.
• Complete the 40 required practice hours of driving.

You may drive only when accompanied by a licensed supervising driver at least 21 years old sitting in the front seat at all times, who has held their license for at least 1 year. If you're driving between midnight and 6 AM and you're under 18 years old, this person must be an individual listed on your Consent for Minor form.

If you fail your exam, your examiner will let you know what the waiting period is before you can retest.

If you fail your exam, you'll receive instructions on how and when you'll be allowed to retest.

No, there is no drug test involved.

No. If you're worried about passing the knowledge test, try taking some of our free practice tests to help you prepare.

If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must accompany you to co-sign your application to give their consent. If you are at least 18 years old, no one needs to accompany you for your permit exam.

• Knowledge test: $2
• Beginner's permit: $2.50
• Driver's license: $25

You will need:

• A completed:
  • Application for Beginner's Permit, Driver's License, or Identification Card  (form 447-NC).
  • Consent for Minor form (447-CM). Your parent/guardian must sign this form in front of the DMV agent and provide their ID.
• Proof of your:
  • Identity.
  • Citizenship or authorized presence.
  • South Carolina residency.
  • Social Security number.
    • Your acceptable documents will differ slightly based on whether you want a federally compliant REAL ID permit or a non-compliant permit. The SC DMV provides a guide to acceptable documents for both REAL IDs and non-compliant credentials.
• Payment for the applicable permit fees:
  • Knowledge test: $2
  • Beginner's permit: $2.50

You may apply for your learner's permit once you're at least 15 years old.

Visit your local DMV office and submit:

• A completed:
  • Application for Beginner's Permit, Driver's License, or Identification Card  (form 447-NC).
  • Consent for Minor form (447-CM), if you're younger than 18 years old. Your parent/guardian must sign this form in front of the DMV agent and provide their ID.
• Provide proof of your:
  • Identity.
  • Citizenship or authorized presence.
  • South Carolina residency.
  • Social Security number.
    • Your acceptable documents will differ slightly based on whether you want a federally compliant REAL ID permit or a non-compliant permit. The SC DMV provides a guide to acceptable documents for both REAL IDs and non-compliant credentials.
• Pass the:
  • Written knowledge exam.
  • Vision test.
• Pay for the applicable permit fees:
  • Knowledge test: $2
  • Beginner's permit: $2.50

Some examples of potential questions include:

You must use your headlights:

1. At all times
2. Between sundown and sunrise
3. Only during poor weather

Unless otherwise posted, the maximum speed limit on South Carolina roads and highways is:

1. 55 MPH
2. 60 MPH
3. 65 MPH

If the roadway is wet or icy you should:

1. Follow the posted speed limit
2. Reduce your speed
3. Speed up

Find more sample questions on a free South Carolina practice test.

No; however, if you're under 18 years old, you must complete Driver's Ed before applying for your Conditional or Special Restricted driver's license.

The South Carolina Operator's Manual is available online and at your local driver licensing office.

The South Carolina Driver's Manual has everything you need to pass your permit test. It's also a good idea to use a free practice test to get ready for the testing format and prepare yourself for the actual experience of taking the exam.

Once you pass your road test, visit your local DMV office to apply for your license. The licensing agent will give you either your official license or a temporary paper license to use until your photo license arrives in the mail. Call your local licensing office for specifics.

No, your photo will be taken at the licensing office where you apply.

Yes, your vision test occurs during your learner permit application.

No, a physical exam isn't required for a South Carolina instruction permit.

You'll need:

• A completed:
  • Application for Beginner's Permit, Driver's License, or Identification Card  (form 447-NC).
  • Consent for Minor form (447-CM), if you're younger than 18 years old. Your parent/guardian must sign this form in front of the DMV agent and provide their ID.
• Proof of your:
  • Identity.
  • Citizenship or authorized presence.
  • South Carolina residency.
  • Social Security number.
    • Your acceptable documents will differ slightly based on whether you want a federally compliant REAL ID permit or a non-compliant permit. The SC DMV provides a guide to acceptable documents for both REAL IDs and non-compliant credentials.
• Payment for the:
  • Knowledge test: $2
  • Beginner's permit: $2.50

You can contact your local driver licensing office by phone. You can contact the state Department of Motor Vehicles headquarters by phone.

Visit your local driver license station.

Examples of proof of legal presence include your original birth certificate or your valid U.S. passport.

You'll need:

• Your beginner's permit.
• A completed Application for Beginner's Permit, Driver's License, or Identification Card (form 447-NC).
• Registration and insurance for your testing vehicle.
• Proof of your:
  • Identity.
  • Citizenship or authorized presence.
  • Social Security number
  • South Carolina residency.
    • Your acceptable documents will differ slightly based on whether you want a federally compliant REAL ID permit or a non-compliant license. The SC DMV provides a guide to acceptable documents for both REAL IDs and non-compliant credentials.
• Payment for the $25 license fee.

You'll need:

• Your beginner's permit.
• A completed:
  • Application for Beginner's Permit, Driver's License, or Identification Card (form 447-NC).
  • Certification of School Attendance, Driver's Education, and Driving Practice (form PDLA), available ONLY at your local DMV office. Do not download any copies of this form that you may find online; the SCDMV will not accept them.
  • Supervised Driving Log (form DL-008A).
• The registration and insurance for your testing vehicle.
• Proof of your:
  • Identity.
  • Citizenship or authorized presence.
  • Social Security number.
  • South Carolina residency.
    • Your acceptable documents will differ slightly based on whether you want a federally compliant REAL ID permit or a non-compliant license. The SC DMV provides a guide to acceptable documents for both REAL IDs and non-compliant credentials. 
• Payment for the $25 license fee.

You may apply for your beginner's permit once you're 15 years old.

If you hold an instruction permit, you may drive between the hours of 6 AM and midnight with a supervising licensed driver at least 21 years old seated next to you who has been licensed themselves for at least 1 year. After midnight, if you're under 17 years old, you must be accompanied by one of the individuals named on your Consent for Minor form.

If you have a Conditional or Special Provisional license:

• You may carry only 2 passengers who are under 21 years old while driving unsupervised; otherwise, a licensed driver at least 21 years old must accompany you.
  • Exceptions include family members, or if you are driving students to and from school.
• You must adhere to the following daylight driving restrictions:
  • You may drive unsupervised between 6 AM and 6 PM, or until 8 PM during Daylight Savings.
  • From 6 PM/8 PM to midnight, you must be accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years old.
    • If you're at least 16 years old, you may be eligible to apply for a waiver that allows you to drive until midnight unsupervised.
  • From midnight to 6 AM, you must be accompanied by one of the individuals listed on your Consent for Minor form.

If you're 17 or older, you can get your driver's license once you've held your instruction permit for at least 180 days.

If you're under 17 years old, you can get a Conditional or Special Restricted driver's license once you've held a learner's permit for at least 180 days and have completed both your Driver's Ed course and your 40 required practice hours.

You may only drive with your South Carolina beginner's permit when accompanied by a licensed supervising driver at least 21 years old sitting in the front seat at all times. They must have held their license for at least 1 year. If you're under 17 and driving between midnight and 6      AM, this person must be one of the individuals named on your Consent for Minor form.

You may begin practicing with your parents right away.

You must fill out:

• An Application for Beginner's Permit, Driver's License, or Identification Card (form 447-NC).
• A Certification of School Attendance, Driver's Education, and Driving Practice (form PDLA) if you're under 18.

To get your permit, you must pass a knowledge test and a vision exam. To get your driver's license, you must also pass an on-road driving skills test.

South Carolina drivers under 17 years old must complete a state-approved driver education program consisting of 8 hours of classroom time and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction. Applicants 17 and older are not required to complete driver education.

Before earning your beginner's permit in South Carolina, you must first be at least 15 years old and have studied SC driving laws to pass the knowledge exam. You'll also need to gather your required identity documents to bring to the DMV.

The only requirement to apply for your SC beginner's permit is to be at least 15 years old.

To apply for a SC Conditional or Special Restricted license, you must:

• Be at least 15 years and 6 months old.
• Have earned your beginner's permit and held it for at least 180 days.
• Pass a state-approved driver education course.
• Complete at least 40 hours of behind-the-wheel practice.
• Pass the driving skills road test.

To apply for a first-time license as an adult in South Carolina, you must:

• Have earned your beginner's permit and held it for at least 180 days.
• Pass the driving skills road test.

You can take your road test once you have:

• Earned your beginner's permit and held it for at least 180 days.
• Completed your driver's education program and behind-the-wheel practice hours, if you're under 17 years old.

You can renew your SC driver's license in person, by mail, or online. Your renewal notice will state which option(s) you're eligible for.

Driver's licenses in South Carolina expire every 8 years. You should receive a notice prior to its expiration.

License renewals are $25.

You must obtain a South Carolina license within 90 days of establishing residency in the state.

No, you must take your knowledge test in person at a driver licensing office.

You can take the knowledge exam as many times as needed to pass.

Have your glasses or contact lenses, if you need them, as well as all of your required proofs of identity. If you're under 18 years old, have your parent or guardian there to sign your application and your Consent for Minor form.

The South Carolina permit exam will test you on topics such as road signs, state driving laws, right-of-way procedures, driving safety requirements, and more. You can find examples of topics in the South Carolina Driver's Manual, as well as on free practice tests to help you prepare for your exam.

Appointments are not required for knowledge tests but are highly encouraged.

Contact your local driver licensing office to see if they offer Saturday appointments.

You may be able to apply for a Route Restricted license, which allows you to drive solely for specific purposes like education or employment.

Requirements will vary based on your personal circumstances and why your license was initially suspended. Minimally, you'll need to complete an Application for a Route Restricted Driver's License (form DL-127) and mail it to SCDMV.

You can request a Route Restricted license by mailing an Application for a Route Restricted Driver's License (form DL-127) to the DMV, along with any required court paperwork.

Your restriction period will vary based on a number of factors, including your specific violation or reason for restriction, and whether it's a first offense or you have a repeated history of offenses.