South Carolina Permit Test FAQ

The South Carolina knowledge test has 30 questions, and you need 24 right (80%) to pass. Our full practice exam uses the same size and pass mark. Always confirm the current test with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV).

At least 15. You get it by passing the vision test and the written knowledge test. (South Carolina Driver's License Manual, p. 1-4)

At any SCDMV branch. For a first Class D permit, approved driving schools in the One Stop Driver Training and Testing Program can also give the test. (South Carolina Driver's License Manual, p. 1-10 to 1-11)

From 6 a.m. to midnight, a licensed driver aged 21 or older with at least a year of driving experience, sitting in the front seat. From midnight to 6 a.m., only a licensed parent, guardian or another adult named in the state law may supervise you. (South Carolina Driver's License Manual, p. 1-4)

If you are 17 or younger, at least 180 days; you can apply for a license on day 181. If you are 18 or older, at least 30 days. (South Carolina Driver's License Manual, p. 1-4 to 1-5)

Original documents such as a government-issued birth certificate and proof of your current physical address (two proofs if you want a REAL ID). The SCDMV's MV-93 checklist lists everything a U.S. citizen can use. (SCDMV: Beginner's Permits)

No manuals, notes, phones or other devices are allowed. Talking to anyone, leaving before you finish, or bringing in anything that could help means you fail. (South Carolina Driver's License Manual, p. 1-10)

Drive alone from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (8 p.m. in daylight saving time), drive until midnight with a licensed driver aged 21 or older, and after midnight only with a licensed parent, guardian or other listed adult. Without an adult 21 or older, carry no more than two passengers under 21, except family or students going to and from school. (South Carolina Driver's License Manual, p. 1-7 to 1-8)

More than 180 days on the permit, driver's education (8 classroom hours and 6 driving hours), 40 logged practice hours with 10 at night, and school enrollment with satisfactory attendance. Your driving school gives you the PDLA form after the course. (South Carolina Driver's License Manual, p. 1-6 to 1-7)

At 17, or after a year on a conditional or special restricted license with no traffic offenses and no at-fault collisions. You don't need to visit a branch: a license sleeve arrives by mail. (South Carolina Driver's License Manual, p. 1-9 to 1-10)

After a first failure you wait two business days, after a second seven calendar days, and after a third or later 30 calendar days. (South Carolina Driver's License Manual, p. 1-13)

Only hands-free. You may not hold or support a device with any part of your body, text, or watch videos; earpieces and wrist devices for voice calls are allowed. (South Carolina Driver's License Manual, p. 3-5)

Permit, conditional and special restricted license holders who reach six points lose their driving privileges, and a defensive driving course won't lift that suspension. (South Carolina Driver's License Manual, p. 1-19)