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Free rider study aid · South Carolina Motorcycle and Moped Operator ManualChecked

South Carolina Motorcycle Permit Practice Test

Hold the permit at least 180 days if you're under 18, or 30 days if you're 18 or older. Practice with 650+ questions for the South Carolina motorcycle knowledge test, written from the South Carolina Motorcycle and Moped Operator Manual.

  • 30questions
  • 24to pass (80%)
  • $0full test here
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  • 7 topics from the South Carolina Motorcycle and Moped Operator Manual
  • Answers explained, with the page to read
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Sample question

South Carolina motorcycle test

Control, lane position and space

You've just swung your leg over and sat down. What comes next?

Practice Control, lane position and space

Basic vehicle control · Lane position, space, being seen and speed

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South Carolina motorcycle test topics

How practice rounds are picked

South Carolina Motorcycle and Moped Operator ManualNovember 2012checked Page numbers are the ones printed on the handbook pages: section, then page (6-1 is page 1 of section 6); tap one to open the official PDF at that page.

Open the PDFSouth Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV)

How the South Carolina motorcycle test works

  1. Beginner's permit first, then the skills test

    Pass the motorcycle knowledge test (and a vision test, if it applies) for a Class M beginner's permit, then the skills test for the license. The SCDMV accepts a Motorcycle Safety Foundation skills test certificate instead if an SCDMV-contracted tester gave it within 30 days of your application.

  2. Riding on a beginner's permit

    You may ride alone from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (8 p.m. during daylight saving time); at other times a motorcycle-licensed rider at least 21 with a year of experience must be within a safe distance and able to see you. Hold the permit at least 180 days if you're under 18, or 30 days if you're 18 or older.

  3. Three tries at the SCDMV

    You can attempt the motorcycle road test at the SCDMV no more than three times. After a third failure, you must pass an SCDMV-authorized safety course and its test to get your license.

  4. Helmets under 21

    South Carolina requires riders and passengers under 21 to wear a helmet with a chin or neck strap and reflectors on both sides, and riders under 21 to wear goggles or a face shield. South Carolina Motorcycle and Moped Operator Manual p. 1-12 to 1-13

Sources: SCDMV: Motorcycle Road Test · SCDMV: Beginner's Permits

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South Carolina riding laws

  • Is lane splitting legal in South Carolina?

    No. Riding between lanes of traffic or between rows of vehicles isn't allowed, nor is passing a vehicle within its own lane; only police officers on duty are exempt. Up to two motorcycles may ride side by side in one lane. p. 1-14

  • What is South Carolina's Two Minute Law?

    At a traffic light that stays red, a motorcyclist may go through after a full and complete stop of 120 seconds, using due care and treating the light like a stop sign once it is safe. p. 1-14

  • Does South Carolina's hands-free law apply to motorcycle riders?

    Yes. On any public road you may not hold or support a phone, read or send texts, or watch videos while riding; voice calls through an earpiece or wrist device are allowed. A second offense adds two points to your record. p. 9-3

Rules from the South Carolina Motorcycle and Moped Operator Manual

From the November 2012 edition.

South Carolina permit, license and laws

Practice South Carolina permit, license and laws
  • p. 1-2
    How to Obtain Your Motorcycle License or Permit

    To get a South Carolina motorcycle permit or license you must be at least 15, have a qualified licensed adult consent if you're under 18, prove your name, age and address, and have no suspended, revoked, disqualified, denied or canceled driving privilege in any state.

  • p. 1-3
    Types of Motorcycle and Moped Licenses

    In South Carolina, a 15- or 16-year-old must also pass a driver education course before applying for a motorcycle license.

Gear, controls and checks

Practice Gear, controls and checks
  • p. 3-1
    Selecting and Wearing Protective Gear

    A responsible rider wears protective gear, knows the motorcycle, inspects it and rides free of alcohol and drugs; every ride calls for a DOT-compliant helmet, face and eye protection, and protective riding gear (gloves, long pants, jacket, sturdy footwear).

  • p. 3-2
    Helmet Use

    A DOT-compliant helmet doesn't restrict vision or mask important sounds; it protects from wind, bugs and debris, and since crashes can happen any time, even on short rides, it reduces head injury severity at any speed.

Control, lane position and space

Practice Control, lane position and space
  • p. 4-2
    Stopping the Engine, Dismounting and Securing the Motorcycle

    To stop and secure the motorcycle: turn the engine cut-off and ignition off (and the fuel valve, if any) with all lights off.

  • p. 4-3
    Riding Posture

    Good riding posture: back straight, head and eyes up, sitting so your arms steer rather than hold you up; hold the grips firmly with your right wrist flat for throttle control; knees close to the tank when moving; feet on the footrests, toes not pointing down, near the controls.

Risk and intersections

Practice Risk and intersections
  • p. 5-1
    Rider Responsibilities

    A responsible rider accepts the responsibilities of riding: having a motorcycle license, following the laws and rules of the road, sharing the road with pedestrians, bicyclists and large vehicles, riding alcohol and drug free and always wearing protective gear.

  • p. 5-2
    Risk Awareness

    Motorcycling carries risks other vehicles don't: vulnerability (less crash protection and less stability than cars, which is why to wear protective gear) and visibility (motorcycles are smaller and other drivers may not be looking for them).

Crash avoidance and hazards

Practice Crash avoidance and hazards
  • p. 6-3
    Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS)

    On a motorcycle with anti-lock brakes, apply maximum pressure on both brakes as quickly and firmly as you can in an emergency; you may feel the brakes pulse, but keep holding the pressure until you've completely stopped.

  • p. 6-5
    Swerving

    If braking is needed when you swerve, keep the two separate: brake before or after the swerve, never during it.

Passengers, cargo and groups

Practice Passengers, cargo and groups
  • p. 8-2
    Carrying Passengers and Cargo

    A passenger must sit behind you, as far forward as possible, never in front of you whatever their age, on a seat large enough for both, with passenger footrests and a secure hand strap or handholds.

  • p. 8-4
    Group Riding

    Group riding should neither endanger nor block the free flow of traffic and can improve visibility; it needs concentration and communication, and you should gain riding experience first. Plan ahead, keep the group small, keep your distance and ride staggered without pairing up.

South Carolina motorcycle license questions and answers

9 questions

The knowledge test

How many questions are on the South Carolina motorcycle knowledge test?

The SCDMV doesn't publish the number of questions or the passing score for the motorcycle knowledge test. Our practice exam uses 30 questions with 24 to pass (80%).

What does this South Carolina motorcycle practice test cover?

The South Carolina Motorcycle and Moped Operator Manual: the national AAMVA rider text (November 2012) with South Carolina's licensing, moped, alcohol and riding laws, three-wheel vehicles and the skills test. The same knowledge test is used for a moped license. South Carolina Motorcycle and Moped Operator Manual p. 1-8

What score do I need to pass the South Carolina motorcycle permit test?

You need 24 of the 30 questions right (80%). Always confirm the current test with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV). Compare every state

How many questions can I miss on the South Carolina motorcycle permit test?

You can miss up to 6 of the 30 questions: you need 24 right (80%) to pass.

Getting your license

How old do you have to be for a motorcycle permit in South Carolina?

15. Applicants under 18 need a qualified adult to sign consent, and 15- and 16-year-olds must also pass a driver education course before getting the motorcycle license. South Carolina Motorcycle and Moped Operator Manual p. 1-3

How long must I hold a South Carolina motorcycle permit?

At least 180 days if you're under 18, or 30 days if you're 18 or older, before the skills test. A motorcycle permit can be renewed no more than three times, and only after you attempt the skills test.

Where can I take the South Carolina motorcycle skills test?

At a designated SCDMV branch, Monday through Friday, by appointment, or through one of the SCDMV-contracted one-stop motorcycle training and testing programs, whose skills test certificate the SCDMV accepts.

Do I need a motorcycle license for a trike in South Carolina?

No. A three-wheel motorcycle may be driven with any class of license except a moped license. A motorcycle with a detachable sidecar needs a Class M license; passing the sidecar road test, given only at the Blythewood branch, adds an S3 restriction.

How do I get a moped license in South Carolina?

At 15 or older, apply at any SCDMV branch and pass the vision and knowledge tests; there is no skills test. Riders under 16 may ride alone only in daylight. The moped must be registered, and the license is valid for eight years.

Sources: SCDMV: Motorcycle Road Test · SCDMV: Beginner's Permits · SCDMV: Motorcycle · SCDMV: Moped License