South Carolina DMV written test
South Carolina DMV Cheat Sheet
The South Carolina knowledge test facts in one place, checked against South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) sources and last verified November 2026.
The numbers
South Carolina DMV test numbers to memorize
The South Carolina knowledge test has 30 questions and you need 24 correct, which is 80 percent. You can miss 6. The test is given by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV).
30
Questions on the test
24
80% to pass
Correct answers needed
6
Questions you can miss
15
Minimum age
- Time limit
- The agency does not publish a time limit for the knowledge test, so we do not state one.
- Test fee on record
- $2. The agency's fee page decides exactly what this covers, so confirm it before you go.
- Format
- Computer-based at SCDMV branch office
- Online test
- Not offered. You test in person.
- Appointment
- Not required. Walk-ins accepted. Visit an SCDMV branch before 4 p.m. to take the knowledge test.
Before you go
Documents to bring in South Carolina
The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) asks for these documents for the permit test. Check the agency's current list before you go, because requirements change.
0 of 5 done
- Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
- Social Security card
- Proof of South Carolina residency
- Proof of vehicle insurance
- Parental consent (if under 18)
If you fail
If you fail: South Carolina retake rules
The knowledge test costs $2 per attempt, so a retake is $2. SCDMV does not publish a waiting period or an attempt limit for the knowledge test. Road-test waits do escalate: 2 business days after the first failure, 7 calendar days after the second, and 30 calendar days after the third or any later failure, with the same ladder for the CDL skills test (which also carries a $25 retest fee). The motorcycle road test is capped at 3 attempts with SCDMV, after which you must complete an SCDMV-authorized motorcycle safety course.
- CDL skills test, first failure (CDL) after failure number 1: wait 2 days.
- CDL skills test, second failure (CDL) after failure number 2: wait 7 days.
- CDL skills test, third and subsequent failures (CDL) after failure number 3: wait 30 days.
- Attempt limit: the agency does not publish one that we could confirm.
- Retest fee: $2 per attempt.
- Barred from further SCDMV motorcycle road testing; must complete an SCDMV-authorized motorcycle safety course and pass its skills test to be licensed.
- Motorcycle beginner's permit cannot be renewed more than three times, and each renewal requires a bona fide skills-test attempt.
Who can test
Age and permit rules in South Carolina
- Under 18
- Must be at least 15. Must have parental consent. Must complete a driver education course or hold permit for 180 days. Beginner's permit allows supervised driving only. Conditional license restrictions until age 17.
- Permit versus license
- A beginner's permit allows supervised driving with a licensed driver 21+ in the front seat. Must hold for at least 180 days (or complete driver ed) before taking the road test.
- Where the test is given
- In-person at any South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) branch office.
- How you get results
- Immediate. Pass/fail shown on screen after completing the test.
Study material
Languages and handbook
Our record of exam languages for South Carolina: English, Spanish, French, German, and American Sign Language. This list is flagged for verification because the agency does not clearly say which languages the exam itself is given in (a handbook can be published in more languages than the exam), so confirm with SCDMV before you rely on it.
The study source is the South Carolina Driver's Manual (June 2024 edition).
From learner data
Most missed South Carolina practice questions
These free South Carolina questions have the lowest correct rates among learners on DMV IQ. Percentages are rounded to the nearest 5 and only questions with enough answers are listed. Each one shows the right answer, so read the reasoning in the handbook, not just the answer.
- 1
If you double your speed, your braking distance increases by about:
Four times
About 30% get it right
- 2
At what age can a South Carolina driver obtain a full, unrestricted license?
17
About 35% get it right
- 3
What is the annual fee to legally drive without insurance in South Carolina?
$600
About 35% get it right
- 4
How many hours of supervised driving practice are required for a South Carolina beginner's permit holder?
40 hours including 10 at night
About 40% get it right
- 5
How many points are assessed for reckless driving in South Carolina?
6 points
About 40% get it right
- 6
How many passengers under 21 (non-family) are allowed with a South Carolina conditional license holder?
2 passengers
About 45% get it right
Your plan
Free South Carolina study checklist
Work through the free practice runs and topic cards, and tick each one off. Your ticks stay on this device.
Test yourself on the South Carolina questions
Free practice tests and topic cards, each question with a hint and an explanation from the driver manual.
Start free practice test 1