South Carolina SCDMV Permit Test FAQ

You must answer at least 20 out of 25 questions correctly — an 80% passing score. You can miss up to 5 and still pass.

You may retake the knowledge test after a short waiting period. The skills (driving) test has specific state-set waits: 2 business days after a 1st failure, 7 calendar days after a 2nd, and 30 calendar days after a 3rd or any subsequent failure — regardless of age or driving experience (1-13).

You must be at least 15 years old. You must pass a vision and knowledge test. Applicants under 18 need a parent or legal guardian to sign the Consent for Minor form (SCDMV Form 447-CM) in the presence of an SCDMV employee or agent. Applicants 17 and under must hold the permit at least 180 days; 18+ must hold it at least 30 days (1-4, 1-5).

Conditional (15½–16) and special restricted (16–17) license holders may drive alone 6 a.m.–6 p.m. (8 p.m. during daylight savings time). From 6 p.m. (or 8 p.m. DST) to midnight they need a licensed driver age 21+ in the vehicle. After midnight a listed supervising adult (parent, legal guardian, etc. per SC Code §56-1-100(A)(1-7)) is required. Maximum 2 passengers under 21 unless a licensed 21+ adult is present — exception: family or students to/from school. A waiver ($25) can extend solo driving to midnight for specific work/school/church reasons (1-7, 1-8, 1-9).

Drivers under 21 who register a BAC of 0.02% or higher have their license suspended immediately for at least 3 months. Refusing the breath, blood, or urine test under implied consent is an immediate suspension of at least 6 months (3-7).

The per-se BAC limit is 0.08% for drivers age 21+. 0.02% for drivers under 21 (zero tolerance). A BAC of 0.15% or higher triggers enhanced penalties and additional suspension. You can still be convicted of impaired driving at 0.05% or lower if combined with prescription or over-the-counter drugs. Driving under the influence of drugs is treated the same as DUI or DUAC (3-6 to 3-9).

Always obey the posted speed limit — it is the maximum in ideal conditions. Reduce speed for rain, fog, curves, school zones, and work zones. Golf carts may only operate on roads posted at 35 mph or less. Maximum recommended speed when towing a trailer is 55 mph. Reduce speed in any work zone even if no workers are present (6-10, 8-2, 11-3, 11-11).

When parallel parked, your vehicle must be within 18 inches of the curb or edge of pavement. When parking along a roadway, park as far away from the flow of traffic as possible. Before opening your door on the street, check the sides and rear for bicyclists and traffic (7-10, 7-12, 10-5).

DUI or DUAC carries mandatory license suspension under SC law. Penalties escalate with BAC level and prior offenses. A BAC of 0.15% or higher triggers enhanced penalties. Refusing the implied-consent test = 6-month immediate suspension. A provisional driver's license is not available for any DUI or DUAC that takes place on or after May 19, 2024. Exact fine and jail amounts are set by SC Code §56-5-2930 and related statutes (1-21, 3-7).

Under the SC Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act, drivers on any public road may not physically hold or support a mobile device with any part of their body, read/write/send text (texts, emails, app interactions), or view moving images (videos, games, video calls). Earpieces and wrist-worn devices for voice calls are still allowed. 1st offense: $100. 2nd+ offense: $200 + 2 points on your driving record (3-4, 3-5).

Right on red: permitted after a complete stop unless a sign prohibits it. You must yield to pedestrians in or near the crosswalk and to other traffic lawfully using the intersection. Left on red: the SC Driver's Manual does not specifically address this, but SC law generally permits a left turn on red only from a one-way street onto another one-way street after a complete stop, unless prohibited by sign (6-3).

Standard SC driver's licenses are issued for 8-year terms. Renewal costs $25. You must pass a vision test — free at any SCDMV branch, or submit a Certificate of Vision Examination (valid 36 months) from a licensed eye care professional. Renew online, by mail, or in person at dmv.sc.gov. Online/mail renewal requires U.S. citizenship, a regular non-commercial license, fewer than 6 points in the last 2 years, and several other eligibility criteria. If you move to SC from another state, apply for an SC license within 45 days (1-13 to 1-17).