Free South Carolina DMV Practice Permit Test - Practice Test 2 2026
This Practice Test 2 is modeled on the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) written knowledge exam, whose length the agency does not publish; to pass you need a pass mark the DMV does not publish (our practice tests use 70%). These 25 questions rotate through traffic laws, road signs, and right-of-way - the core topics the DMV tests most heavily. Every question includes an explanation, so you learn the rule behind each answer - not just whether you got it right.
A small sign below a railroad crossbuck shows the number 2. What does it tell you?
What's on the South Carolina Practice Test 2
The DMV does not publish how many questions are on the real South Carolina knowledge test. Practice Test 2 is a 25-question set drawn from 46 questions, scored against a practice target of 70%.
Topics in this test's question pool
- Road signs 17
- Traffic laws 10
- Safe driving 6
- Right of way 5
- Parking 3
- Emergencies 3
- Alcohol & drugs 1
- Vehicle equipment 1
46 questions in the pool, 9 of them written specifically for South Carolina. Each attempt shows 25 in a new order.
Sample questions from this test, with answers
Want to test yourself first? Take the test above before reading these. Every answer below is checked against the source shown.
1. As little as how much moving floodwater can carry away most vehicles, including SUVs and pickup trucks?
- A. Six inches
- B. Two feet (correct)
- C. Four feet
- D. Six feet
Why: Six inches of water reaches the bottom of most cars and can cause stalling, and two feet of moving water can sweep most vehicles away. Turn around and find another route.
Source: official South Carolina driver handbook, p.8-4 (PDF p.97), Flooded roadways
2. What is the penalty for a second violation of South Carolina's Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act?
- A. $100 fine and no points
- B. $200 fine and two points (correct)
- C. $500 fine and four points
- D. License suspended 30 days
Why: A first offense brings a $100 fine. A second or later offense brings a $200 fine plus two points on your driving record.
Source: official South Carolina driver handbook, p.3-5 (PDF p.36), South Carolina Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act
3. A sign reading 'SPEED LIMIT 55' is what type of sign?
- A. Warning
- B. Regulatory (correct)
- C. Guide
- D. Informational
Why: Speed limit signs are regulatory - they state the maximum legal speed under ideal conditions, which you are legally required to obey.
Source: Federal MUTCD 11th ed. (Dec 2023) 2B.21 Paragraph 13
4. When should you use your windshield wipers?
- A. Only once rain is heavy, to save the blades
- B. Whenever rain, snow or spray blurs your view (correct)
- C. Only when the car's rain sensor turns them on
- D. Only in rain, not for snow or road spray
Why: Use your wipers whenever precipitation or road spray reduces your view. Many states also require your headlights to be on whenever your wipers are in use because of weather.
5. A sign reading 'YIELD' requires you to:
- A. Always come to a full stop first
- B. Slow down, give way, and stop if needed (correct)
- C. Go first - other drivers must yield to you
- D. Merge at the same speed as traffic
Why: A yield sign requires you to slow down and give the right of way to traffic and pedestrians. You must stop if necessary, but a full stop is not always required when the way is clear.
6. A school bus ahead of you turns on its flashing amber (yellow) lights. What does this tell you?
- A. The bus is about to stop - get ready to stop (correct)
- B. Children are crossing - stop right now
- C. The bus is turning, so pass it with care
- D. The bus is pulling over with a breakdown
Why: Flashing amber lights are a warning that the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Slow down and prepare to stop; the red lights come on when the bus stops.
More South Carolina facts, the full requirements table and the printable PDF are on the South Carolina permit practice test page.
South Carolina DMV Test Info
- Questions on real test
- Not published by the DMV
- Passing score
- Not published
- Correct needed
- a pass mark the DMV does not publish (our practice tests use 70%)
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Testing agency
- Department of Motor Vehicles
More South Carolina Tests
Study Tip
Don't just aim to pass this South Carolina Practice Test 2 once - keep taking it until you score 70% or higher two or three times in a row. Read the explanation after every question, even the ones you get right, to lock in the rule before your DMV exam.