Free South Carolina DMV Practice Permit Test - Practice Test 3 2026
This Practice Test 3 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.
You are on a freeway on-ramp and the ramp meter signal shows red. What should you do?
What's on the South Carolina Practice Test 3
The DMV does not publish how many questions are on the real South Carolina knowledge test. Practice Test 3 is a 25-question set drawn from 52 questions, scored against a practice target of 70%.
Topics in this test's question pool
- Road signs 17
- Traffic laws 13
- Safe driving 8
- Emergencies 4
- Alcohol & drugs 4
- Parking 2
- Right of way 2
- Vehicle equipment 2
52 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. Under South Carolina's restricted license, you may not carry more than:
- A. Two passengers under 21 (correct)
- B. Four passengers under 21
- C. One passenger of any age
- D. Three passengers under 18
Why: South Carolina limits restricted-license drivers to no more than two passengers under 21 unless a licensed adult 21+ is present (family or students to school are exceptions).
Source: official South Carolina driver handbook, PDF p.11-12, conditional / special restricted license restrictions
2. You park facing uphill on a road that has no curb. Which way should you turn your front wheels?
- A. Straight ahead, not turned at all
- B. To the left, toward traffic
- C. To the right, toward the road edge (correct)
- D. Either way, if the brake is set
Why: With no curb to stop the car, turn the wheels to the right so that if the brakes fail the car rolls off the road instead of into traffic. Also set the parking brake.
Source: official South Carolina driver handbook, p.7-13 (PDF p.88), Parking on Hills
3. When approaching a stopped vehicle displaying a blue and red flashing light on the roadside, the safest and often legally required action is to:
- A. Keep your speed and stay in your lane
- B. Change lanes away if safe, or else slow down (correct)
- C. Stop in your lane until the vehicle leaves
- D. Speed up to pass the scene as fast as possible
Why: Move Over laws require drivers to change lanes away from stopped emergency and service vehicles when safe. If you cannot move over, slow down well below the speed limit and pass with extreme caution.
4. What does this sign tell you about the bridge ahead?
- A. It is narrower than the road (correct)
- B. It is closed to all traffic
- C. It may be icy in cold weather
- D. It is a toll bridge ahead
Why: The narrow bridge sign warns that the bridge is narrower than the road leading to it. Slow down and watch for oncoming traffic.
Source: p.63 (PDF p.66), Warning signs
5. On an undivided two-lane road, a school bus stops with its red lights flashing and stop arm out. What must drivers do?
- A. Stop, then pass slowly if no children are seen
- B. Stop in both directions until the lights stop (correct)
- C. Slow down and pass on the left with caution
- D. Wait until children reach the curb, then pass
Why: On an undivided road, traffic in both directions must stop for a school bus showing flashing red lights and a stop arm, and stay stopped until the lights stop. Rules for the opposite side of a divided highway differ by state (New York requires you to stop even then), so check your handbook.
6. How do prescription and over-the-counter medications affect driving?
- A. Legal medicines are always safe to drive on
- B. Only prescription drugs can impair driving
- C. Many cause drowsiness - check the label first (correct)
- D. Only if you take more than the dose listed
Why: Many legal medications - including antihistamines, sleep aids, and pain relievers - can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or slowed reactions. Always read warning labels and avoid driving if a medication may impair you.
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 3 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.