Free South Carolina DMV Practice Permit Test - Practice Test 4 2026
This Practice Test 4 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 South Carolina driver age 17 or older will have their license suspended when their point total reaches:
What's on the South Carolina Practice Test 4
The DMV does not publish how many questions are on the real South Carolina knowledge test. Practice Test 4 is a 25-question set drawn from 49 questions, scored against a practice target of 70%.
Topics in this test's question pool
- Road signs 16
- Safe driving 11
- Traffic laws 9
- Emergencies 5
- Right of way 4
- Vehicle equipment 2
- Alcohol & drugs 1
- Parking 1
49 questions in the pool, 8 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 law, how far ahead must you signal before you change lanes or merge into traffic?
- A. At least 50 feet
- B. At least 100 feet (correct)
- C. At least 200 feet
- D. At least 500 feet
Why: South Carolina law requires a turn signal 100 feet or more before you turn, change lanes, or merge. Cancel the signal once you finish the move.
Source: official South Carolina driver handbook, p.8-9 (PDF p.102), Signaling Your Movements
2. Your car breaks down on the highway and you have emergency flares. Where should you place them?
- A. About 200 to 300 feet behind your car (correct)
- B. Right next to your rear bumper
- C. About 50 feet in front of your car
- D. About 1,000 feet behind your car
Why: Flares set about 200 to 300 feet behind the car give approaching drivers time to see the problem and change lanes. Also turn on your emergency flashers.
Source: official South Carolina driver handbook, p.9-5 (PDF p.108), Vehicle Breakdown
3. Total stopping distance is made up of:
- A. Reaction distance and braking distance only
- B. Perception, reaction, and braking distance (correct)
- C. Perception distance and braking distance
- D. Braking distance plus one car length
Why: Total stopping distance = perception distance (seeing the hazard) + reaction distance (moving your foot to the brake) + braking distance (the vehicle physically stopping). All three increase with speed, which is why higher speeds are far more dangerous.
4. At a roundabout, in which direction does traffic flow and who has priority?
- A. Clockwise; traffic in the circle has priority
- B. Counterclockwise; circulating traffic has priority (correct)
- C. Counterclockwise; the larger vehicle has priority
- D. Counterclockwise; entering traffic has priority
Why: In the United States, traffic in a roundabout flows counterclockwise, and vehicles already circulating in the roundabout have the right of way. Entering drivers must yield and merge into a safe gap.
5. What does this sign mean?
- A. Enter only after stopping
- B. Do not enter this roadway (correct)
- C. Road closed to trucks only
- D. Dead end - no outlet ahead
Why: This 'Do Not Enter' sign means you must not enter the road or ramp ahead, which is typically one-way or an exit. Entering would put you in oncoming traffic.
6. You see this white sign on the right side of the road. What must you do?
- A. Pass only on the right
- B. Pass only trucks
- C. Do not pass other vehicles (correct)
- D. Do not stop on the road
Why: The white rectangular Do Not Pass sign is a regulatory sign posted on the right side of the road. You may not pass other vehicles where it applies.
Source: PDF p.43, Passing
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 4 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.