Free South Carolina DMV Practice Permit Test - Practice Test 1 2026
This Practice Test 1 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.
Green guide signs are used to show:
What's on the South Carolina Practice Test 1
The DMV does not publish how many questions are on the real South Carolina knowledge test. Practice Test 1 is a 25-question set drawn from 53 questions, scored against a practice target of 70%.
Topics in this test's question pool
- Road signs 20
- Traffic laws 16
- Safe driving 7
- Parking 3
- Right of way 3
- Emergencies 2
- Speed limits 1
- Alcohol & drugs 1
53 questions in the pool, 11 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. According to the South Carolina manual, what is the first step if your gas pedal sticks and the car keeps speeding up?
- A. Turn off the engine (correct)
- B. Pump the brake pedal hard
- C. Pull the pedal up by hand
- D. Steer onto the shoulder
Why: South Carolina lists turning off the engine first, then shifting to neutral, looking for an escape path, steering smoothly and braking gently off the road.
Source: official South Carolina driver handbook, p.9-5 (PDF p.108), Stuck Accelerator
2. A South Carolina beginner's permit holder must always drive with:
- A. A licensed adult 21+ in the front seat (correct)
- B. Any licensed driver seated in the front
- C. Only a parent or legal guardian
- D. No one - they may drive alone
Why: A South Carolina beginner's permit holder must have a licensed driver at least 21 (with at least one year of experience) in the front passenger seat.
Source: official South Carolina driver handbook, PDF p.8, Graduated Driver's License Program - beginner's permit
3. What does a red traffic light mean?
- A. Stop, then go straight if the way is clear
- B. Stop completely before the intersection (correct)
- C. Slow down and yield to cross traffic
- D. Prepare to stop - the light will change soon
Why: A red light means you must stop completely before the stop line, crosswalk, or before entering the intersection. You must remain stopped until the light turns green.
4. For adult drivers (21+), what Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is the legal limit in most states?
- A. 0.05%
- B. 0.08% (correct)
- C. 0.04%
- D. 0.02%
Why: In most US states, a BAC of 0.08% or higher is legally considered driving under the influence (DUI) for drivers 21 and older. Always check your state's specific laws.
5. What does the 'basic speed law' require?
- A. You may always drive at the posted limit, whatever the conditions
- B. Drive no faster than is safe for current conditions (correct)
- C. Keep up with the flow of traffic, even above the limit
- D. Never drive more than 10 mph below the posted limit
Why: Every state has a basic speed rule: never drive faster than is reasonable and safe for traffic, weather, visibility and road conditions. You can be cited for driving too fast for conditions even while under the posted limit.
6. A driver ahead holds their left arm straight out of the window like this. What does it mean?
- A. They will turn left (correct)
- B. They will turn right
- C. They will slow down or stop
- D. You may pass them now
Why: Drivers use hand signals when their turn signals or brake lights do not work. The left arm held straight out means a left turn.
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 1 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.