South Carolina · Department of Motor Vehicles
South Carolina’s knowledge test is given by the SCDMV. DMV Champ’s simulated tests use 30 questions, with 24 right to pass.
30 (DMV Champ’s figure, not confirmed by an official source)
questions
24 (DMV Champ’s figure, not confirmed by an official source)
right to pass
80% (DMV Champ’s figure, not confirmed by an official source)
passing score
* The figures DMV Champ’s simulated tests use, not confirmed by an official source.
Checked against the South Carolina Driver’s License Manual on October 25, 2026. How we check facts
Practice test
Pick an answer and check it. Every question comes with the reason behind the right answer and the sentence of an official document it rests on.
To pass here you need 8 of 10, the 80% DMV Champ’s simulated tests use.
Question 1 of 10 · Work zones and flaggers
The answer is B: Yes, slowly and ready to stop.
The SLOW face means keep moving, slowly, and watch for people and machines. The flagger may add a wave of the free hand to send you on. It is not permission to hurry: traffic may be coming the other way through the one open lane.
“To alert or slow traffic, the flagger shall face road users with the SLOW paddle face aimed toward road users in a stationary position with the arm extended horizontally away from the body.”
Question 2 of 10 · Passing
The answer is A: No. It is not a passing lane.
The shoulder is not a passing lane, paved or not. Other drivers do not expect a car there, and one pulling off the road may do it without looking. A stopped car or a cyclist can be just ahead as well. Stay in line and pass in a traffic lane where the road allows it.
“Never pass on the shoulder, whether it is paved or not.”
Question 3 of 10 · Following distance and space
The answer is A: When the car ahead passes it.
Start counting the moment the back of the car ahead passes the sign. Count one thousand one, one thousand two, until your own car reaches it. That count is the time between you and the car ahead, which is the time you would have to stop. Any fixed object works, like a pole or a tree.
“Watch when the rear of the vehicle ahead passes a sign, pole, or any other stationary point.”
Question 4 of 10 · Traffic signals and arrows
The answer is B: No. Wait until the lights stop.
Flashing red lights at a crossing mean a train is coming or still near, whatever the gate is doing. Stay stopped until the lights stop flashing. A second train may be coming on another track, hidden by the first. The lights, not the gate, tell you when it is clear.
“Flashing-Light Signals—a warning device consisting of two red signal indications arranged horizontally that are activated to flash alternately when rail traffic is approaching or present at a grade crossing.”
Question 5 of 10 · Emergency vehicles and the Move Over law
The answer is C: No. Slow down and go past with care.
When you cannot change lanes, the law asks you to slow down and pass with care. How much to slow down varies by state, and some states name a figure. Go well under the speed of the traffic around you and be ready to stop. Stopping on the highway would create a new hazard.
“If a lane change is not possible, reduce speed and proceed with caution.”
Question 6 of 10 · Rain, fog and slick roads
The answer is C: slow down.
Slow down in the rain and wherever water pools on the road. At low speed the grooves in the tread push the water out from under the tire. The faster you go, the less water they can clear. A firm grip and a tap on the brakes clear no water at all.
“The best way to avoid traction loss from hydroplaning is to slow down in the rain or when the road is wet with pooled water or water puddles.”
Question 7 of 10 · Regulatory signs
The answer is B: No. Slow down and go if it stays clear.
A yield sign asks you to give up the right of way, not to stop for its own sake. If the road is clear, slow down, look, and go. A stop sign is the one that requires a full stop whether the road is empty or not.
“Vehicles controlled by a YIELD sign need to slow down to a speed that is reasonable for the existing conditions or stop when necessary to avoid interfering with conflicting traffic.”
Question 8 of 10 · Licensing, insurance and penalties
The answer is B: No. That is a separate offense.
A suspended license is not valid for any trip. Driving on it is a separate offense, on top of what got you suspended. It brings a fine, often jail, and usually a longer suspension. In many states the owner who lends a car to a suspended or unlicensed driver is punished too.
“If your license or permit has been suspended or revoked for any reason, it is not valid. You are not allowed to drive in Massachusetts or anywhere else. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is a criminal motor vehicle violation. You may face a large fine and/or jail sentence, as well as additional penalties.”
Question 9 of 10 · Looking ahead, mirrors and backing up
The answer is A: your mirrors do not show.
A blind spot is the area beside and just behind your car that no mirror shows. A car or a motorcycle can be there without showing in any mirror. The only way to check it is to turn your head and look over your shoulder on that side.
“Check your "blind spots," or areas around your vehicle that cannot be seen by other vehicles, by turning your head and looking over your shoulder in the direction you plan to move.”
Question 10 of 10 · Turns and U-turns
The answer is B: No. Keep to the right edge of your lane.
Turn right from the right-most part of your lane and keep close to the curb. Swinging left first tells the driver behind that you are changing lanes or turning left. It also opens a gap on your right for a bicycle or a car. Set your position before the corner.
“Avoid swinging wide to the left before making the turn.”
These 10 questions are from the DMV Champ app’s practice set, last updated October 23, 2026. Spot a mistake in a question? Email us.
On DMV Champ’s 30-question simulated test, you can miss 6.
Those figures aren’t confirmed by an official source.
DMV Champ uses the same format for Alabama, Arizona, Maine and Mississippi.
The youngest you can be is 15.
“If you have never had a driver’s license, you must start with a beginner’s permit. • You must be at least 15 years old.”
The manual calls it a beginner’s permit.
“If you have never had a driver’s license, you must start with a beginner’s permit.”
It’s given by the SCDMV.
“You may take vision and knowledge tests at any SCDMV branch.”
To take the test, go to an SCDMV branch before 4 p.m.
“If you're interested in getting a beginner's permit, study the appropriate manual and visit an SCDMV branch before 4 p.m. to take the knowledge test.”
If you’re getting your first Class D beginner’s permit, you can also test with a third-party tester.
“There are also One Stop Driver Training and Testing Programs (also known as third-party testers) available if you are applying for a first-time regular (class D) beginner’s permit, driver’s license, or motorcycle (class M) license.”
You can’t bring written material or any kind of electronic device into the test area.
“Written material or electronic devices of any kind are not allowed in the knowledge test area.”
Test simulator
DMV Champ teaches every question with its explanation, then checks you with 5 simulated tests of 30 questions, graded against the 24-correct passing score. 36 topics in South Carolina: the 34 every state tests, plus winter driving and flooding, because the South Carolina handbook teaches them.
Download on the App Store