South Carolina DMV Cheat Sheet
A condensed study guide for the SCDMV written knowledge test — test logistics, plus the South Carolina-specific rules most likely to differ from what you already know. This isn't a substitute for the official South Carolina driver's manual, or for practicing the real questions. Looking for the core rules and signs that apply everywhere, not just South Carolina? Check the general driving theory cheat sheet instead.
30Questions
80%To Pass
$2.00 knowledge test + $2.50 beginner's permit ($4.50 total)Fee
- Test length varies: The SCDMV knowledge test is 30 multiple-choice questions drawn from the Driver's License Manual, and you need 80% correct (24 of 30) to pass; this site's South Carolina practice test mirrors that same 30-question length.
- Fee: The manual itself doesn't print a permit fee table, but SCDMV's published fee schedule lists a $2.00 knowledge-test fee plus a $2.50 beginner's permit fee once you pass -- $4.50 total to walk out with a permit.
- Documents required:
- Proof of US citizenship or lawful presence, identity, date and place of birth, Social Security number, and SC address (see SCDMV form MV-93 for citizens, MV-94 for international customers)
- Old license or beginner's permit, if you have one
- A licensed driver to accompany you for the skills test
- Vehicle liability insurance information from a company licensed to do business in SC
- If you don't pass: If you fail the skills test, you must wait two business days to retest after a first failure, seven calendar days after a second failure, and 30 calendar days after a third failure or more, regardless of age or driving experience.
- Online testing: US citizens with a regular (Class D, E, F, G, or M) license -- no CDL, no more than five points in the last two years, and not expired more than nine months -- can renew online or by mail for a new eight-year license; a licensed eye care professional must submit a Certificate of Vision Examination through SCDMV's online portal.
South Carolina-Specific Rules
Minor & Provisional Licensing
- A beginner's permit requires being at least 15 years old, passing the vision and knowledge test, and holding the permit at least 180 days before applying for any other license.
- 15- and 16-year-old permit holders must log at least 40 hours of supervised practice driving, including at least ten hours at night, with a parent, guardian, or another qualifying supervisor.
- A first license at 15 or 16 also requires completing driver's education (eight classroom hours, six driving hours) and staying enrolled in school with satisfactory attendance.
- A conditional license (age 15 1/2 to under 16) converts to full privileges after one year with no traffic offenses and no at-fault collisions.
- A special restricted license (age 16 to under 17) is available after passing the vision and skills test, or automatically once a conditional-license holder turns 16.
- Conditional and special restricted holders may drive alone 6 a.m.-6 p.m. (8 p.m. during daylight saving time), with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old until midnight, and after midnight only with a qualifying supervisor.
- No more than two passengers under 21 are allowed without a licensed adult 21+ in the car, except when driving family members or students to and from school.
- A special restricted license with a waiver ($25, letters from school/work and a parent required) allows solo driving until midnight for work or extracurriculars, but never after midnight.
- Full, unrestricted driving privileges arrive automatically at 17, or after one violation-free year on a conditional/special restricted license -- no SCDMV branch visit needed.
- A driver under 17 with six or more points before completing one year on a conditional/special restricted license faces a six-month suspension.
- A parent or guardian who knowingly lets a teen violate their permit/license restrictions can be assessed a civil fine up to $500, or up to $1,000 if the violation causes great bodily injury or death (SC Code Section 56-1-187).
Licensing Procedure & Documents
- A Class D license covers passenger vehicles up to 26,000 pounds GVW and also lets you operate a moped or three-wheel vehicle with no separate license.
- First-time applicants 17 or older must hold their beginner's permit more than 180 days before taking the skills test.
- New permanent residents have 45 days to get an SC license and must surrender their out-of-state license; one expired over nine months means retesting knowledge, skills, and vision.
- Temporary residents (military, students) don't need an SC license but must carry a valid out-of-state one.
- Online or mail license renewal for a new eight-year license requires no more than five points on your record in the last two years, plus a Certificate of Vision Examination submitted through SCDMV's online portal.
- Failing the skills test means a two-business-day wait to retest after a first failure, seven calendar days after a second failure, and 30 calendar days after a third failure or more.
- You automatically fail the skills test if you don't wear your seat belt, no matter how the rest of the drive goes.
- Before canceling SC insurance after moving away, turn in your SC license plate first -- otherwise you could owe up to $400 in fees.
- Male applicants under 26 must complete a Selective Service supplement; SCDMV forwards their info to Selective Service at 18 unless the credential is surrendered first.
- If you register as an organ donor before turning 18, your parent or legal guardian makes the final decision on the donation.
Rules of the Road
- Stop for a stopped school bus with lights flashing or stop arm out -- except when meeting it going the opposite direction on a divided road with at least four lanes.
- Golf carts require a driver who is at least 16 years old with a valid license and an SCDMV decal, daytime-only operation within four miles of the registered address, on roads posted 35 mph or less.
- Driving with an unsecured load is a misdemeanor -- a fine plus the cost of cleanup if it spills.
- Littering along SC streets and highways can mean arrest, a fine, and court-ordered roadside cleanup duty.
- Child passenger seating in SC follows rear-facing until age two, then forward-facing, then a booster until about age 8 or 57 inches tall; kids seven and under ride in the back seat.
- It's illegal to use a wireless communication device that requires either hand while driving in SC.
- Points on your record are cut in half exactly one year after the violation date on the ticket.
Sharing the Road
- SC's move-over law requires changing into a lane away from a stopped emergency vehicle when safe, or slowing and proceeding with caution if a lane change isn't safe.
- An orange-and-red reflective triangle on a vehicle's rear means it's traveling under 25 mph -- typical of farm equipment and animal-drawn vehicles.
DUI & Alcohol
- SC's implied consent law means holding a license already consents you to a breath, blood, or urine test if suspected of impaired driving; refusing costs at least a six-month suspension.
- Drivers under 21 with a BAC of 0.02% or higher lose driving privileges immediately for at least three months -- far below the standard adult threshold.
- A BAC as low as 0.05% combined with drugs (including prescription or over-the-counter medication) can still support an impaired-driving conviction.
- A BAC of 0.15% or more, a DUI/DUAC conviction, or refusing implied consent testing can each independently lead to a license suspension.
- A first-offense DUI/DUAC suspension may qualify for a six-month provisional license: ADSAP enrollment, a BAC of 0.14% or less (for violations from October 1, 2014 on), and a $100 fee.
- Alcohol impairs vision -- judging distance, speed, and other vehicles' movement -- starting at just a 0.02% BAC, well before the standard adult legal limit.
Rules and fees change — always confirm current details with SCDMV before your exam. Cheat sheet v1.0, last checked 2026-08-01.