South Carolina: Alcohol and drugs
How alcohol and other drugs affect driving, BAC limits, implied consent, refusing a test and the Temporary Alcohol License. Split into 2 shorter tests so you're not stuck in one long quiz.
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All 36 Alcohol and drugs questions with answers
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How is a license suspension for driving under the influence handled?
- Six points are added and a letter is sent
- Twelve points are added to your record right away
- It is handled only if you reach 12 points
- A mandatory suspension outside the point system
Show answer
Correct answer: A mandatory suspension outside the point system
Violations such as driving under the influence bring mandatory suspensions that are not under the point system.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-19 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-19)
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Is the provisional driver’s license available for a DUI or DUAC that takes place on or after May 19, 2024?
- No, it is not available
- Yes, for six months if you enroll in ADSAP
- Yes, for twelve months
- Yes, but only for drivers under 21
Show answer
Correct answer: No, it is not available
The manual says the provisional driver’s license is not available for any DUI or DUAC on or after that date.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-21 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-21)
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For an alcohol violation suspension, how many route-restricted licenses may you receive in your lifetime?
- Two
- Three
- Only one
- As many as you qualify for
Show answer
Correct answer: Only one
Alcohol violation is one of the suspensions limited to one route-restricted license per lifetime.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-22 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-22)
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To be eligible for a Temporary Alcohol License (TAL), within how many days must you file for an administrative hearing?
- 30 days
- 10 days
- 15 days
- 60 days
Show answer
Correct answer: 30 days
To be eligible for a TAL, you must have filed for an administrative hearing within 30 days.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-23)
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Which suspension may make you eligible for a Temporary Alcohol License (TAL)?
- An accident judgment
- Failure to stop for a blue light
- BAC of 0.15 percent
- Not paying child support
Show answer
Correct answer: BAC of 0.15 percent
The TAL list includes implied consent, implied consent under 21, BAC of 0.15 percent, and BAC of 0.02 percent or more under 21.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-23)
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How long can you use a Temporary Alcohol License (TAL)?
- For six months after your hearing date
- Until the SCDMV gets your hearing results
- Until your next birthday passes
- For one year from the date it is issued
Show answer
Correct answer: Until the SCDMV gets your hearing results
The TAL works while the hearing results are pending, until the SCDMV gets them.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-23)
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Your suspension is sustained after the hearing. What should you do with your Temporary Alcohol License (TAL)?
- Keep it until it expires
- Mail it to the court
- Destroy it
- Return it to an SCDMV branch
Show answer
Correct answer: Return it to an SCDMV branch
If the suspension stands, the TAL should be returned to an SCDMV branch.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-23)
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Your suspension is rescinded or overturned. What must you do with your Temporary Alcohol License (TAL) before applying for your regular license?
- Return it
- Keep it as your regular license
- Renew it at a branch
- Nothing; it expires on its own
Show answer
Correct answer: Return it
The TAL must be returned before you can apply for your regular license.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-23)
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If you are under 21, which of these is illegal?
- Riding as a passenger in a vehicle with a licensed adult
- Purchasing, possessing, or drinking alcoholic beverages
- Applying for a beginner's permit
- Walking near a store that sells alcohol
Show answer
Correct answer: Purchasing, possessing, or drinking alcoholic beverages
Anyone under 21 may not purchase, possess, or drink alcoholic beverages.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-6 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-6)
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What does a "zero tolerance" law mean for drivers under 21?
- No alcohol in the circulatory system
- Only one drink is allowed before driving
- A small amount of alcohol is allowed with food
- No driving after 9 p.m.
Show answer
Correct answer: No alcohol in the circulatory system
Zero tolerance laws mean a driver under 21 may have no alcohol in the circulatory system.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-6 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-6)
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What is the effect of alcohol and other impairing drugs on new drivers who are learning complex skills?
- The effect is smaller
- The effect is the same as for experienced drivers
- The effect is greater
- There is no effect on skills already learned
Show answer
Correct answer: The effect is greater
The manual says the effects of alcohol and other drugs are greater for new drivers learning complex skills.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-6 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-6)
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At what blood alcohol content (BAC) is vision impacted for all drivers?
- 0.04 percent
- 0.02 percent
- 0.10 percent
- 0.20 percent
Show answer
Correct answer: 0.02 percent
The manual says vision is impacted at 0.02 percent BAC for all drivers.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-6 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-6)
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Which of these does alcohol do to your vision?
- Improves your side vision at night and in dim light
- Makes colors look brighter and easier to tell apart
- Sharpens your ability to judge distance and speed
- Slows your ability to focus and can cause double vision
Show answer
Correct answer: Slows your ability to focus and can cause double vision
Alcohol blurs vision, slows focusing, causes double vision, and reduces your ability to judge distance and speed.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-6 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-6)
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Which of these does alcohol reduce your ability to do?
- Hear sirens
- Smell smoke
- Distinguish colors
- Feel road vibrations
Show answer
Correct answer: Distinguish colors
Alcohol reduces your ability to distinguish colors.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-6 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-6)
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How does alcohol affect your reaction time?
- It slows your ability to process information and respond
- It speeds up your ability to respond to hazards
- It has no effect on reaction time if you drink slowly
- It affects reaction time only when you drive at night
Show answer
Correct answer: It slows your ability to process information and respond
Alcohol slows how quickly you process information and respond while driving.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-7 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-7)
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When does impairment from alcohol start?
- After the second drink
- After the third drink
- After an hour of drinking
- With the first drink
Show answer
Correct answer: With the first drink
The manual says impairment starts with the first drink.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-7 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-7)
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What does the manual say about letting a friend or relative drive after drinking?
- Let them drive if they feel fine
- Never let them drive
- Let them drive if they drink only beer
- Let them drive on back roads only
Show answer
Correct answer: Never let them drive
You should never let a friend or relative drive if he or she has been drinking.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-7 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-7)
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What is blood alcohol concentration (BAC)?
- The percentage of alcohol in relation to the amount of blood in your body
- The number of drinks you had in one hour
- The amount of alcohol you can drink before feeling its effects
- The weight of alcohol in your stomach
Show answer
Correct answer: The percentage of alcohol in relation to the amount of blood in your body
BAC is the percentage of alcohol compared with the amount of blood in your body.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-7 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-7)
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What is the lowest BAC at which a driver 21 or older may have the license and driving privileges suspended, even without a DUI conviction?
- 0.10 percent
- 0.12 percent
- 0.15 percent
- 0.13 percent
Show answer
Correct answer: 0.15 percent
The manual says a BAC of 0.15 percent or more can lead to suspension of your license.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-7 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-7)
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What may happen to your license if you refuse implied consent testing?
- Nothing happens to your license if it is your first refusal
- Your driver's license and driving privileges may be suspended
- You will only receive a written warning from the officer
- You will be asked to retake the written knowledge test
Show answer
Correct answer: Your driver's license and driving privileges may be suspended
Refusing implied consent testing can lead to suspension of your license and driving privileges.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-7 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-7)
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Under the law, you can still be convicted of driving impaired if you have a BAC below 0.05 in combination with what?
- Fatigue from a long trip without any rest stops
- A passenger who is also drinking alcohol in the vehicle
- Driving at night in poor weather on a wet road
- Drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medications
Show answer
Correct answer: Drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medications
A lower BAC combined with drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, can still lead to an impaired driving conviction.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-7 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-7)
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If you are under 21, what is the lowest BAC that gets your privilege to drive suspended immediately?
- 0.04 percent
- 0.06 percent
- 0.02 percent
- 0.10 percent
Show answer
Correct answer: 0.02 percent
For drivers under 21, a BAC of 0.02 percent or greater means an immediate suspension of the privilege to drive.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-7 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-7)
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For how long is the driving privilege of a driver under 21 who registers a BAC of 0.02 percent or greater suspended immediately?
- At least three months
- At least nine months
- At least eighteen months
- At least twelve months
Show answer
Correct answer: At least three months
The privilege is suspended immediately for at least three months.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-7 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-7)
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If you are under 21 and refuse to take the test(s) for intoxicants, how long do you immediately lose your driving privileges?
- At least nine months
- At least one year
- At least two years
- At least six months
Show answer
Correct answer: At least six months
A driver under 21 who refuses the tests immediately loses driving privileges for at least six months.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-7 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-7)
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How is an alcohol concentration test usually determined?
- By a written test
- By a breath, blood, or urine test
- By a walk-and-turn test only
- By a driving test
Show answer
Correct answer: By a breath, blood, or urine test
Alcohol concentration is usually measured with a breath, blood, or urine test.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-8 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-8)
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Why are you required to take breath, blood, and urine tests if asked by a police officer?
- Because of SC's implied consent law
- Because of the Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act
- Because you are under 21
- Because you were driving at night
Show answer
Correct answer: Because of SC's implied consent law
SC's implied consent law requires these tests when a police officer asks.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-8 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-8)
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What principle is SC's implied consent law based on?
- You may decline the test if you say you have not been drinking
- You must take a test only after you are in a crash
- Getting your license means you have agreed to a lawfully requested test
- Only drivers who are under 21 can be asked to take a test
Show answer
Correct answer: Getting your license means you have agreed to a lawfully requested test
By getting your license you are considered to have agreed to a lawfully requested alcohol test if suspected of impaired driving.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-8 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-8)
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To which state's implied consent law are you subject when arrested for impaired driving?
- The state that issued your license
- The state where your vehicle is registered
- The state where you live
- The state where you were arrested
Show answer
Correct answer: The state where you were arrested
Implied consent applies in the state where you were arrested, not where you got your license.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-8 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-8)
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How can the effects of other drugs compare with those of alcohol?
- They are always milder than the effects of alcohol
- They only affect your hearing and sense of smell
- They can be similar to or worse than alcohol
- They wear off before you can drive away
Show answer
Correct answer: They can be similar to or worse than alcohol
Many drugs can affect driving in ways similar to, or worse than, alcohol.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-8 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-8)
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Which over-the-counter drugs can make you drowsy and affect your driving?
- Those taken for headaches, colds, allergies, or to calm nerves
- Only those taken for stomach problems or sore throats
- Only vitamins and herbal supplements taken daily
- Only those taken for muscle pain or cuts
Show answer
Correct answer: Those taken for headaches, colds, allergies, or to calm nerves
The manual lists drugs for headaches, colds, allergies, or calming nerves as ones that can make you drowsy.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-9 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-9)
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What can pep pills, “uppers,” and diet pills do to a driver?
- Make you very drowsy and slow your reaction time
- Improve your vision and your ability to concentrate
- Make you more alert and focused for longer drives
- Make you feel nervous, dizzy, and unable to concentrate
Show answer
Correct answer: Make you feel nervous, dizzy, and unable to concentrate
These drugs can cause nervousness, dizziness, and trouble concentrating, and may affect vision.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-9 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-9)
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If you are not sure whether it is safe to take a drug and drive, whom does the manual say to ask?
- A police officer on duty
- Your doctor or pharmacist
- A SCDMV driving examiner
- A passenger in your car
Show answer
Correct answer: Your doctor or pharmacist
Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any known side effects.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-9 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-9)
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Before taking an over-the-counter drug you will drive after, what should you check?
- The label for warnings about its effect
- The price printed on the package label
- The country where the product was made
- The color of the pills or tablets
Show answer
Correct answer: The label for warnings about its effect
The manual says to check the label for warnings about the drug's effect.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-9 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-9)
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Which abilities can some prescription drugs affect, in ways similar to alcohol?
- Only your hearing and sense of smell
- Only your balance and ability to walk
- Reflexes, judgment, vision, and alertness
- Only your appetite and sleeping habits
Show answer
Correct answer: Reflexes, judgment, vision, and alertness
Some prescription drugs can affect your reflexes, judgment, vision, and alertness like alcohol does.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-9 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-9)
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If you are convicted in SC of driving while under the influence of drugs, how is the conviction treated?
- As a minor traffic violation
- Like a DUI or DUAC conviction
- As a warning with no record
- As a Hands-Free Act violation
Show answer
Correct answer: Like a DUI or DUAC conviction
A conviction for driving under the influence of drugs is treated like a DUI or DUAC conviction.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-9 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-9)
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Why should you never drink alcohol while taking other drugs, including prescription or over-the-counter drugs?
- The alcohol makes the drugs wear off faster, so you can drive sooner
- The drugs make alcohol show up less on a breath or blood test
- The drugs only matter when they are taken at night
- They could multiply the effects of alcohol or have extra effects of their own
Show answer
Correct answer: They could multiply the effects of alcohol or have extra effects of their own
Other drugs could multiply alcohol's effects or have their own additional effects.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-9 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-9)