South Carolina: Alcohol and drugs — Part 1 Practice Test
Questions in this part include: “How is a license suspension for driving under the influence handled?” · “What does a "zero tolerance" law mean for drivers under 21?”
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Questions are original and based on the official manual "South Carolina Driver's Manual" (2026 (posted April 2026)), South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles.
All 18 questions in this practice test
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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)