South Carolina: Distractions, fatigue and emotions Practice Test
South Carolina’s Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act, drowsy driving and how emotions affect your driving.
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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 29 questions in this practice test
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What is fatigue?
- A sudden loss of vision
- Nervousness caused by medication
- Physical or mental tiredness
- Dizziness caused by hunger
Show answer
Correct answer: Physical or mental tiredness
The manual defines fatigue as physical or mental tiredness.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-3)
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Which of these can cause fatigue?
- Driving in daylight
- Lack of sleep
- Listening to the radio
- Wearing a safety belt
Show answer
Correct answer: Lack of sleep
Fatigue can be caused by physical or mental strain, repetitive tasks, illness, or lack of sleep.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-3)
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How does fatigue affect your driving?
- It makes your reaction time faster and improves your focus
- It sharpens your attention during long repetitive trips
- It has no effect on vision or decision making
- It can affect your vision and increase the time to make decisions
Show answer
Correct answer: It can affect your vision and increase the time to make decisions
Fatigue can affect your vision and make it take longer to make decisions.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-3)
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How much sleep do most people need each day to maintain proper alertness throughout their awake hours?
- 4 to 5 hours
- 5 to 6 hours
- 7 to 9 hours
- 10 to 12 hours
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Correct answer: 7 to 9 hours
The manual says most people need 7 to 9 hours of sleep per day to stay properly alert.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-3)
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On long trips, how often does the manual advise you to plan to stop?
- About every 100 miles or 2 hours
- About every 25 miles or 30 minutes
- About every 50 miles or 1 hour
- About every 200 miles or 4 hours
Show answer
Correct answer: About every 100 miles or 2 hours
The manual advises stopping about every 100 miles or every 2 hours on long trips.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-3)
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Before a long trip, whom does the manual suggest you arrange to have along?
- A passenger who can sleep during the trip
- A second driver who will take over after dark
- A friend who will follow in another vehicle
- A travel companion to watch your driving
Show answer
Correct answer: A travel companion to watch your driving
A travel companion can watch your driving, which helps you stay alert.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-3)
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Before a trip, what should you check on your medications?
- Whether they expire this year
- Whether the labels say they cause drowsiness
- Whether they are brand name or generic
- Whether they must be kept cold
Show answer
Correct answer: Whether the labels say they cause drowsiness
The manual says to check medication labels and be aware if they cause drowsiness.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-3)
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If you start feeling tired while driving, what should you do?
- Stop and pull off at the next exit or rest area
- Open the window and keep driving until you reach your exit
- Turn up the radio and drive on until you feel rested
- Drive faster to finish the trip sooner
Show answer
Correct answer: Stop and pull off at the next exit or rest area
You should stop and pull off at the next exit or rest area to nap or find a place to sleep.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-3)
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How long a nap does the manual suggest when you feel tired while driving?
- 5 to 10 minutes
- 45 to 60 minutes
- 15 to 20 minutes
- 2 to 3 hours
Show answer
Correct answer: 15 to 20 minutes
The manual suggests a 15 to 20 minute nap, or finding a place to sleep for the night.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-3)
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Which is one of the manual's ways to avoid fatigue?
- Skip meals before a long trip
- Try not to drive late at night
- Keep the car cabin warm
- Take medication that keeps you awake
Show answer
Correct answer: Try not to drive late at night
Avoiding late-night driving is one of the listed ways to avoid fatigue.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-3)
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What does the manual say is the best way to avoid fatigue?
- Drink coffee on the road
- Play loud music
- Drive only on interstates
- Get plenty of rest
Show answer
Correct answer: Get plenty of rest
The manual says getting plenty of rest is the best way to avoid fatigue.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-3)
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What is a distraction?
- Only something that takes your eyes off the road
- Only using a phone while driving
- Anything that takes your attention away from driving
- Only talking with a passenger
Show answer
Correct answer: Anything that takes your attention away from driving
A distraction is anything that takes your attention away from driving, not just things that take your eyes off the road.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-4 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-4)
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What does the manual say about mental activities that take your mind away from driving?
- They are just as dangerous as taking your eyes off the road
- They are only a risk for new drivers
- They are less dangerous than taking your hands off the wheel
- They are safe if your eyes stay on the road
Show answer
Correct answer: They are just as dangerous as taking your eyes off the road
Mental distractions are as dangerous as taking your eyes off the road or hands off the steering wheel.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-4 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-4)
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According to SC Code §56-5-3890, what is unlawful in South Carolina while operating a motor vehicle?
- Using a wireless electronic device while the vehicle is parked off the road
- Using a wireless electronic communication device only on interstate highways
- Having a wireless electronic communication device anywhere in the motor vehicle
- Using a wireless electronic communication device if it requires the use of either hand
Show answer
Correct answer: Using a wireless electronic communication device if it requires the use of either hand
It is unlawful to use a wireless electronic communication device while driving if it requires either hand.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-4 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-4)
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Which of these does the manual say to avoid when driving?
- Talking calmly with passengers about the trip and the route
- Arguments and stressful or emotional conversations with passengers
- Listening to quiet music while you drive
- Driving with the windows down on warm days
Show answer
Correct answer: Arguments and stressful or emotional conversations with passengers
The manual tells drivers to avoid arguments and stressful or emotional conversations with passengers.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-4 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-4)
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What does the manual say about eating while driving?
- Avoid it
- Do it only on the interstate
- Do it only when traffic is light
- Do it only with one hand on the wheel
Show answer
Correct answer: Avoid it
Eating is a distraction, so the manual says to avoid it while driving.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-4 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-4)
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How does the manual say to secure pets in the vehicle?
- On a passenger's lap
- On the floor of the front seat
- In a pet carrier or portable kennel
- On the rear window shelf
Show answer
Correct answer: In a pet carrier or portable kennel
Pets should be properly secured in a pet carrier or portable kennel so they do not distract you.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-4 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-4)
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Where does the South Carolina Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act apply?
- Only on interstates
- Only in school zones
- Only on roads with a posted speed limit
- On any public road within the State
Show answer
Correct answer: On any public road within the State
The Act covers motor vehicle operation on any public road within South Carolina.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-4 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-4)
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Under the Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act, what must you not do with a mobile electronic device?
- Mount it in a holder that is attached to the dashboard
- Keep it in a bag on the floor
- Physically hold or support it with any part of your body
- Charge it with a cable
Show answer
Correct answer: Physically hold or support it with any part of your body
The Act bans physically holding or supporting a mobile electronic device with any part of the body.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-5 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-5)
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Which of these is banned by the Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act?
- Reading or sending emails
- Listening to music
- Listening to directions through an earpiece
- Looking at a paper map
Show answer
Correct answer: Reading or sending emails
The Act bans reading, writing, or sending any form of text, including emails.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-5 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-5)
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Which of these must you not do while driving under the Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act?
- Listen to the radio
- Hear spoken turn-by-turn directions
- Look at the instrument panel
- View videos, movies, games, or video calls
Show answer
Correct answer: View videos, movies, games, or video calls
The Act bans viewing moving images such as videos, movies, games, or video calls.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-5 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-5)
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What does the Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act say about earpieces and wrist worn devices?
- It bans them completely while the vehicle is moving on roads
- It does not restrict them when used for voice-based communications
- It bans them for drivers under 21
- It allows them only when you are stopped
Show answer
Correct answer: It does not restrict them when used for voice-based communications
The law does not restrict earpieces or wrist worn devices used for voice-based communications.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-5 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-5)
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What is the fine for a first offense under the Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act?
- $100
- $25
- $50
- $200
Show answer
Correct answer: $100
A first offense under the Act carries a $100 fine.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-5 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-5)
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What is the fine for a second or subsequent offense under the Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act?
- $100
- $300
- $200
- $500
Show answer
Correct answer: $200
The fine for second and subsequent offenses is $200.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-5 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-5)
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What does the manual advise if you are angry or worried before driving?
- Drive faster to release tension
- Turn up the radio
- Give yourself time to cool off
- Take a longer route
Show answer
Correct answer: Give yourself time to cool off
The manual says to give yourself time to cool off, and stay off the road until your symptoms have passed.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-10)
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Which of these may help you cool off when you are angry or worried?
- A short walk or nap
- A fast drive
- A cup of coffee
- A loud phone call
Show answer
Correct answer: A short walk or nap
The manual says a short walk or nap may help you cool off.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-10)
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When should you stay off the road if you are angry or worried?
- Until after sunset
- Until you have eaten
- Until you reach the highway
- Until your symptoms have passed
Show answer
Correct answer: Until your symptoms have passed
The manual says it is best to stay off the road until your symptoms have passed.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-10)
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How can you ease your emotions about a driving trip, according to the manual?
- Drive faster to arrive on time even if you start late
- Give yourself extra time and leave several minutes early
- Skip rest stops so the trip takes less time
- Choose the shortest route even if it is busier
Show answer
Correct answer: Give yourself extra time and leave several minutes early
Leaving several minutes early gives you extra time, which helps when you are emotional.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-10)
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How can emotions affect your driving?
- They can interfere with your ability to think and pay attention
- They always make you more alert and attentive to the road
- They improve your reaction time on long drives
- They affect only your vision and hearing at night
Show answer
Correct answer: They can interfere with your ability to think and pay attention
Emotions can interfere with your thinking, reduce your attention, and interrupt how you process information.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-10)