South Carolina: 30 Hardest Driving Test Questions
Questions that need a second thought, picked for close numbers, exceptions and easy-to-confuse rules. Take your time.
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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 30 questions in this practice test
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Your traffic light is green, but there are pedestrians in the intersection. What must you do?
- Proceed, because the light is green
- Sound your horn so they hurry
- Yield the right-of-way to them
- Proceed if the pedestrians are in the far lanes
Show answer
Correct answer: Yield the right-of-way to them
You must yield to all pedestrians in the intersection even if the traffic light is green.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 10-1 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 10-1)
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When may traffic facing a red signal turn right?
- Only where a sign allows a right turn on red
- Only when there is no other traffic on the road
- Never, because red means stop until green
- Except where a sign prohibits a right turn on red
Show answer
Correct answer: Except where a sign prohibits a right turn on red
The manual permits a right turn on red except where a sign prohibits it.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 6-3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 6-3)
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How far from the curb or edge of pavement may you park along the roadway?
- No more than 18 inches
- No more than 6 inches
- No more than 36 inches
- No more than 5 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: No more than 18 inches
The manual says not to park more than 18 inches from the curb or edge of pavement.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 7-11 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 7-11)
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Which list names the three options a driver has to avoid a collision or reduce its impact?
- Braking, steering, or accelerating
- Braking, honking, or flashing the lights
- Steering, signaling, or slowing to a stop
- Stopping, reversing, or sounding the horn
Show answer
Correct answer: Braking, steering, or accelerating
The manual names three options for avoiding a collision or reducing its impact: braking, steering, or accelerating.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 9-1 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 9-1)
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From what age may a child be restrained by an adult safety belt, if the child can be secured properly?
- Age 6
- Age 8
- Age 10
- Age 12
Show answer
Correct answer: Age 8
A child at least age 8 may be restrained by an adult safety belt if the belt secures the child properly.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 4-7 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 4-7)
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Which of these may be fluorescent yellow?
- Stop signs
- School zone signs
- Speed limit signs
- Work zone signs
Show answer
Correct answer: School zone signs
Some warning signs, such as school zones, school crossings and pedestrian crossings, may be fluorescent yellow.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 6-4 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 6-4)
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What does a yellow diamond sign with a black symbol of a vertical line and a short branch to the right warn of?
- Side Road Ahead
- Cross Road Ahead
- T-Intersection Ahead
- Y-Intersection Ahead
Show answer
Correct answer: Side Road Ahead
The manual labels this symbol, a vertical road with one branch to the right, as Side Road Ahead.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 6-4 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 6-4)
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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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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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You are parked headed downhill, with or without a curb. Which way should you turn your wheels?
- To the left, away from the curb and toward the traffic lane
- Straight ahead, so the wheels are parallel to the curb
- To the right (except when parking left on a one-way street)
- In whichever direction is easier, as long as the brake is set
Show answer
Correct answer: To the right (except when parking left on a one-way street)
When headed downhill, you turn the wheels to the right, except when parking on the left side of a one-way street.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 7-13 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 7-13)
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Under ideal conditions, what minimum distance does a loaded truck with good tires and properly adjusted brakes need to stop from 55 mph?
- 335 feet
- 165 feet
- 225 feet
- 450 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: 335 feet
The manual states a loaded truck traveling 55 mph needs a minimum of 335 feet to stop.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 10-9 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 10-9)
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If you have emergency flares and your vehicle is disabled, where should you place them?
- About 10 to 20 feet behind the vehicle
- About 50 to 75 feet in front of the vehicle
- About 500 to 600 feet behind the vehicle
- About 200 to 300 feet behind the vehicle
Show answer
Correct answer: About 200 to 300 feet behind the vehicle
Flares go about 200 to 300 feet behind the vehicle so other drivers have time to change lanes.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 9-5 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 9-5)
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When the outside mirrors are set so that you no longer see the sides of your own vehicle in them, how much additional viewing area does that add to each side?
- 12 to 16 degrees
- 2 to 4 degrees
- 5 to 8 degrees
- 20 to 30 degrees
Show answer
Correct answer: 12 to 16 degrees
The adjustment adds 12 to 16 degrees of additional viewing area to each side.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 4-5 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 4-5)
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What is the average perception time for an alert driver?
- ¼ second to ½ second
- 2 to 3 seconds
- ¾ second to 1 second
- 3 to 4 seconds
Show answer
Correct answer: ¾ second to 1 second
The manual gives three-quarters of a second to one second as the average perception time for an alert driver.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 8-5 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 8-5)
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Where is the white X-shaped sign with the words Railroad Crossing located?
- Along the road, well before the crossing
- At the highway-railroad grade crossing itself
- At the next intersection after the crossing
- Only at crossings that have gates and lights
Show answer
Correct answer: At the highway-railroad grade crossing itself
The white X-shaped Railroad Crossing sign is located at the crossing, while the round yellow sign is placed before it.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 6-6 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 6-6)
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A beginner's permit holder who is 17 years old or under has held the permit for the required time. On which day may the holder first apply for a license?
- The 180th day
- The 91st day
- The 181st day
- The 270th day
Show answer
Correct answer: The 181st day
After the 180 days required, the permit holder may apply on the 181st day or anytime thereafter.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-5 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-5)
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If you have a valid out-of-state license and permanently move to SC, within how many days must you apply for an SC license or ID?
- 45 days
- 30 days
- 60 days
- 90 days
Show answer
Correct answer: 45 days
You must apply for an SC license or ID within forty-five days of moving to SC.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-13 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-13)
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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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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 far before passing should you signal your intentions when it is safe to pass?
- 25 feet
- 100 feet or more
- 50 feet
- 200 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: 100 feet or more
You signal at least 100 feet before you pass.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 7-16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 7-16)
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How far behind a large vehicle can its rear no zone extend?
- Up to 50 feet
- Up to 100 feet
- Up to 500 feet
- Up to 200 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: Up to 200 feet
Large vehicles have huge blind spots directly behind them that extend up to 200 feet.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 10-9 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 10-9)
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If there is a stop line before the crosswalk, which must you obey first?
- The crosswalk
- The nearest sign
- Neither of them
- The stop line
Show answer
Correct answer: The stop line
If a stop line comes before the crosswalk, the stop line must be obeyed first.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 6-15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 6-15)
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When exiting a roadway, how long should you maintain your vehicle speed?
- As long as you are on the main roadway
- Until you see the exit sign
- Only until you signal your intention
- Until you reach the end of the ramp
Show answer
Correct answer: As long as you are on the main roadway
You keep your speed while still on the main roadway, then slow once you are in the deceleration lane.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 7-15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 7-15)
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When backing up, where does the manual say to place your left hand on the steering wheel?
- At the 9 o’clock position
- At the 12 o’clock position
- At the 6 o’clock position
- At the 3 o’clock position
Show answer
Correct answer: At the 12 o’clock position
The manual tells you to grasp the wheel at 12 o’clock with your left hand when backing.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 5-5 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 5-5)
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What is the maximum recommended speed for most vehicle-trailer combinations?
- 45 mph
- 65 mph
- 70 mph
- 55 mph
Show answer
Correct answer: 55 mph
The manual gives 55 mph as the maximum recommended speed for most vehicle-trailer combinations.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 11-11 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 11-11)
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At 50 mph on dry pavement with good brakes, braking distance can be about how far?
- About 158 feet
- About 98 feet
- About 212 feet
- About 400 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: About 158 feet
The manual says braking distance at 50 mph on dry pavement with good brakes can be about 158 feet.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 8-5 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 8-5)
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How are points on your driving record reduced over time?
- They are cut in half after one year
- They are removed completely after one year
- They are cut in half after two years
- They are cut by one third after six months
Show answer
Correct answer: They are cut in half after one year
Points drop by half after one year from the violation date on the ticket, so four points in June become two the next June.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-18 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-18)
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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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Which hand position is not recommended because it can be dangerous in vehicles equipped with airbags?
- 7 and 5 o’clock
- 2 and 10 o’clock
- 9 and 3 o’clock
- 8 and 4 o’clock
Show answer
Correct answer: 2 and 10 o’clock
The manual says that 2 and 10 o’clock is not recommended because of the danger with airbags.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 5-4 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 5-4)
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Ideally, how far ahead of your vehicle should you try to look?
- 2 to 3 seconds
- 20 to 30 seconds
- 5 to 8 seconds
- 12 to 15 seconds
Show answer
Correct answer: 20 to 30 seconds
The manual says you should ideally try to look at what is happening 20 to 30 seconds in front of your vehicle.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 8-1 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 8-1)