South Carolina: Licensing basics — Driver's License Classes and Documents Practice Test
Questions in this part include: “According to the manual, what must you know before driving on the highway?” · “Which license class allows you to operate a two-wheel motorcycle?”
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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 17 questions in this practice test
Take the test above first, then use this list to study. Tap “Show answer” to see the correct answer and explanation.
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According to the manual, what must you know before driving on the highway?
- Traffic control devices, signs, pavement markings, and proper behavior
- How to repair and maintain a vehicle's engine and brake system
- The history and funding of South Carolina's highway system
- Where every SCDMV branch office and testing site is located
Show answer
Correct answer: Traffic control devices, signs, pavement markings, and proper behavior
The manual's stated purpose is to teach traffic control devices, signs, pavement markings, and proper behavior, which a driver must know before driving on the highway.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-1 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-1)
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What determines which class of driver's license you will need in South Carolina?
- The number of cylinders and the engine size of the vehicle
- The age of the driver and the number of years licensed
- The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross vehicle weight (GVW)
- The purchase price and registration cost of the vehicle
Show answer
Correct answer: The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross vehicle weight (GVW)
The license class depends on the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross vehicle weight (GVW).
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-1 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-1)
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A Class D license allows you to drive non-commercial passenger vehicles, such as cars and trucks, that do not exceed what gross vehicle weight?
- 16,000 pounds
- 26,000 pounds
- 20,000 pounds
- 30,000 pounds
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Correct answer: 26,000 pounds
Class D covers non-commercial passenger vehicles up to 26,000 pounds GVW.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-1 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-1)
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In addition to non-commercial passenger vehicles, what else may a Class D license holder operate?
- A combination vehicle that exceeds 26,000 pounds GVW
- A single unit motor home that exceeds 26,000 pounds GVW
- A vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers
- A moped or three-wheel vehicle
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Correct answer: A moped or three-wheel vehicle
A Class D license also covers a moped or three-wheel vehicle (but not a two-wheel motorcycle with a detachable sidecar).
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-1 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-1)
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Which license class allows you to operate non-commercial, single unit vehicles, such as trucks and motor homes, that exceed 26,000 pounds GVW?
- Class D
- Class F
- Class E
- Class G
Show answer
Correct answer: Class E
Class E is for non-commercial single unit vehicles over 26,000 pounds GVW, such as trucks and motor homes.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-2)
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Which license class allows you to drive non-commercial combination vehicles, such as a motor home with a towed trailer or vehicle, that exceed 26,000 pounds GVW?
- Class F
- Class D
- Class E
- Class G
Show answer
Correct answer: Class F
Class F covers non-commercial combination vehicles over 26,000 pounds GVW, such as a truck or motor home towing a trailer.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-2)
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What is the minimum age for a Class G (moped) license?
- 14 years old
- 16 years old
- 17 years old
- 15 years old
Show answer
Correct answer: 15 years old
The manual gives 15 as the minimum age for a Class G moped license.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-2)
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What must you pass to get a moped (Class G) license?
- The vision test and a road skills test
- The vision and knowledge tests only
- The knowledge test and a road skills test
- The vision, knowledge, and skills tests
Show answer
Correct answer: The vision and knowledge tests only
For a moped license you are only required to pass the vision and knowledge test.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-2)
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Who is NOT required to obtain a Class G license to drive a moped?
- Anyone who is at least 18 years old and has a clean driving record
- Someone with a valid license or permit in any of the other classes
- Anyone who only drives on roads with a low posted speed limit
- Anyone who has completed a driver's education course in school
Show answer
Correct answer: Someone with a valid license or permit in any of the other classes
A valid license or permit in one of the other four classifications already lets you drive a moped without a separate license.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-2)
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Which license class allows you to operate a two-wheel motorcycle?
- Class D
- Class F
- Class G
- Class M
Show answer
Correct answer: Class M
Class M is the license for a two-wheel motorcycle, a two-wheel motorcycle with a detachable sidecar, or a three-wheel vehicle.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-2)
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How many valid driver's licenses may a qualified driver in South Carolina have?
- Only one
- Two
- Three
- One for each class of vehicle
Show answer
Correct answer: Only one
Each driver has one license, endorsed for one or more classifications, and it is illegal to hold more than one valid license.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-3)
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If you drive a motorcycle and another type of vehicle, what should your license be endorsed for after you complete the driving tests for both?
- Only the motorcycle classification
- A separate license for each vehicle
- Two classifications
- The higher weight classification only
Show answer
Correct answer: Two classifications
A driver of both a motorcycle and another vehicle type should have one license endorsed for two classifications after passing both driving tests.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-3)
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What must you have in your possession when driving a vehicle?
- A valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and valid insurance card
- A valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and a current inspection certificate
- A valid driver's license, vehicle title, and a copy of your driving record
- A valid driver's license, a birth certificate, and a valid insurance card
Show answer
Correct answer: A valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and valid insurance card
Drivers must carry a valid license, the vehicle registration, and a valid insurance card for the class of vehicle they are driving.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-3)
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What happens if you drive without your license, vehicle registration, and valid insurance card in your possession?
- Your vehicle will be impounded for 30 days
- You will lose your driving privileges permanently
- You will be subject to a fine
- You will be required to retake the knowledge test
Show answer
Correct answer: You will be subject to a fine
Driving without the required license, registration, and insurance card makes you subject to a fine.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-3)
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Which of these must a US citizen show original documents for when applying for a first-time beginner's permit?
- Employment history
- Social security number
- Vehicle ownership
- Highest level of school completed
Show answer
Correct answer: Social security number
A US citizen must provide original documents proving citizenship, identity, date and place of birth, social security number, and SC address.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-4 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-4)
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Where may a person who is not a US citizen apply for an SC beginner's permit or driver's license?
- At any SCDMV branch office
- Only at a driving school
- Only at a branch office in the county where the person was born
- At a branch office that processes applications for international customers
Show answer
Correct answer: At a branch office that processes applications for international customers
Non-citizens apply at one of the branch offices that processes applications for international customers.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-4 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-4)
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For which type of license does the SCDMV not require a skills test?
- Class D license
- Class M license
- Moped license
- Class A license
Show answer
Correct answer: Moped license
The first test for every license includes vision, knowledge, and skills tests except for a moped license.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-11 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-11)