South Carolina: Licensing basics — Knowledge Test and Skills Test Practice Test
Questions in this part include: “Which tests must you take when you apply for an original driver's license or upgrade to a different class?” · “Who needs to take a skills test?”
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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 24 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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Which tests must you take when you apply for an original driver's license or upgrade to a different class?
- Vision, knowledge, and skills tests
- Vision and knowledge tests only
- Knowledge and skills tests only
- Vision and skills tests only
Show answer
Correct answer: Vision, knowledge, and skills tests
An original license or a class upgrade requires all three tests: vision, knowledge, and skills.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-10)
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What may you use while you take the knowledge test?
- The South Carolina Driver’s Manual
- A study guide that you bring
- None of these
- Notes that you wrote yourself
Show answer
Correct answer: None of these
Manuals and other testing aids cannot be used during the knowledge test.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-10)
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What happens if you leave the test room or area before the knowledge test is completed?
- You may finish after a short break
- You fail the test
- Only the questions you answered are scored
- You get one more attempt the same day
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Correct answer: You fail the test
Leaving the test room or area before the test is finished is one of the actions that makes you fail.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-10)
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Which action will make you fail the knowledge test?
- Wearing your corrective lenses
- Reading each question twice
- Answering the questions in order
- Talking to anyone
Show answer
Correct answer: Talking to anyone
Talking to anyone during the knowledge test is listed as a reason to fail it.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-10)
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You will fail the knowledge test if you take into the test area anything that may do what?
- Assist you with answers to the questions
- Distract the other applicants who are testing
- Make noise while you are taking the test
- Delay the start of the knowledge test
Show answer
Correct answer: Assist you with answers to the questions
Anything that could help you with the answers counts, including written material and electronic devices such as phones.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-10)
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What are One Stop Driver Training and Testing Programs also known as?
- Branch examiners
- Mobile license offices
- Third-party testers
- Provisional testers
Show answer
Correct answer: Third-party testers
The manual says One Stop programs are also known as third-party testers.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-10)
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Which applicant can use a One Stop Driver Training and Testing Program?
- Someone renewing a regular Class D license
- Someone applying for a first-time Class D beginner’s permit
- Someone reinstating a suspended license
- Someone applying for a commercial driver's license
Show answer
Correct answer: Someone applying for a first-time Class D beginner’s permit
These programs are for first-time applicants for a Class D beginner’s permit or license, or a Class M license.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-10)
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What can the SCDMV-authorized testers at participating driver training schools administer?
- Only the vision test at a branch
- Only license renewal transactions
- Only vision tests for renewals
- The knowledge and/or skills tests
Show answer
Correct answer: The knowledge and/or skills tests
These testers can give the knowledge and/or skills tests instead of the applicant going to a branch.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-11 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-11)
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Before you are issued a driver’s license, the SCDMV could randomly select you to do what?
- Pass the skills test again
- Attend an extra classroom course
- Take a second vision test at another branch
- Complete a longer written test
Show answer
Correct answer: Pass the skills test again
The manual warns you could be randomly picked to pass the skills test again before the license is issued.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-11 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-11)
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What is another name for a skills test?
- A knowledge test
- A driving test
- A vision screening
- A traffic law test
Show answer
Correct answer: A driving test
The manual says a skills test may also be called a driving test.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-11 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-11)
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Who needs to take a skills test?
- Only applicants under 18
- Only people who failed the knowledge test
- Only motorcycle applicants
- Anyone who does not hold a valid driver’s license
Show answer
Correct answer: Anyone who does not hold a valid driver’s license
A skills test is needed by anyone who does not hold a valid driver’s license.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-11 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-11)
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Who must provide the vehicle for the skills test?
- You, the applicant
- The examiner
- The SCDMV
- Your insurance company
Show answer
Correct answer: You, the applicant
The applicant has to supply the vehicle used for the skills test.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-11 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-11)
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Which of these must be in working condition on the vehicle you bring for the skills test?
- Air conditioning
- Cruise control
- Speedometer
- A radio
Show answer
Correct answer: Speedometer
The speedometer is on the list of equipment that must work for the skills test.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-12 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-12)
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What must the vehicle for your skills test have?
- A valid license plate, registration card, and insurance card
- A valid title, inspection certificate, and bill of sale
- A valid plate, loan statement, and repair receipt
- A current inspection sticker and a spare tire
Show answer
Correct answer: A valid license plate, registration card, and insurance card
The test vehicle must have a valid plate, a registration card, and an insurance card.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-12 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-12)
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What happens to the skills test if the vehicle is not safe?
- It is given anyway with a warning
- It is shortened to a parking test
- It must be postponed
- It is scored as a failed attempt
Show answer
Correct answer: It must be postponed
An unsafe vehicle means the skills test has to be postponed.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-12 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-12)
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What happens if you do not use your seat belt during the skills test?
- You lose points but may continue
- You automatically fail
- The test is postponed
- The examiner gives you a warning
Show answer
Correct answer: You automatically fail
Not using your seat belt is an automatic failure of the skills test.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-12 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-12)
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What does the knowledge test cover?
- Traffic laws, vehicle repair, and fuel economy
- Road signs, insurance law, and vehicle registration
- Traffic laws, road signs, and driving safety rules
- Driving safety rules, tire care, and vehicle repair
Show answer
Correct answer: Traffic laws, road signs, and driving safety rules
The knowledge test covers traffic laws, road signs, and driving safety rules.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-12 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-12)
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How far could you be required to back up in a straight line during the skills test?
- 25 feet
- 100 feet
- 50 feet
- 200 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: 100 feet
A 100 feet straight line backing is among the things you could be asked to do.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-12 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-12)
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During the skills test you could be required to turn on your headlights, windshield wipers, and turn signals, including which of these?
- Rear fog lights
- Cruise control
- Air conditioning
- Four-way flashers
Show answer
Correct answer: Four-way flashers
The manual says the turn signals to turn on include the four-way flashers.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-12 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-12)
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Which of these could you be required to do during the skills test?
- Identify road signs
- Change a flat tire
- Check the engine oil level
- Replace a burned-out headlight
Show answer
Correct answer: Identify road signs
Identifying road signs is one of the tasks the skills test could include.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-12 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-12)
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Which parking tasks could you be required to do during the skills test?
- Angle parking and parking in a garage
- Parallel parking and parking at a loading dock
- Parallel parking and parking on a hill
- Parking in a garage and on a freeway shoulder
Show answer
Correct answer: Parallel parking and parking on a hill
Parallel parking and parking on a hill are both on the list of possible skills test tasks.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-12 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-12)
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Which of the vehicle’s lights could you be asked to test during the skills test?
- Dome light
- Brake lights
- Glove box light
- Trunk light
Show answer
Correct answer: Brake lights
The examiner could ask you to test your brake lights.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-12 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-12)
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If you fail the skills test on your second attempt, how long must you wait before you can be retested, regardless of age or driving experience?
- Three business days
- Seven calendar days
- Fourteen calendar days
- Sixty calendar days
Show answer
Correct answer: Seven calendar days
After a second failed attempt the wait is seven calendar days.
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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If you fail the skills test on your third attempt or more, how long must you wait before you can be retested, regardless of age or driving experience?
- 10 calendar days
- 14 business days
- 60 calendar days
- 30 calendar days
Show answer
Correct answer: 30 calendar days
From a third failed attempt onward the wait is 30 calendar days.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-13 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-13)