South Carolina: Licensing basics — Vision Screening and Corrective Lenses Practice Test
Questions in this part include: “If you wear corrective lenses, what should you do for the vision test?” · “What mechanical device may a branch office use to test your ability to read from a distance?”
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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 21 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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If you wear corrective lenses, what should you do for the vision test?
- Bring them or wear them
- Leave them at home
- Ask the examiner to supply a pair
- Take the test the next day
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Correct answer: Bring them or wear them
Glasses or contact lenses should be brought or worn to the vision 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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Which test must you pass to renew your driver's license?
- A vision test
- A hearing test
- A reaction-time test
- A balance test
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Correct answer: A vision test
A vision test is required to renew your license.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-15)
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Where are free vision screenings offered?
- Only at One Stop driver training schools
- Only at SC eye care offices
- At all SCDMV branches
- Only at the largest branches
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Correct answer: At all SCDMV branches
Free vision screenings are offered at all SCDMV branches.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-15)
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The SCDMV may accept a Certificate of Vision Examination from a licensed eye care professional if it is dated within the past how long?
- 6 months
- 36 months
- 12 months
- 60 months
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Correct answer: 36 months
The certificate must be dated within the past 36 months.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-15)
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Which document, along with a non-expired military ID, can exempt active-duty military personnel from the vision screening requirement?
- A Leave and Earning Statement dated within 31 days
- A letter from a commanding officer dated within 90 days
- Orders dated within the past 12 months
- A discharge form dated within 31 days
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Correct answer: A Leave and Earning Statement dated within 31 days
Active-duty military can be exempt with a Leave and Earning Statement dated within 31 days of the transaction plus a non-expired military ID.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 1-15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1-15)
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What should you do when driving if you are required to wear corrective lenses?
- Always wear them
- Wear them only when driving at night
- Wear them only on highways
- Wear them only on long trips
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Correct answer: Always wear them
The manual says drivers who are required to wear corrective lenses must always wear them when driving.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-1 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-1)
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Why should you avoid dark or tinted corrective lenses at night, even if you think they help with glare?
- They make road signs harder to read in daytime
- They are not allowed on a driver's license
- They reduce the light you need to see clearly
- They make glare worse than clear lenses
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Correct answer: They reduce the light you need to see clearly
Tinted lenses cut down the light your eyes need, so the manual says to avoid them at night.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-1 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-1)
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How often must a driver who uses bioptic telescopic lenses submit vision screening documentation to SCDMV's Driver Improvement unit?
- Every 6 months
- Every year
- Every 5 years
- Only once, when first licensed
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Correct answer: Every year
Drivers using bioptic telescopic lenses must send vision screening documentation to the Driver Improvement unit every year.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-1 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-1)
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Who does the manual say it is best to have check your eyes regularly?
- A SCDMV examiner
- A licensed driving instructor
- A police officer
- A licensed eye care professional
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Correct answer: A licensed eye care professional
Because good vision is so important to safe driving, the manual says it is best to have your eyes checked regularly by a licensed eye care professional.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-1 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-1)
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Who must test your vision if you fail SCDMV's eye test or choose not to be tested in the branch office?
- A SCDMV driving skills examiner
- A doctor chosen by the branch office
- A licensed eye care professional
- A law enforcement officer at a checkpoint
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Correct answer: A licensed eye care professional
The manual requires a licensed eye care professional to test your vision when you fail the SCDMV test or decline it at the branch.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-2)
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What mechanical device may a branch office use to test your ability to read from a distance?
- An orthorater
- A tachistoscope
- A reaction timer
- A telebinocular
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Correct answer: An orthorater
The manual names the orthorater as the mechanical device used at branch offices for the vision test.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-2)
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How must an eye care professional licensed in South Carolina submit your Certificate of Vision Examination?
- By mailing a signed paper form to the SCDMV
- By faxing the form to the branch office nearest you
- By giving it to you to carry into the branch
- Electronically through SCDMV's online portal
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Correct answer: Electronically through SCDMV's online portal
South Carolina-licensed eye care professionals send the certificate electronically through the SCDMV's online portal.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-2)
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What must an eye care professional licensed out of state do to report your vision test to SCDMV?
- Submit the results through SCDMV's online portal
- Complete the appropriate SCDMV vision screening form
- Send a letter to the Driver Improvement unit
- Write the results on a prescription pad
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Correct answer: Complete the appropriate SCDMV vision screening form
Eye care professionals licensed out of state must complete the appropriate SCDMV vision screening form.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-2)
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For a noncommercial driver, which of these situations requires a vision screening?
- Surrendering an out-of-state license to get a SC license
- Requesting a replacement for a lost or stolen license
- Changing the name shown on your driver's license
- Adding a vehicle to your auto insurance policy
Show answer
Correct answer: Surrendering an out-of-state license to get a SC license
A vision screening is required when you surrender an out-of-state license to get a South Carolina license.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-2)
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What is required if you want a corrective lens restriction code “A” removed from your license?
- A new road skills test
- A written statement from your employer
- A vision screening
- A driver improvement course
Show answer
Correct answer: A vision screening
Removing the corrective lens restriction code requires a vision screening.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-2)
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Beginning October 1, 2020, a noncommercial driver must have a vision screening when doing which of these?
- Moving to a new address in South Carolina
- Renewing a driver's license or beginner's permit
- Paying a traffic ticket
- Buying a vehicle
Show answer
Correct answer: Renewing a driver's license or beginner's permit
A vision screening is required when you renew your driver's license or beginner's permit.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-2)
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For how long are standard vision screening certificates valid?
- 12 months
- 24 months
- 60 months
- 36 months
Show answer
Correct answer: 36 months
The manual says standard vision screening certificates are valid for 36 months.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-2)
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What happens to your beginner's permit or driver's license if your vision meets the minimum standards only with glasses or contact lenses?
- A restriction is added to it
- It is issued for a shorter time only
- It is limited to daytime driving only
- It is replaced with a conditional license
Show answer
Correct answer: A restriction is added to it
A restriction is added when corrective lenses are needed to meet the minimum vision standards.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-2)
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If corrective lenses are required to meet the minimum vision standards, what does the manual say about driving without them?
- It is allowed in daylight
- It is allowed on local roads
- It is allowed with a passenger
- It is unlawful
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Correct answer: It is unlawful
The manual states it is unlawful to drive without the corrective lenses that are required to meet the minimum standards.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-2)
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If your vision improves so corrective lenses are no longer necessary, what must you provide to have the restriction removed?
- A letter from your employer about your driving duties
- A vision certificate from a licensed eye care professional
- A signed note from a family member who rides with you
- A statement from your insurance company about your vision
Show answer
Correct answer: A vision certificate from a licensed eye care professional
You must give SCDMV a certificate of vision examination showing the new readings, then renew your license to remove the restriction.
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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After you provide a certificate showing your vision no longer needs correction, what must you do to have the restriction removed?
- Have your license renewed
- Retake the road skills test
- Pay a reinstatement penalty
- Wait one year
Show answer
Correct answer: Have your license renewed
The restriction is removed when you renew your license after providing the new vision readings.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual (2026 (posted April 2026)), page 3-3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3-3)