Updated for 2026

South Carolina SCDMV (South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles)

Comprehensive study guide for the 2026 driver's knowledge exam. Everything you need to know about laws, fees, and requirements.

Total Questions

30

Passing Score

24

Standard Fee

$2.00 (Knowledge Test) / $2.50 (Beginner's Permit) / $25.00 (License)

Testing System

computerized touchscreen (Automated Testing System)

Critical Failure Factors

A leading cause of failure in South Carolina is the confusion regarding the specific seasonal curfew hours for Conditional Licenses (Daylight Savings vs. Standard Time) and failing to identify the correct stopping distance at the state's many railroad crossings.

Legal Statutes & Driving Codes

South Carolina traffic laws are enforced under the SC Code of Laws, Title 56. Recent legislation has introduced unique vehicle restrictions that new drivers must know. Most notably, the state recently banned the vehicle modification known as the 'Carolina Squat' (Senate Bill 363). It is now illegal to operate a passenger vehicle on public highways if the front fender is raised 4 or more inches higher than the rear fender; this is cited as a safety hazard due to compromised visibility. Regarding licensing, South Carolina utilizes a specific Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) path. A teen can obtain a Beginner's Permit at age 15. They must hold this for 180 days. The next step, the Conditional License (for ages 15½ to 16), has a unique seasonal curfew: drivers may drive alone during daylight hours, but must be accompanied by a licensed adult (21+) after 6:00 PM during Eastern Standard Time (winter) and after 8:00 PM during Daylight Saving Time (summer). Between midnight and 6:00 AM, the accompanying adult must be a licensed parent or guardian. SC also enforces strict insurance laws. However, it is one of the few states with a peculiar loophole: the 'Uninsured Motorist Fund'. A driver can legally drive without liability insurance if they meet specific criteria and pay a $600 yearly fee to the state. However, this does NOT provide coverage; the driver is still personally liable for all damages. The manual strongly discourages this, but it remains a law. Regarding alcohol, SC distinguishes between DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and DUAC (Driving with an Unlawful Alcohol Concentration). You can be charged with DUAC just for blowing 0.08% or higher, regardless of impairment signs. The 'Move Over Law' requires drivers to shift lanes or slow down for emergency and towing vehicles. Finally, 'Wipers On, Lights On' is mandatory during rain.

Statistical Realities

Driving in South Carolina requires specific knowledge of geography and emergency protocols due to the state's coastal location. A critical part of the driver's manual covers 'Hurricane Evacuation Routes'. Drivers must recognize the special blue circular signs with arrows. In a major evacuation event, SC implements 'Lane Reversals' on major interstates like I-26, turning all lanes (including eastbound lanes) into westbound traffic moving away from the coast. Knowing how to navigate a lane reversal is a potential test topic. Statistically, South Carolina has a very high rate of rural traffic fatalities, often involving trees and ditches. A major contributing factor is deer collisions. The state has a massive deer population, and the months of October and November are the peak danger times. Drivers are taught to scan the tree line and never swerve; hitting a deer is safer than hitting a pine tree. Another unique infrastructure feature is the sheer number of railroad crossings in rural towns. The law requires drivers to stop within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail when a train is approaching. Regarding the test itself, the knowledge exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions. You must answer 24 correctly (80%) to pass. The test is administered on a computer system that randomizes questions from a pool covering road signs, right-of-way rules, and fines. Interestingly, if you fail the test, you may have to wait a specific period before retesting, but the fee is relatively low ($2.00) compared to other states, encouraging readiness over revenue. The state also emphasizes the 'Zipper Merge' in construction zones, although local driving culture often resists it. Additionally, South Carolina law explicitly states that a driver entering a traffic circle (roundabout) must yield to traffic already in the circle; however, many older traffic circles in SC have confusing signage, so extreme caution is advised. Finally, be aware that license plates belong to the vehicle owner, not the car; if you sell your car, you must remove the plate and return it to the DMV or transfer it, otherwise, you may be held liable for taxes or fines associated with that vehicle.