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South Carolina permit test: alcohol, drugs and dui

How alcohol and other drugs affect driving, over-the-counter, prescription and illegal drugs, implied consent, under-21 limits and DUI suspensions. 17 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.

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Rules to remember10 key alcohol, drugs and dui rulesShow the rules
  1. A Temporary Alcohol License is possible for certain alcohol suspensions if you filed for an administrative hearing within 30 days. (p. 28, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
  2. Alcohol and other impairing drugs reduce your judgment, vision, ability to tell colors apart and reaction time. (p. 36, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
  3. Alcohol and other impairing drugs are involved in about 40% of fatal traffic collisions each year. (p. 36, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
  4. Anyone under 21 is not allowed to purchase, possess or drink alcoholic beverages. (p. 36, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
  5. Vision is affected at a BAC of just 0.02% for all drivers. (p. 37, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
  6. You can be convicted of driving impaired even with a BAC of 0.05%, or lower when combined with drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines. (p. 37, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
  7. Drivers under 21 who register a BAC of 0.02% or more have their privilege to drive suspended immediately for at least three months. (p. 37, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
  8. Impairment starts with the first drink, and even one drink can affect a person's ability to drive. (p. 37, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
  9. Implied consent laws vary by state, and the law of the state where you are arrested applies, not the state that issued your license. (p. 38, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
  10. Pep pills, uppers and diet pills can make you nervous, dizzy and unable to concentrate, and may affect your vision. (p. 39, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))

Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.

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Sample alcohol, drugs and dui questions

  1. 1.You are convicted in South Carolina of driving under the influence of illegal drugs. How is the conviction treated?

    • AThe same as a DUI or DUAC conviction
    • BAs a parking violation
    • CIt is not recorded on your license
    • DAs a minor traffic ticket
    Show the answer

    ✓ A. The same as a DUI or DUAC conviction

    A conviction for driving under the influence of drugs is treated like a DUI or DUAC conviction.

    Source: South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024), page 39

  2. 2.An officer suspects you of impaired driving and asks you to take a breath test. What can happen if you refuse?

    • AYou can lose your license or driving privileges
    • BYou only have to pay a small fine
    • CThe officer then has to let you go
    • DNothing, because the test is voluntary
    Show the answer

    ✓ A. You can lose your license or driving privileges

    Under implied consent, getting a license means you agree to lawful breath, blood or urine tests. Refusing can cost you your license or driving privileges.

    Source: South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024), page 38

  3. 3.You have a route-restricted license after a suspension. Where may you drive?

    • AAnywhere within ten miles of your home address
    • BOnly to and from the grocery store and the pharmacy
    • CAnywhere at all, as long as it is during daylight
    • DTo work, college, home and required alcohol or drug programs
    Show the answer

    ✓ D. To work, college, home and required alcohol or drug programs

    A route-restricted license lets you drive to and from work, college or your home, ADSAP, or a court-ordered drug program. Keep the approved route with you.

    Source: South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024), page 27

  4. 4.You took an allergy pill before a drive and you aren't sure whether it is safe. What should you do?

    • AAssume it is safe because it is sold without a prescription
    • BCheck the label and ask a doctor or pharmacist
    • CDrive slowly and keep the window open
    • DDrink coffee to stay alert
    Show the answer

    ✓ B. Check the label and ask a doctor or pharmacist

    Medicines for allergies, colds or headaches can make you drowsy. Read the label for warnings and ask a doctor or pharmacist about side effects before driving.

    Source: South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024), page 39