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South Carolina permit test: conditions, emergencies and collisions

Communicating with signals and lights, braking, steering and skids, vehicle malfunctions and breakdowns, night driving, work zones, rural roads and winter driving. 32 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.

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Rules to remember10 key conditions, emergencies and collisions rulesShow the rules
  1. State law requires a turn signal 100 feet or more before changing lanes, turning left or right, or merging. (p. 101, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
  2. A brake warning light means your brakes may not be working properly. (p. 105, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
  3. Dim your high beams while an oncoming car is still 500 feet or more away, so you do not blind its driver. (p. 125, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
  4. At night, add at least one extra second to your following distance, and at least two extra seconds on unfamiliar roads at night. (p. 126, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
  5. Use low beams in fog, rain or snow. (p. 126, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
  6. Use low beams when following another vehicle that is less than 200 feet ahead, so you don't blind its driver through the mirrors. (p. 126, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
  7. Always reduce your speed in a work zone, even with no workers present, and use extreme caution at night. (p. 128, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
  8. Traction is reduced on gravel or dirt. (p. 129, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
  9. Allow additional distance between your vehicle and others on snow or ice. (p. 131, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
  10. Avoid cruise control in winter driving conditions. (p. 131, 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 conditions, emergencies and collisions questions

  1. 1.After a tire blowout, how should you slow down?

    • ASwerve onto the shoulder quickly
    • BShift into park while rolling
    • CEase off the gas and let it slow
    • DBrake hard right away to stop
    Show the answer

    ✓ C. Ease off the gas and let it slow

    After a blowout, keep the car straight, take your foot off the gas, and let it slow down by itself (brake gently only if needed). Then pull off in a safe place and turn on your flashers.

    Source: South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024), page 106

  2. 2.You reach a rural intersection with no stop or yield signs. What should you do?

    • AHonk your horn and drive through
    • BSlow down and be ready to stop
    • CKeep your speed; you have the right-of-way
    • DSpeed up to clear it quickly
    Show the answer

    ✓ B. Slow down and be ready to stop

    Uncontrolled rural intersections can be very dangerous. Slow down and be prepared to stop for crossing or oncoming traffic.

    Source: South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024), page 130

  3. 3.Your car begins to skid on a wet road. What should you do?

    • ATurn the wheel sharply the opposite way
    • BSlam on the brakes as hard as possible
    • CPress the accelerator hard to regain grip
    • DEase off the pedals and steer where you want to go
    Show the answer

    ✓ D. Ease off the pedals and steer where you want to go

    In a skid, ease off both the brake and the gas. Keep your eyes on the path you want and steer that way.

    Source: South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024), page 104

  4. 4.When should you NOT use your horn?

    • AWhen a driver doesn't seem to see you
    • BWhen a driver drifts into your lane
    • CWhen a child runs toward the road
    • DNear blind pedestrians
    Show the answer

    ✓ D. Near blind pedestrians

    Use the horn only when you need to communicate. Do not use it near blind pedestrians, where it can confuse or scare them.

    Source: South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024), page 101