South Carolina permit test: lanes, highways and passing
Changing lanes, entering and exiting multi-lane highways, passing and the zipper merge. 16 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key lanes, highways and passing rulesShow the rules
- Use the acceleration lane alongside the highway to reach the speed of other vehicles, find a gap, merge, and cancel your signal. (p. 88, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
- Check your mirrors, then your blind spots by turning your head and looking over your shoulder toward the lane you want. (p. 88, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
- Never pass on the shoulder, paved or not. (p. 89, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
- On multi-lane roads, use the left-most lane to pass slower vehicles. (p. 89, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
- Keep your speed on the main roadway. (p. 89, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
- The longer you stay beside another vehicle, the longer you may be in its blind spot while it could move toward your lane. (p. 89, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
- When it is safe to pass, signal your intention 100 feet or more before passing. (p. 90, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
- The zipper merge is not required by law. (p. 91, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
- Zipper merging can cut the overall length of a traffic backup by as much as 40%, and it reduces speed differences and road rage. (p. 91, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
- With traffic backing up, the zipper merge uses both lanes until the merge point, where drivers take turns easing into the open lane. (p. 91, 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.
Sample lanes, highways and passing questions
1.In which situation should you NOT try to pass?
- AOn a straight road with a clear view
- BWhen no oncoming traffic is near
- CWhen your view is blocked by a hill or curve
- DWhen passing is allowed by the markings
Show the answer
✓ C. When your view is blocked by a hill or curve
Don't pass when an oncoming vehicle is approaching, when a curve or hill blocks your view, at intersections, or before a railroad crossing or bridge.
Source: South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024), page 90
2.How far ahead should you signal before passing?
- A100 feet or more
- BJust as you start to move over
- CAt least half a mile
- DSignals aren't needed for passing
Show the answer
✓ A. 100 feet or more
When it is safe to pass, signal your intention 100 feet or more before passing.
Source: South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024), page 90
3.You are exiting a highway. Where should you slow down?
- AOn the main roadway before the exit
- BIn the left lane
- COnly after you reach the bottom of the ramp
- DIn the deceleration lane, after signaling
Show the answer
✓ D. In the deceleration lane, after signaling
Keep your speed on the main roadway. Signal, move into the deceleration lane, check the posted speed and slow down there.
Source: South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024), page 89
4.Traffic is moving at highway speed and there's no backup, but your lane will end in a mile. What should you do?
- AStop where the lane ends
- BSpeed up and pass everyone
- CStay in your lane until it ends
- DMove early to the lane that stays open
Show the answer
✓ D. Move early to the lane that stays open
When traffic is moving at highway speeds with no backup, it makes sense to move sooner to the lane that will remain open. Merge when it is safe.
Source: South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024), page 92