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South Carolina permit test: beginner's permit, graduated licensing and points

Beginner's permit rules, the graduated license program for teens, the point system and suspensions, and state laws for drivers. 35 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.

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Rules to remember10 key beginner's permit, graduated licensing and points rulesShow the rules
  1. To start with a beginner's permit you must be at least 15 and pass the vision and knowledge tests. (p. 9, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
  2. A daytime supervisor must be at least 21 and have at least one year of driving experience. (p. 9, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
  3. You must hold a beginner's permit for at least 180 days, whatever your age. (p. 10, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
  4. Under this rule, the person must have stood in the place of a parent without a break for at least 60 days. (p. 11, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
  5. The required driver's education course is 8 hours in the classroom and 6 hours of driving. (p. 11, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
  6. Without a licensed adult at least 21, you may have no more than two passengers under 21. (p. 13, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
  7. After a second failed skills test you must wait seven calendar days to retest. (p. 18, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
  8. Points are cut in half one year after the violation date, so 4 points become 2. (p. 23, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
  9. A point-reduction defensive driving course cannot be completed online and must be taken in South Carolina. (p. 24, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
  10. Drivers 17 and older get a warning letter at 6 points, and their license is suspended at 12 or more points. (p. 24, 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 beginner's permit, graduated licensing and points questions

  1. 1.You have a special restricted license. In January (standard time) you want to drive alone at 7 p.m. Is that allowed?

    • ANo, you may never drive after dark at all
    • BYes, you may drive alone until midnight
    • CYes, if you have fewer than two passengers
    • DNo, alone you may drive only until 6 p.m. then
    Show the answer

    ✓ D. No, alone you may drive only until 6 p.m. then

    Unsupervised driving on a conditional or special restricted license ends at 6 p.m., or 8 p.m. in daylight saving time. After that, until midnight, a licensed driver aged 21 or older must ride with you.

    Source: South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024), page 13

  2. 2.You have a conditional license. When may you drive between midnight and 6 a.m.?

    • AAlone, if you are driving home from work
    • BNever, under any circumstances
    • COnly with a parent, guardian or listed adult
    • DWith any passenger who is at least 18
    Show the answer

    ✓ C. Only with a parent, guardian or listed adult

    From midnight to 6 a.m., a conditional or special restricted driver must be supervised by one of the people listed in SC Code 56-1-100, such as a parent or legal guardian.

    Source: South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024), page 13

  3. 3.A 15-year-old applying for a first license must complete a driver's education course. What does that course include?

    • A8 hours in class and 6 hours driving
    • B4 hours in class and 4 hours driving
    • C6 hours in class and 8 hours driving
    • D30 hours in class and 6 hours driving
    Show the answer

    ✓ A. 8 hours in class and 6 hours driving

    The required driver's education course is 8 hours in the classroom and 6 hours of driving.

    Source: South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024), page 11

  4. 4.Who is eligible for a South Carolina Route Restricted Driver's License if they are not a US citizen?

    • AAnyone with a student visa
    • BOnly permanent resident aliens
    • CAnyone with a valid passport
    • DNo non-citizens at all
    Show the answer

    ✓ B. Only permanent resident aliens

    If you are not a US citizen, you are not eligible for a Route Restricted Driver's License unless you have permanent resident alien status.

    Source: South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024), page 26