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South Carolina permit test: vehicle checks and equipment

Inspecting your vehicle, tire tread, adjusting seat and mirrors, and driver assistance systems. 10 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.

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Rules to remember6 key vehicle checks and equipment rulesShow the rules
  1. Check tire pressure with a pressure gauge every month. (p. 43, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
  2. If the gauge reading is higher than the doorframe number, let air out. (p. 44, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
  3. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, the tread is too shallow. (p. 45, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
  4. The rearview mirror is your main view to the rear. (p. 46, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
  5. Driver assistance features help but do not drive the car. (p. 51, South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024) (opens the handbook))
  6. During the driving test you may not use certain safety features, such as parking assist and cruise control. (p. 51, 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 vehicle checks and equipment questions

  1. 1.Which feature will you NOT be allowed to use during your South Carolina driving test?

    • ATurn signals
    • BHeadlights
    • CWindshield wipers
    • DParking assist
    Show the answer

    ✓ D. Parking assist

    During the driving test you may not use certain safety features, such as parking assist and cruise control.

    Source: South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024), page 51

  2. 2.Your car has lane keeping assist and automatic emergency braking. Which statement is true?

    • AYou can let the car drive itself on highways
    • BThey work perfectly in rain and fog
    • CYou must stay focused; the features only assist you
    • DYou may use them during your driving test
    Show the answer

    ✓ C. You must stay focused; the features only assist you

    Driver assistance features help but do not drive the car. Stay focused, check mirrors and blind spots, and know the features may not work well in rain, snow, fog, hills or curves.

    Source: South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024), page 51

  3. 3.How high should the top of the steering wheel be?

    • ANo higher than your shoulders
    • BLevel with your eyes
    • CBelow the level of your waist
    • DAbove the top of your head
    Show the answer

    ✓ A. No higher than your shoulders

    Set the seat so the top of the steering wheel is no higher than the top of your shoulders, with your foot able to pivot between pedals.

    Source: South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024), page 45

  4. 4.How often does the handbook say to check your tire pressure with a gauge?

    • AMonthly
    • BOnly when a tire looks flat
    • COnce a year
    • DOnly before long trips
    Show the answer

    ✓ A. Monthly

    Check tire pressure with a pressure gauge every month. Under- or over-inflated tires can cause safety problems.

    Source: South Carolina Driver's License Manual (Revised 06/2024), page 43