South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV)
South Carolina Permit Test (2026)
Study for the official SCDMV Knowledge Test with free practice tests written from the state's own rules — plus the verified facts below: how many questions, the passing score, and what it costs.
South Carolina permit test: quick facts
- Questions on the exam
- Check your state's official site
- Passing score
- 80%
- Minimum permit age
- 15
- Fee
- The knowledge test costs $2.00 (taken at an SCDMV branch before 4 p.m.), and the beginner's permit costs $2.50 once you pass; renewing a Class D permit is also $2.50.
- If you fail
- The SCDMV publishes no waiting period for retaking a failed knowledge test. For the road (skills) test, you must wait two business days after a first failure, seven calendar days after a second, and 30 calendar days after a third or later failure, regardless of age or driving experience.
- Online testing
- In person only
- Languages
- Check your state's official site
How it works
Step 1
Take Practice Test 1 like the real thing — no notes, one question at a time.
Step 2
Read every explanation, especially for questions you missed. That's where the learning happens.
Step 3
Repeat with Test 2 and the road signs test until you pass comfortably every time.
Free South Carolina practice tests
South Carolina Practice Test 1
30 questions — signs, rules, and state law
South Carolina Practice Test 2
30 fresh questions, no repeats from Test 1
South Carolina Road Signs Test
25 questions on signs, shapes, and signals
New-driver rules in South Carolina
South Carolina's graduated program covers drivers 15 to 17: you must hold a beginner's permit more than 180 days and, for a first license at 15 or 16, complete driver's education and at least 40 practice hours including 10 at night. A conditional license (from age 15 1/2) or special restricted license (from 16) allows solo driving only from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (8 p.m. during daylight saving time), driving until midnight with a licensed driver 21 or older, and supervised driving overnight. No more than two passengers under 21 may ride unless a licensed adult at least 21 is present, except when carrying family members or students to and from school; full privileges arrive at 17 or after one year with no traffic offenses or at-fault collisions.
Verified 2026-08-18 · Source: SCDMV
South Carolina permit test FAQ
What score do you need to pass the South Carolina permit test?
You must score at least 80% to pass the South Carolina Knowledge Test, according to the SCDMV.
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in South Carolina?
You can apply for a learner's permit in South Carolina at 15, according to the SCDMV (verified 2026-08-18).
How much does the South Carolina permit cost?
The knowledge test costs $2.00 (taken at an SCDMV branch before 4 p.m.), and the beginner's permit costs $2.50 once you pass; renewing a Class D permit is also $2.50. — as listed by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV), verified 2026-08-18. Always confirm current fees on the official site.
What happens if you fail the South Carolina permit test?
The SCDMV publishes no waiting period for retaking a failed knowledge test. For the road (skills) test, you must wait two business days after a first failure, seven calendar days after a second, and 30 calendar days after a third or later failure, regardless of age or driving experience. (per the SCDMV, verified 2026-08-18).
Can you take the South Carolina permit test online?
No. The South Carolina Knowledge Test is administered in person through the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV), not online.
Who runs the permit test in South Carolina?
Driver licensing in South Carolina is handled by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV). The official site is https://dmv.sc.gov/.
Where can I read the official South Carolina driver handbook?
The official South Carolina driver handbook is published by the SCDMV at https://dmv.sc.gov/sites/scdmv/files/2026-04/Driver's%20Manual.pdf. It is the source our practice questions are grounded in.
What is the South Carolina permit test officially called?
The SCDMV officially calls it the Knowledge Test. "Permit test" and "written test" are common informal names for the same exam.