South Carolina permit test: what's on it and the rules
The knowledge test is the written part of getting your beginner's permit. Here is what the SCDMV Driver's License Manual says about it, with a source for each fact.
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The knowledge test at a glance
- What it covers
- Road signs, traffic laws and safe driving, with a vision test.Source: Manual section 1, The driver's license, page 1-12
- Where
- Any SCDMV branch.Source: Manual section 1, The driver's license, page 1-10
- Questions and pass mark
- The manual doesn't give them. Know every rule, however it's asked.Source: SCDMV Driver's License Manual
- Choices
- The manual's sample questions have three choices each: a, b and c.Source: Manual section 12, Test your knowledge, page 12-1
- Testing rules
- No manuals, notes or devices. Talking to anyone or leaving before you finish fails the test.Source: Manual section 1, The driver's license, page 1-10
What you need for a beginner's permit
- To be at least 15 years old.
- Original documents that prove your U.S. citizenship and who you are, your birth date and birthplace, your Social Security number and your South Carolina address. SCDMV form MV-93 lists them.
- To pass the vision and knowledge tests.
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Practice by topic
Sources
- Manual section 1, The driver's license, page 1-4
- Manual section 1, The driver's license, page 1-10
- Manual section 1, The driver's license, page 1-12
- Manual section 12, Test your knowledge, page 12-1
Checked against these sources on October 24, 2026.
We read these sources and wrote this page in our own words. The DMV has the final word, and rules change, so check anything important with the DMV before your appointment.