South Carolina SCDMV practice tests 2026
Get ready for the South Carolina written knowledge tests: numbered practice tests that follow the official South Carolina format, with 129 questions on South Carolina law, from teen licensing and speed limits to alcohol limits and insurance, plus the road rules that apply everywhere.
Choose your South Carolina test
Car
The written knowledge test for a learner permit or a Class D driver license.
Motorcycle
The written test for a Class M license or motorcycle endorsement.
CDL
The general knowledge test every commercial driver license applicant takes.
Handbook
The official South Carolina driver, motorcycle and CDL handbooks every test is based on.
All South Carolina practice tests
South Carolina Permit Practice Tests
South Carolina Motorcycle Practice Tests
South Carolina CDL General Knowledge Practice Tests
How to pass the South Carolina knowledge test
- Read the handbook. Every question comes from the official South Carolina manuals; the handbook page links to the agency's own copies.
- Practice test by test. Each numbered test mixes South Carolina law with the national road rules, like the real exam.
- Read every explanation. Especially for answers you got right by guessing.
- Simulate the real exam on the category page when you pass the tests comfortably.
South Carolina written test format
| Test | Questions | Pass mark | Minimum age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car | 30 | 24 correct (6 mistakes allowed) | 15 years |
| Motorcycle | 30 | 24 correct (6 mistakes allowed) | 15 years |
| CDL | 50 | 40 correct (10 mistakes allowed) | 18 years |
Car. A beginner's permit requires the vision and knowledge tests at any SCDMV branch, at a fee of 2 dollars per knowledge test. SCDMV does not publish the number of items or the passing percentage for the regular knowledge test, so the figures shown are an estimate.
Motorcycle. The Class M beginner's permit requires the motorcycle knowledge test and, if applicable, the vision test. SCDMV does not publish the item count or the passing percentage.
CDL. SCDMV issues a commercial learner's permit at 18; a CDL holder must be 21 to drive outside South Carolina. Federal rule 49 CFR 383.135 sets the 80 percent passing score; the item count for the South Carolina general knowledge test is not published.
What the South Carolina questions cover
| Topic | Questions |
|---|---|
| Licensing and permits | 20 |
| Graduated licensing for teen drivers | 19 |
| Speed limits | 13 |
| Alcohol limits and DUI | 13 |
| Penalties and points | 16 |
| Phone use and distraction | 12 |
| Insurance requirements | 12 |
| Move over law | 11 |
| Other state rules | 13 |
Sources and accuracy
The South Carolina facts on this site were checked against these official sources on August 28, 2026. Test formats that the SCDMV does not publish are marked as such in the notes above.
- dmv.sc.gov/sites/scdmv/files/2026-01/Drivers%20Manual.pdf
- dmv.sc.gov/sites/scdmv/files/2026-06/Motorcycle%20and%20Moped%20Operator's%20Manual.pdf
- dmv.sc.gov/sites/scdmv/files/2026-01/CDL%20Manual.pdf
- dmv.sc.gov/driver-services/drivers-license/beginner-permits
- dmv.sc.gov/driver-services/drivers-license/testing
- dmv.sc.gov/driver-services/drivers-license/insurance-requirements
- dmv.sc.gov/driver-services/points-system
- dmv.sc.gov/driver-services/commercial-licenses/getting-your-first-cdl
- dmv.sc.gov/driver-services/drivers-license/testing/motorcycle-road-test
- scdps.sc.gov/handsfree
- scdps.sc.gov/drivinginsc/move-over-law
- scdps.sc.gov/drivinginsc/seat-belt-laws
- scstatehouse.gov/code/t56c001.php
- scstatehouse.gov/code/t56c005.php
- scstatehouse.gov/code/t38c077.php
DMV Exam Test is not affiliated with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. To book a test, pay fees or check your license, use the official SCDMV website.