Free South Carolina permit practice tests with 73 exam-style questions, a timed mock exam sized to the real test, flashcards, a road-sign quiz, and an on-device AI tutor grounded in the official South Carolina driver handbook. The official South Carolina written knowledge test has 30 questions and requires 80% to pass.
About the South Carolina written test
Knowledge (written) test: 30 multiple-choice questions; passing score 80% (24 of 30). Covers signs, signals, right-of-way, safe-driving practices, and SC-specific law. Knowledge-test fee is $2 per attempt.
Vision test: Required at application (standard acuity screening).
Road (skills) test: Required for the Conditional / Special Restricted / full license. Tests vehicle control (backing, turns, parking) and safe operation in traffic. Road tests are scheduled by appointment through the SCDMV.
Getting licensed in South Carolina
Beginner's Permit (Stage 1): Available at age 15. Applicant must pass the knowledge (written) test and a vision test. A permit holder may drive only while accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older (with at least one year of driving experience) seated in the front passenger seat. With no prior driving experience, the permit must be held 180 days before the road test (waived for applicants 18+).
Conditional License (Stage 2): Available at age 15½ to under 16. Requires having held the beginner's permit more than 180 days, completing a driver education course (8 hours classroom + 6 hours behind-the-wheel driving), being enrolled in (and not suspended/expelled from) public or private school — or homeschooled with satisfactory attendance — and completing at least 40 hours of supervised practice driving including 10 hours at night. Applicant must pass the vision and road tests.
Special Restricted License (Stage 2b): Available at age 16 to under 17 for those who met the Conditional requirements and passed the vision and road tests (or who already hold a Conditional license at 16). Conditional and Special Restricted licenses carry the same nighttime and passenger restrictions. A waiver can allow driving later for work or certain school activities.
Full License (Stage 3): Granted at age 17, or after holding a Conditional/Special Restricted license for one year with no traffic offenses and no at-fault collisions.
South Carolina written-test FAQ
What is the minimum age to apply for a South Carolina beginner's permit?
15.
What two tests must you pass to get a beginner's permit?
The knowledge (written) test and a vision test.
Who must accompany a beginner's-permit holder, and where do they sit?
A licensed driver age 21+ (1+ year experience) in the front passenger seat.
How long must you hold the beginner's permit before a Conditional license?
More than 180 days.
How many hours of supervised practice are required, and how many at night?
40 hours, including 10 hours at night.
What driver education is required for the Conditional license?