South Carolina permit test cheat sheet

South Carolina-specific rules from our question bank, condensed to one line each with the handbook page. Read it the night before; don’t use it instead of practicing.

Study sheet for before your test. Notes aren’t allowed in the DMV test room. See the study sheets to print.

Test format: Not published
Passing score: Not published
Permit and test fees: $4.50 total
Minimum age for a permit: 15 years
Supervised driving: 40 hours (10 at night)
Hold your permit: 6 months minimum

Permits & licensing

Anyone who has never had a driver's license starts with a beginner's permit, and you must be at least 15 to get one. p. 8
From 6 a.m. to midnight, a permit holder may drive only with a licensed driver who is at least 21, has at least one year of driving experience and sits in the front seat. p. 8
A permit holder may drive after midnight, but a licensed person listed in SC Code §56-1-100(A), such as a parent, legal guardian or another qualified adult, must supervise. p. 8
If you are 17 or younger, you must hold your beginner's permit for at least 180 days before applying for any type of license; you may apply on day 181. p. 8
Drivers 18 and older must hold the beginner's permit for at least 30 days, so they may apply on the 31st day or later. p. 9
Drivers who are 15 or 16 must practice at least 40 hours, including ten hours at night, with a parent, guardian or another qualified adult. p. 9
To get a first license at 15 or 16, you must complete driver's education with eight hours in the classroom and six hours of driving. p. 10
A conditional license is for drivers at least 15 and a half but under 16 who meet the permit, practice and education requirements. p. 11
Conditional and special restricted license holders may drive alone from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., or until 8 p.m. during daylight saving time. p. 11
Conditional and special restricted license holders may not carry more than two passengers under 21 unless a licensed adult at least 21 is with them. p. 12
If you are under 17 and receive six or more points before you have held your license for one year, your license is suspended for six months. p. 12
The waiver lets a 16-year-old who works or takes part in certain extracurricular activities drive alone until midnight. p. 13
You earn full privileges at 17, or after holding your conditional or special restricted license for one year with no traffic offenses and no at-fault collisions. p. 13
South Carolina requires no more than 20/40 vision corrected in one eye. p. 33
After a first failed skills test you must wait two business days. p. 17

Laws, points & insurance

In South Carolina, points are reduced by half one year after the violation date on the ticket. p. 23
Fully licensed drivers 17 and older get a warning letter at six points, and the license is suspended when the total reaches 12 or more. p. 23
If you hold a beginner's permit, conditional license or special restricted license and reach six or more points, your privileges are suspended for excessive points. p. 23
Completing an approved eight-hour classroom defensive driving course in South Carolina can reduce points, but only once in a three-year period. p. 24
When driving, you must have a valid driver's license, the vehicle registration and a valid insurance card in your possession. p. 7
New residents must apply for a South Carolina license or ID within 45 days of moving, unless they are active-duty military or federal employees. p. 17
In South Carolina a driver is not required to sign a traffic ticket, and accepting one is not an admission of guilt. p. 122
Driving with an unsecured load is illegal and dangerous. p. 51
South Carolina requires liability coverage of at least $25,000 for injury to one person, $50,000 for injury to two or more people in one crash and $25,000 for damage to others' property. source