South Carolina permit test numbers to know

Distances, speeds, limits, fines and deadlines are the questions people miss most, because they have to be memorized. Here are 40 South Carolina numbers, grouped and cited, with a free quiz and flashcards to lock them in.

Numbers quiz

12 questions a round from the 30 number questions in our South Carolina bank. Questions you miss come back more often in later rounds.

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Numbers flashcards

30 cards: the question on the front, the number and its source on the back. Swipe right if you knew it.

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See 3 of the cards
  • Alcohol & drugs

    A 19-year-old driver is tested and has a BAC of 0.03 percent. What happens to their driving privilege?

    It is suspended right away for at least three months

    If you are under 21 and register a BAC of 0.02 percent or more, your privilege to drive is suspended immediately for at least three months.

    South Carolina Driver's License Manual, page 38

  • Fines, points & penalties

    A 16-year-old gets six points on their record before holding a special restricted license for one year. What happens?

    The license is suspended for six months

    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.

    South Carolina Driver's License Manual, page 12

  • Speed limits

    A vehicle ahead shows an orange and red triangle on its rear. What does this emblem tell you?

    It travels below 25 mph

    The orange and red triangle marks a slow-moving vehicle, such as farm or construction equipment or a vehicle drawn by animals, traveling less than 25 mph.

    South Carolina Driver's License Manual, page 125

Every South Carolina number, by topic

Official test facts and South Carolina laws come first in each group, then the numbers from our handbook questions. Tap a source to read the exact words it comes from.

Alcohol & drugs

4 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
6-monthDrunk driving (DUI)Refusing a test brings an immediate 6-month suspension for a first refusalscstatehouse.gov
Quote
For a first offense, a person shall enroll in the Ignition Interlock Device Program pursuant to Section 56-5-2941, end the suspension, and obtain an ignition interlock restricted license pursuant to Section 56-1-400. The ignition interlock device is required to be affixed to the motor vehicle for six months.
three monthsA 19-year-old driver is tested and has a BAC of 0.03 percent. What happens to their driving privilege?Answer: It is suspended right away for at least three monthsSouth Carolina Driver's License Manual, page 38
Quote
If you are under 21 years of age and register a BAC of 0.02 percent or greater, your privilege to drive will be suspended immediately for at least three months.
six monthsAn 18-year-old driver refuses an officer's request for a breath test. What is the minimum loss of driving privileges?Answer: At least six monthsSouth Carolina Driver's License Manual, page 38
Quote
If you refuse to take the test(s) for intoxicants, you will immediately lose your driving privileges for at least six months.
0.02 percentAt what blood alcohol level does the manual say vision is already affected for all drivers?Answer: 0.02 percentSouth Carolina Driver's License Manual, page 37
Quote
Vision is impacted at 0.02 percent blood alcohol content (BAC) for all drivers.

Fines, points & penalties

8 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
$100Phone use$100 for a first offensescstatehouse.gov
Quote
for a first offense, must be fined one hundred dollars, no part of which may be suspended; (b) for a second or subsequent offense, must be fined two hundred dollars, no part of which may be suspended, and must have two points assessed against his motor vehicle operating record.
$25,000, $50,000InsuranceSouth Carolina requires liability insurance of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per crash for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damagescstatehouse.gov
Quote
twenty-five thousand dollars because of bodily injury to one person in any one accident and, subject to the limit for one person; (2) fifty thousand dollars because of bodily injury to two or more persons in any one accident; and (3) twenty-five thousand dollars because of injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident.
six monthsA 16-year-old gets six points on their record before holding a special restricted license for one year. What happens?Answer: The license is suspended for six monthsSouth Carolina Driver's License Manual, page 12
Quote
If you are under 17 and receive six or more points on your record before you have held your license for one year, your license will be suspended for six months.
2You received 4 points for a violation in June and have no other violations. How many points from it remain in June of the next year?Answer: 2South Carolina Driver's License Manual, page 23
Quote
the points would be reduced to two points in June of the next year.
12 pointsA driver who is 17 or older and holds a regular license with full privileges keeps getting tickets. At what point total will the license be suspended?Answer: 12 points or moreSouth Carolina Driver's License Manual, page 23
Quote
If your point total reaches 12 or more, your license will be suspended.
three-yearHow often may you use a defensive driving course to reduce points on a South Carolina driving record?Answer: Once in a three-year periodSouth Carolina Driver's License Manual, page 24
Quote
A reduction in points may only be made one time in a three-year period.
$100What is the penalty for a first violation of South Carolina's Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act?Answer: A $100 fineSouth Carolina Driver's License Manual, page 36
Quote
First Offense: $100 fine
$200, two pointsA driver is caught texting while driving for the second time. What penalty does South Carolina set?Answer: A $200 fine and two points on the recordSouth Carolina Driver's License Manual, page 36
Quote
Second and Subsequent Offenses: $200 fine and two points on your driving record

Speed limits

6 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
30 mphSpeed limits: Business & residence districts30 mph in an urban districtscstatehouse.gov
Quote
Thirty miles an hour is the maximum speed in an urban district. "Urban district" means the territory contiguous to and including any street which is built up with structures devoted to business, industry, or dwelling houses
40 mphSpeed limits: Rural highwaysUnpaved roads 40 mphscstatehouse.gov
Quote
fifty-five miles an hour in other locations or on other sections of highways and unpaved roads are limited to the speed of forty miles an hour; and
60 mphSpeed limits: Rural highways60 mph on posted multilane divided primary highwaysscstatehouse.gov
Quote
sixty miles an hour on multilane divided primary highways where official signs giving notice of this speed limit are posted;
70 mphSpeed limits: Interstates70 mph where posted on interstates and other freewaysscstatehouse.gov
Quote
seventy miles an hour on the interstate highway system and other freeways where official signs giving notice of this speed are posted;
25 mphA vehicle ahead shows an orange and red triangle on its rear. What does this emblem tell you?Answer: It travels below 25 mphSouth Carolina Driver's License Manual, page 125
Quote
the vehicle is traveling less than 25 mph. Use caution when approaching a slow-moving vehicle
30 mphYou are driving through a built-up business district of a South Carolina town and have not seen any speed limit signs. What is the maximum speed allowed by state law?Answer: 30 mphSouth Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles website
Quote
Thirty miles an hour is the maximum speed in an urban district.

Distances & following gaps

9 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
100 miles, 2 hoursOn a long road trip, how often does the manual suggest you plan to stop for a break?Answer: About every 100 miles or 2 hoursSouth Carolina Driver's License Manual, page 34
Quote
Plan to stop about every 100 miles or 2 hours during long trips.
100 feetUnder South Carolina law, how far ahead must you signal before turning or changing lanes?Answer: At least 100 feetSouth Carolina Driver's License Manual, page 102
Quote
It is state law that you must use a turn signal 100 feet or more before changing lanes, turning left or right, or when merging into traffic.
4 secondsWhat minimum following distance does the South Carolina manual recommend in normal conditions?Answer: 4 secondsSouth Carolina Driver's License Manual, page 99
Quote
keep a minimum following distance of 4 seconds between your vehicle and the vehicle in front.
158 feetAt 50 mph on dry pavement with good brakes, about how far does it take your brakes to stop the car once you start braking?Answer: About 158 feetSouth Carolina Driver's License Manual, page 98
Quote
At 50 mph on dry pavement with good brakes, it can take about 158 feet.
335 feetUnder ideal conditions, what is the minimum stopping distance for a loaded truck traveling at 55 mph?Answer: 335 feetSouth Carolina Driver's License Manual, page 118
Quote
traveling at 55 mph, requires a minimum of 335 feet before coming to a complete stop
500 feetYou are driving with high beams on and a car comes toward you. When should you dim your lights?Answer: When it is 500 feet or more awaySouth Carolina Driver's License Manual, page 126
Quote
Dim your high beams when you are 500 feet or more away from any oncoming vehicle.
200 feetAt night you are following another car. Within what distance should you switch to low beams?Answer: Less than 200 feetSouth Carolina Driver's License Manual, page 127
Quote
Use your low beams when following another vehicle that is less than 200 feet in front of you.
Two feetHow deep must moving water be to carry away most vehicles, including SUVs and pickups?Answer: Two feetSouth Carolina Driver's License Manual, page 97
Quote
Two feet of moving water can carry away most vehicles, including sport utility vehicles and pick-up trucks.
200 to 300 feetYour car breaks down on the highway, and you have emergency flares. Where should you place them?Answer: About 200 to 300 feet behind the carSouth Carolina Driver's License Manual, page 108
Quote
place them about 200 to 300 feet behind the vehicle, giving other drivers some time to change lanes if necessary.

Parking

1 number
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
18 inchesWhen you parallel park along a curb in South Carolina, what is the farthest your vehicle may be from the curb?Answer: 18 inchesSouth Carolina Driver's License Manual, page 86
Quote
Do not park more than 18 inches from the curb or edge of pavement.

Ages, permits & the test

7 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
age 21, one yearYou hold a beginner's permit and want to practice at 3 p.m. Who must be with you?Answer: A licensed driver age 21 or older with one year of experience, in the front seatSouth Carolina Driver's License Manual, page 8
Quote
You may drive from 6 a.m. to midnight if a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and has at least one year of driving experience is in the front seat with you.
180 daysYou are 16. How long must you hold your beginner's permit before you can apply for a driver's license?Answer: At least 180 daysSouth Carolina Driver's License Manual, page 8
Quote
You must hold your beginner’s permit for at least 180 days, if you are 17 years old and under,
40 hoursIf you are 15 or 16, how much supervised driving practice must you complete before your first license?Answer: 40 hours, with 10 of them at nightSouth Carolina Driver's License Manual, page 9
Quote
If you are 15 or 16, you must practice driving for at least 40 hours, including ten hours of night driving
8 hours, 6 hoursA 15-year-old applying for a first license must have finished driver's education. What does that course include?Answer: 8 hours in the classroom and 6 hours of drivingSouth Carolina Driver's License Manual, page 10
Quote
You completed a driver’s education course (eight hours in the classroom and six hours driving).
one yearWhen does a driver with a conditional or special restricted license earn full driving privileges?Answer: At 17, or after one year with no offenses or at-fault crashesSouth Carolina Driver's License Manual, page 13
Quote
You will earn full driving privileges at 17, or after keeping your conditional or special restricted license for one year, if you received no traffic offenses and
Two business daysYou fail the skills (road) test on your first try. How long must you wait to retake it?Answer: Two business daysSouth Carolina Driver's License Manual, page 17
Quote
If you fail the skills test on your first attempt, you must wait two business days before you can be re-tested
45 daysYou move to South Carolina permanently with a valid license from another state. How soon must you apply for an SC license?Answer: Within 45 daysSouth Carolina Driver's License Manual, page 17
Quote
you must apply for an SC license or ID within forty-five (45) days of moving to SC

Time limits & deadlines

2 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
$1,000, 15 daysCrashesIf a crash with injury, death or $1,000 or more in damage was not investigated by police, the driver or owner must send a written report with proof of insurance to the SCDMV within 15 daysscstatehouse.gov
Quote
total property damage to an apparent extent of one thousand dollars or more which was not investigated by a law enforcement officer, within fifteen days after the accident, shall forward a written report and verification of liability insurance coverage of the accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles
15 daysIn South Carolina, you have a crash that injures no one but causes about $1,500 in property damage. No police officer investigates it. What does the law require of the driver or owner?Answer: Send a written report and proof of insurance to the SCDMV within 15 daysSouth Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles website
Quote
total property damage to an apparent extent of one thousand dollars or more which was not investigated by a law enforcement officer, within fifteen days after the accident, shall forward a written report and verification of liability insurance coverage of the accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles

Seat belts, lights & equipment

3 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
Age 4Seat beltsAge 4+ and outgrown forward-facing: booster seat with lap and shoulder belt in a rear seatscstatehouse.gov
Quote
A child at least four years of age who has outgrown his forward-facing child passenger restraint system must be secured by a belt-positioning booster seat in a rear seat of the vehicle until he can meet the height and fit requirements for an adult safety seat belt
Age 8Seat beltsAge 8+ or 57 in+: adult belt if it fitsscstatehouse.gov
Quote
A child at least eight years of age or at least fifty-seven inches tall may be restrained by an adult safety seat belt if the child can be secured properly by an adult safety seat belt.
age 8 or 57 inchesSeat beltsChildren under 8 ride in a rear-facing seat, forward-facing harness seat or booster seat in a rear seat until they fit an adult belt (age 8 or 57 inches)scstatehouse.gov
Quote
A child at least eight years of age or at least fifty-seven inches tall may be restrained by an adult safety seat belt if the child can be secured properly by an adult safety seat belt.

Memory tips

How to study them (our advice, not official rules):

  • Learn the number with its unit and its place. “15 feet from a hydrant” sticks; “15” on its own gets mixed up with 15 mph.
  • Say the answer before you look. Recalling the number yourself is harder than spotting it among four options, and it is what makes it stick.
  • Come back to the ones you miss. The quiz above brings missed questions back more often. Short rounds over several days beat one long session.

Questions about the numbers

What numbers do I need to know for the South Carolina permit test?

Mostly distances (how close you may park to a hydrant or crosswalk, when to signal, when to dim your high beams), speed limits, blood-alcohol limits, and the ages, hours and deadlines for your permit and license. This page lists 40 of them for South Carolina, each with its source.

Why focus on numbers?

A California DMV study of its own knowledge test found that many of the hardest questions “are numerical and have correct answers that must be learned by rote memorization.” Numbers are easy to mix up under pressure, so they are worth drilling on their own.

Where do these numbers come from?

Each one is quoted from the South Carolina Driver's License Manual, South Carolina statutes or SCDMV pages. Our build checks that every number on this page appears word for word in the quote it cites.

Is the numbers drill free?

Yes. The table and the numbers quiz are free and unlimited, and so are the first 20 flashcards.

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