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Am I Ready for the South Carolina Permit Test?
12-question diagnostic · 4 easy, 4 medium, 4 hard · Updated July 12, 2026
Twelve questions, deliberately mixed: four easy, four medium, four of the hardest in our verified South Carolina bank. The real test needs 80% — but a diagnostic this short needs a margin, so read your result like this: 11+ of 12, you're ready to book; 9–10, you're close — drill the 25 hardest first; below that, work the full test ladder before test day.
Answer each question to see the explanation. Your score is tallied against the real passing bar at the end.
1. Alcohol and other impairing drugs:
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Correct answer: Reduce your judgment and slow your reaction time
Alcohol and other impairing drugs reduce your judgment, vision, ability to distinguish colors, and reaction time. For new drivers learning complex skills, the effects are even greater.
2. In South Carolina, what does a Class D driver's license allow you to drive?
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Correct answer: Non-commercial passenger vehicles, such as cars and trucks, that do not exceed 26,000 pounds GVW
A Class D license lets you drive non-commercial passenger vehicles — cars and trucks — that do not exceed 26,000 pounds GVW. It also lets you operate a moped or three-wheel vehicle, but not a two-wheel motorcycle.
3. How often should you check your tire pressure with a pressure gauge?
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Correct answer: Once a month
Check your tire pressure with a gauge monthly, and check when the tires are cold. Compare the reading to the PSI number on the sticker inside the driver’s doorframe, then add or release air to match.
4. You have three basic options to avoid a collision or reduce its impact. They are:
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Correct answer: Braking, steering, or accelerating
All drivers have the responsibility to prevent collisions. Your three options to avoid a collision or reduce its impact are braking, steering, or accelerating.
5. Ideally, how far ahead of your vehicle should you be looking?
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Correct answer: At what is occurring 20 to 30 seconds in front of your vehicle
Ideally, you should try to look at what is occurring 20 to 30 seconds in front of your vehicle. Looking well down your path lets you see conditions early and plan your driving movements.
6. Using the penny test, your tires are too worn and must be replaced if you can:
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Correct answer: See all of Lincoln’s head above the tread
Place a penny into the deepest groove with Lincoln’s head going in first. If you can see all of his head, the tread is too worn — do not drive on the tires and have them replaced.
7. To stop a vehicle equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS) in an emergency, you should:
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Correct answer: Press hard on the brake pedal and keep constant pressure
With ABS, press on the brake pedal as hard as you can and keep applying constant pressure. Do not pump the brakes — that deactivates ABS. You may feel the pedal vibrate, which is normal.
8. Under the "First Car Rule," who has the right-of-way at an intersection?
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Correct answer: The driver who is at, or arrives before you at, the intersection
You should yield to the driver who is at, or arrives before you at, the intersection. This is often called the First Car Rule.
9. On a two-lane highway, must you stop for a stopped school bus with its lights flashing when you are meeting it (traveling the opposite direction)?
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Correct answer: Yes — you must stop whether meeting or following it on a two-lane road
On any two-lane highway you must stop whether you are meeting the bus or traveling behind it when its red or amber lights are flashing or its stop arm is out.
10. At what blood alcohol content (BAC) is vision impacted for all drivers?
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Correct answer: 0.02 percent
Vision — the most important sense for driving — is impacted at 0.02 percent BAC for all drivers. Alcohol blurs vision, slows focus, and reduces your ability to judge distance and speed.
11. On a four-lane or multi-lane highway, you must stop for a school bus with flashing lights only when:
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Correct answer: You are traveling behind the bus
On a four-lane or multi-lane highway, you must stop only when you are traveling behind the bus. You do not have to stop when meeting a stopped bus while traveling the opposite direction on such a road.
12. How should you adjust your head restraint?
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Correct answer: So it contacts the back of your head, not below the level of your ears
Head restraints are designed to prevent whiplash. Adjust the restraint so it contacts the back of your head and is not below the level of your ears.
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