South Carolina DMV Cheat Sheet

Correct answer: 3 months

A driver under 21 who registers a BAC of 0.02 percent or greater has their driving privilege suspended immediately for at least three months.

Correct answer: May 19, 2024

The provisional driver’s license is not available for any DUI or DUAC that occurs on or after May 19, 2024.

Correct answer: 30 days

A Temporary Alcohol License is available for certain alcohol-related suspensions if you have filed for an administrative hearing within 30 days. It costs $100 and is valid until the SCDMV receives the hearing results.

Correct answer: 200 to 300 feet behind the vehicle

If you have emergency flares, place them about 200 to 300 feet behind your disabled vehicle to give other drivers time to change lanes. Also turn on your emergency flashers and get off the road if possible.

Correct answer: Up to $400 in fees

Before you cancel your SC insurance, turn in your SC license plate to the SCDMV. If you do not return the plate before canceling, you could owe up to $400 in fees.

Correct answer: Drive alone until midnight for work or certain extracurricular activities — but not after midnight

A special restricted license with a waiver lets you drive by yourself until midnight if you work or participate in certain extracurricular activities. The waiver does not allow driving after midnight.

Correct answer: 12 or more points

If you are 17 or older and reach 12 or more points, your license will be suspended. At six points the SCDMV sends a letter to drive more carefully. Completing an approved defensive driving course can reduce points by four, once every three years.

Correct answer: Left hand at 7–9 o’clock and right hand at 3–5 o’clock

The preferred position is the left hand at 7–9 o’clock and the right hand at 3–5 o’clock. The 10-and-2 position is not recommended because it can be dangerous in vehicles equipped with air bags.

Correct answer: Toward the curb

Headed downhill, with or without a curb, turn your wheels toward the curb (to the right), except when parking on the left side of a one-way street. If the brakes fail, the curb stops the vehicle.

Correct answer: Away from the curb, with the back of the front tire against the curb

Headed uphill with a curb, turn your wheels toward the center of the street (away from the curb) so the back of the front tire rests against the curb. This lets the curb block the vehicle if it rolls back.

Correct answer: No — the driver may turn later or have forgotten to cancel the signal; wait until you are sure

Do not turn into a lane just because an approaching vehicle has a turn signal active. The driver may plan to turn after passing you, or may have forgotten to turn the signal off from a prior turn.

Correct answer: Left-turning vehicles do not have to cross the path of oncoming through traffic

A DDI shifts cross-street traffic to the left side between the crossover intersections so that left-turning vehicles do not have to cross the path of approaching through vehicles, reducing conflict points.

Correct answer: Turn right onto the main road, then make a U-turn at a one-way median opening

An RCUT eliminates left-turn and through movements from side-street approaches. Instead, drivers turn right onto the main road and then make a U-turn at a one-way median opening. This reduces conflict points and increases safety.

Correct answer: Be fined and have points assessed against your driving record

If you endanger a highway worker, you may be fined and have points assessed against your driving record. Work zones are dangerous for both workers and drivers.

Correct answer: The first driver to reach the bridge

Take turns crossing a single-lane bridge; generally the first driver to reach the bridge has the right-of-way. Watch for warning signs identifying narrow or single-lane bridges.

Correct answer: About 60 percent in the front and 40 percent in the back

Load about 60 percent of the cargo weight in the front of the trailer (nearest the towing vehicle) and 40 percent in the back. Loading heavier in front reduces the chance of sway.

Correct answer: Steer straight and reduce speed gradually — do not apply the brakes

If the trailer sways or whips, steer straight and reduce speed gradually — do not apply the brakes and never increase speed. Stop safely off the roadway and check that the trailer is loaded heavier in front.

Correct answer: Left-turning vehicles from either direction — not for through traffic or passing

A shared center left turn lane is reserved for vehicles turning left from either direction. It is not to be used for through traffic or for passing other vehicles.

Correct answer: Wait to be sure the rider is actually going to turn before you proceed

Do not assume a motorcycle is turning just because its signal is flashing — motorcycle turn signals may not self-cancel. Wait to be sure the rider is going to turn before you proceed.

Correct answer: 200 feet

Large vehicles have huge rear blind spots that extend up to 200 feet. If you are too close, the truck cannot see you and you cannot see what is ahead — leave plenty of room when following.

Correct answer: Not try to squeeze between the vehicle and the curb

A truck or bus sometimes swings wide to the left to clear a corner when turning right. If you try to get between the vehicle and the curb, you could be squeezed in and suffer a serious collision. Do not turn until it completes its turn.

Correct answer: Two feet of moving water

Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control or stalling. Two feet of moving water can carry away most vehicles, including sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks.

Correct answer: About three-quarters of a second to one second

The average perception time for an alert driver is about ¾ second to 1 second, and the average reaction time is also about ¾ second to 1 second. Both add to your total stopping distance.

Correct answer: Signal your intention to turn right, then stop and check traffic to the sides and rear

For a reverse two-point turnabout, signal your intention to turn right; stop and check traffic to the sides and rear before backing into the driveway.

Correct answer: A mandatory suspension that is not part of the point system

Certain violations, such as driving under the influence, require mandatory license suspensions and are not handled under the point system.