Roadwise States South Carolina Driving lessons Taking the knowledge, vision & skills tests South Carolina driving lesson · Your License
Taking the knowledge, vision & skills tests A 3-minute lesson from the South Carolina course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Read time 3 minutes
Course unit Your License
Checkpoint questions 6
Source pages 14, 15, 16, 17 For an original license, or to upgrade to a different class, you take a vision test, a knowledge test and a skills (driving) test. Vision and knowledge tests can be taken at any SCDMV branch.
Know the rule
Manuals and other testing aids can't be used during the knowledge test.
Handbook p. 14 ↗ You fail the knowledge test if you: Leave the test room or area before you finish Talk to anyone Bring anything that could help you answer, including written material Bring an electronic device such as a cell phone, laptop or tablet reader Handbook p. 14 ↗ Know the rule
One Stop Driver Training and Testing Programs (third-party testers) can give the knowledge and/or skills tests for a first-time Class D permit or license or a Class M license.
Handbook p. 14 ↗ Know the rule
SCDMV may randomly select you to pass the skills test again before your license is issued (SC Code §56-1-15).
Handbook p. 15 ↗ Know the rule
Every first license includes vision, knowledge and skills tests, except a moped license: SCDMV requires no skills test for a moped license.
Handbook p. 15 ↗ You provide the test vehicle. It must have working: Headlights and brakes Mirrors Windshield wipers Safety belts Turn signals Speedometer Defroster Horn Plus a valid license plate, registration card and insurance card Handbook p. 16 ↗ Know the rule
The skills test is postponed if your vehicle isn't safe, and you fail automatically if you don't use your seat belt.
Handbook p. 16 ↗ Bring to your test: Your old license or beginner's permit, if you have one A licensed driver Liability insurance information from a company licensed to do business in SC Handbook p. 16 ↗ Know the rule
Only you and the SCDMV employee testing you are allowed in or around the vehicle. Bring or wear your glasses or contacts for the vision test.
Handbook p. 16 ↗ During the skills test you could be asked to: Use headlights, wipers, turn signals and four-way flashers Test your brake lights Change lanes and make right and left turns Identify road signs Parallel park and park on a hill Back up in a straight line for 100 feet Do reverse and forward two-point turnabouts Do a three-point turnabout Drive on the interstate Handbook p. 16 ↗ Know the rule
These waits apply regardless of your age or driving experience.
Handbook p. 17 ↗ Put it into practice
You've failed the skills test twice. On your third try you forget to buckle up and fail automatically. Now you must wait 30 calendar days before retesting.
A useful reminder Retest waits climb 2 → 7 → 30: business days first, then calendar days.
Check your understanding Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
Which tests must you pass to get an original SC driver's license? Only a knowledge test Only a skills test Vision and skills tests only Vision, knowledge, and skills tests Answer: Vision, knowledge, and skills tests
You must take a vision, knowledge, and skills test when you apply for an original driver's license or upgrade to a different class.
Handbook p. 14 ↗ Which license type does NOT require a skills test? Class G (moped) Class D Class M Class E Answer: Class G (moped)
The SCDMV does not require a skills test for a moped license, unlike other license classes.
Handbook p. 15 ↗ You will automatically fail the skills test if you: Drive under 20 mph Do not wear your seat belt Ask the examiner a question Take more than 15 minutes Answer: Do not wear your seat belt
You will automatically fail the skills test if you do not use your seat belt.
Handbook p. 16 ↗ During the skills test you could be asked to back up in a straight line for: 50 feet 25 feet 100 feet 200 feet Answer: 100 feet
The skills test may require 100 feet of straight-line backing.
Handbook p. 16 ↗ If you fail the skills test on your first attempt, how long must you wait before you can be retested? Seven calendar days 30 calendar days One business day Two business days Answer: Two business days
After a first failed attempt you must wait two business days; seven days applies to a second failure and 30 days to a third or later failure.
Handbook p. 17 ↗ If you fail the skills test on your third attempt or more, how long must you wait before you can be retested? 30 calendar days 7 calendar days 2 business days 14 calendar days Answer: 30 calendar days
A third or later failure requires a 30 calendar day wait before retesting.
Handbook p. 17 ↗ Previous lesson GDL: conditional, special restricted & full licenses Next lesson Moving to, from or visiting SC About the source Roadwise’s South Carolina course uses the driver handbook edition supplied with this study pack. This lesson cites source pages 14, 15, 16, 17. The linked PDF is a third-party mirror of the handbook, rather than a government-hosted page.
Open the handbook source PDF · View the source edition
For current application requirements, fees, appointments, and the format that applies to your age or license type, check South Carolina’s DMV. Roadwise provides study material and does not issue permits or licenses.