South Carolina Driver Knowledge Tests
Every South Carolina course, the agency that gives the test, and the shape of each test.
- Licensing Agency
- South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
- Learner's Permit Test
- 30 questions, 24 correct to pass, scored as one total — 8 signs and signals; 22 rules of the road.
- Motorcycle Test
- 30 questions, 24 correct to pass.
- CDL General Knowledge
- 50 questions, 40 correct to pass.
Learner's Permit
The rules of the road plus South Carolina's own licensing rules, permit conditions and penalties.
Motorcycle
The motorcycle knowledge test for South Carolina: gear, controls, curves, traffic, hazards, passengers, and alcohol.
CDL General Knowledge
The commercial license general knowledge test: the federal rules for commercial driving that every CDL program follows, in every state and DC.
CDL Hazardous Materials (H)
The CDL Hazardous Materials (H) knowledge test, on the federal rules that apply in every state and DC.
CDL Air Brakes
The CDL Air Brakes knowledge test, on the federal rules that apply in every state and DC.
CDL Passenger (P)
The CDL Passenger (P) knowledge test, on the federal rules that apply in every state and DC.
CDL School Bus (S)
The CDL School Bus (S) knowledge test, on the federal rules that apply in every state and DC.
CDL Tank Vehicle (N)
The CDL Tank Vehicle (N) knowledge test, on the federal rules that apply in every state and DC.
CDL Doubles/Triples (T)
The CDL Doubles/Triples (T) knowledge test, on the federal rules that apply in every state and DC.
South Carolina Permit Test Facts
| Test | Questions | Passing Score | Who Gives It | Agency Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Learner's Permit | 30. These numbers are widely reported; South Carolina does not publish them.30. DetailsThese numbers are widely reported; South Carolina does not publish them. | 24 correct. These numbers are widely reported; South Carolina does not publish them.24 correct. DetailsThese numbers are widely reported; South Carolina does not publish them. | South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles | SCDMV |
| Motorcycle | 30. These numbers are widely reported; South Carolina does not publish them.30. DetailsThese numbers are widely reported; South Carolina does not publish them. | 24 correct. These numbers are widely reported; South Carolina does not publish them.24 correct. DetailsThese numbers are widely reported; South Carolina does not publish them. | South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles | SCDMV |
| CDL General Knowledge | 50. No federal rule sets the question count: 49 CFR 383.133 sends the states to AAMVA's test system, which is not public. The count here is the one used by the states that publish theirs, so your state may differ.50. DetailsNo federal rule sets the question count: 49 CFR 383.133 sends the states to AAMVA's test system, which is not public. The count here is the one used by the states that publish theirs, so your state may differ. | 40 correct. 80 percent is the federal pass mark for every CDL knowledge test (49 CFR 383.135).40 correct. Details80 percent is the federal pass mark for every CDL knowledge test (49 CFR 383.135). | South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles | SCDMV |
| CDL Hazardous Materials (H) | 30. No federal rule sets the question count: 49 CFR 383.133 sends the states to AAMVA's test system, which is not public. The count here is the one used by the states that publish theirs, so your state may differ.30. DetailsNo federal rule sets the question count: 49 CFR 383.133 sends the states to AAMVA's test system, which is not public. The count here is the one used by the states that publish theirs, so your state may differ. | 24 correct. 80 percent is the federal pass mark for every CDL knowledge test (49 CFR 383.135).24 correct. Details80 percent is the federal pass mark for every CDL knowledge test (49 CFR 383.135). | South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles | SCDMV |
| CDL Air Brakes | 25. No federal rule sets the question count: 49 CFR 383.133 sends the states to AAMVA's test system, which is not public. The count here is the one used by the states that publish theirs, so your state may differ.25. DetailsNo federal rule sets the question count: 49 CFR 383.133 sends the states to AAMVA's test system, which is not public. The count here is the one used by the states that publish theirs, so your state may differ. | 20 correct. 80 percent is the federal pass mark for every CDL knowledge test (49 CFR 383.135).20 correct. Details80 percent is the federal pass mark for every CDL knowledge test (49 CFR 383.135). | South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles | SCDMV |
| CDL Passenger (P) | 20. No federal rule sets the question count: 49 CFR 383.133 sends the states to AAMVA's test system, which is not public. The count here is the one used by the states that publish theirs, so your state may differ.20. DetailsNo federal rule sets the question count: 49 CFR 383.133 sends the states to AAMVA's test system, which is not public. The count here is the one used by the states that publish theirs, so your state may differ. | 16 correct. 80 percent is the federal pass mark for every CDL knowledge test (49 CFR 383.135).16 correct. Details80 percent is the federal pass mark for every CDL knowledge test (49 CFR 383.135). | South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles | SCDMV |
| CDL School Bus (S) | 20. No federal rule sets the question count: 49 CFR 383.133 sends the states to AAMVA's test system, which is not public. The count here is the one used by the states that publish theirs, so your state may differ.20. DetailsNo federal rule sets the question count: 49 CFR 383.133 sends the states to AAMVA's test system, which is not public. The count here is the one used by the states that publish theirs, so your state may differ. | 16 correct. 80 percent is the federal pass mark for every CDL knowledge test (49 CFR 383.135).16 correct. Details80 percent is the federal pass mark for every CDL knowledge test (49 CFR 383.135). | South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles | SCDMV |
| CDL Tank Vehicle (N) | 20. No federal rule sets the question count: 49 CFR 383.133 sends the states to AAMVA's test system, which is not public. The count here is the one used by the states that publish theirs, so your state may differ.20. DetailsNo federal rule sets the question count: 49 CFR 383.133 sends the states to AAMVA's test system, which is not public. The count here is the one used by the states that publish theirs, so your state may differ. | 16 correct. 80 percent is the federal pass mark for every CDL knowledge test (49 CFR 383.135).16 correct. Details80 percent is the federal pass mark for every CDL knowledge test (49 CFR 383.135). | South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles | SCDMV |
| CDL Doubles/Triples (T) | 20. No federal rule sets the question count: 49 CFR 383.133 sends the states to AAMVA's test system, which is not public. The count here is the one used by the states that publish theirs, so your state may differ.20. DetailsNo federal rule sets the question count: 49 CFR 383.133 sends the states to AAMVA's test system, which is not public. The count here is the one used by the states that publish theirs, so your state may differ. | 16 correct. 80 percent is the federal pass mark for every CDL knowledge test (49 CFR 383.135).16 correct. Details80 percent is the federal pass mark for every CDL knowledge test (49 CFR 383.135). | South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles | SCDMV |
Permit Tests in Other States
Official Links
Questions
Common Questions
Who gives the driver knowledge test in South Carolina?
The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. Check its website for fees, documents and whether you need an appointment.
How many questions are on the South Carolina permit test?
30. These numbers are widely reported; South Carolina does not publish them.
What is the passing score on the South Carolina permit test?
24 correct. These numbers are widely reported; South Carolina does not publish them.
Does South Carolina have a motorcycle knowledge test?
Yes. South Carolina's motorcycle knowledge test: 30 questions, 24 to pass. These numbers are widely reported; South Carolina does not publish them.
Which CDL tests can I practice for South Carolina?
CDL General Knowledge and the CDL Hazardous Materials (H), CDL Air Brakes, CDL Passenger (P), CDL School Bus (S), CDL Tank Vehicle (N), CDL Doubles/Triples (T). The CDL tests are federal, so the questions are the same in every state and DC.