Practice test 1 of 10 — South Carolina permit test

The correct answer to each question above, why it is right, and where it comes from. Try the test first.

1. Question 1: B. When your stopped car could be a hazard

   Use hazard lights when your car is stopped or very slow and could be a hazard to others.

   Handbook: Chapter: Emergencies and vehicle equipment — Breakdowns

2. Question 2: B. They are cut in half

   "Points are reduced by half after one year from the violation date on the ticket."

   Handbook: Section 1: The Driver’s License — Loss of Driving Privileges

3. Question 3: A. Pull over, then turn around safely

   The wrong way sign means you are heading into oncoming traffic. Pull to the side right away, then turn around safely.

   Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Regulatory signs

4. Question 4: B. Traffic already on the highway

   When joining a highway, yield to traffic already on it and merge into a safe gap.

   Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Entering a roadway

5. Question 5: D. Follow the officer and go through with care

   Directions from a police officer take the place of signals and signs, so follow the officer and go through with care.

   Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signals and pavement markings — Traffic signals

6. Question 6: B. Before you start to drive

   Adjust your seat and mirrors before you start to drive, so you can see well and are not distracted on the road.

   Handbook: Chapter: Emergencies and vehicle equipment — Vehicle equipment

7. Question 7: B. The road curves to the right ahead

   This curve sign means the road bends to the right ahead. Slow down before you reach the curve.

   Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Warning signs

8. Question 8: D. Expect others to make mistakes and be ready

   Defensive driving means you expect other drivers to make mistakes and are ready to avoid them.

   Handbook: Chapter: Safe driving and hazards — Defensive driving

9. Question 9: C. 30 days

   You may be eligible for a TAL if you "have filed for an administrative hearing within 30 days."

   Handbook: Section 1: The Driver’s License — Temporary Alcohol License

10. Question 10: B. Proof of insurance

    In most states you must carry proof of insurance or financial responsibility and show it when asked.

    Handbook: Chapter: Alcohol, drugs and penalties — Licensing rules

11. Question 11: D. About 200 to 300 feet

    If you have flares, "place them about 200 to 300 feet behind the vehicle" so others can change lanes.

    Handbook: Section 9: Emergency Situations and Avoiding Collisions — Vehicle Malfunctions

12. Question 12: C. Cyclists and people walking

    Cyclists and people walking may be on your right as you turn, so check for them before turning right.

    Handbook: Chapter: Turning, passing and lane use — Turns

13. Question 13: A. After a full stop, unless a sign forbids it

    Generally you may turn right on red after a full stop if no sign forbids it and you yield to people and traffic.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signals and pavement markings — Traffic signals

14. Question 14: B. A railroad crossing

    The white X-shaped crossbuck marks the place where the road crosses railroad tracks.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Regulatory signs

15. Question 15: A. Gravity keeps pulling the car forward

    Going downhill, gravity keeps pulling the car forward, so it takes longer to stop; slow down and leave more space.

    Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Stopping distance

16. Question 16: B. Slow down and get ready to stop

    This sign warns of a stop sign ahead. Slow down so you can stop at it.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Warning signs

17. Question 17: B. 25 mph

    The orange and red triangle "means the vehicle is traveling less than 25 mph," so be sure it is safe before you pass.

    Handbook: Section 10: Sharing the Road — Slow-Moving Vehicles

18. Question 18: C. A steep downhill grade ahead

    The truck on a downward slope warns of a steep downhill grade. Check your speed and use a lower gear.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Warning signs

19. Question 19: D. At least 30 days

    If you are 18 or older, "you must hold your beginner’s permit for at least 30 days" before you apply.

    Handbook: Section 1: The Driver’s License — Beginner’s Permit

20. Question 20: D. You may take more risks

    Strong feelings make you take more risks and pay less attention, so wait until you are calm before you drive.

    Handbook: Chapter: Safe driving and hazards — Defensive driving

21. Question 21: D. In the first few minutes of rain

    In the first few minutes of rain, water mixes with oil on the road and makes it very slippery until more rain washes it away.

    Handbook: Chapter: Safe driving and hazards — Skids and slippery roads

22. Question 22: A. Get out and walk away at an angle toward the train

    Get out at once and walk away from the tracks at an angle toward the train, so debris thrown forward in the crash will not hit you.

    Handbook: Chapter: Emergencies and vehicle equipment — Railroad emergencies

23. Question 23: C. Stay back and do not pass on the right

    Trucks swing wide to make right turns. Stay back and never try to pass on the right.

    Handbook: Chapter: Sharing the road — Large trucks and buses

24. Question 24: D. Only once in a three-year period

    "A reduction in points may only be made one time in a three-year period."

    Handbook: Section 1: The Driver’s License — Loss of Driving Privileges

25. Question 25: A. You may not see a hazard in time to stop

    If you drive faster than your lights reach, you may not see a hazard in time to stop.

    Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Speed and road conditions

26. Question 26: B. Look through the gap and pull over

    Look through the gap under the hood or out the side window, slow down and pull off the road.

    Handbook: Chapter: Emergencies and vehicle equipment — Vehicle failures

27. Question 27: B. Any time it is hard to see

    Turn on your headlights any time it is hard to see, such as at dusk, in rain or in fog.

    Handbook: Chapter: Safe driving and hazards — Night and weather

28. Question 28: D. On the left

    Where lights are horizontal, "the red light is on the left, the yellow light is in the middle, and the green light is on the right."

    Handbook: Section 6: Rules of the Road — Traffic Signals

29. Question 29: B. Drive around the whole block

    The three-point turnabout is for quiet two-lane roads; "It is better to circle an entire city block if the street is busy."

    Handbook: Section 7: General Driving — Turning and Turnabouts

30. Question 30: A. To speed up to match highway traffic

    Use the acceleration lane to get up to the speed of highway traffic so you can merge smoothly.

    Handbook: Chapter: Turning, passing and lane use — Highway driving