South Carolina Lanes & Turns practice test
Practice lane markings, turns, passing and merging: 34 questions based on the South Carolina Driver's Manual, 12 of them on South Carolina's own rules.
Key South Carolina facts: Lanes & Turns
When several lanes turn, pick and enter the lane you will turn from and stay in it until the turn is finished. Section 7, General Driving, Turning and Turnabouts, p. 7-2 (PDF p. 77) Use a three-point turnabout only when the street is too narrow for a U-turn and you cannot go around the block; on a busy street it is better to circle the block. Section 7, General Driving, Three-Point Turnabout, p. 7-3 (PDF p. 78) During a three-point turnabout you may not touch the curb, leave the pavement, or turn into a side street or driveway. Section 7, General Driving, Three-Point Turnabout, p. 7-3 (PDF p. 78) When it is safe to pass, signal at least 100 feet before passing. Section 7, General Driving, Passing, p. 7-16 (PDF p. 91) Do not try to pass when an oncoming vehicle is near, when a curve or hill blocks your view, at intersections, or before a railroad crossing or bridge. Section 7, General Driving, Passing, p. 7-16 (PDF p. 91) Sample Lanes & Turns questions
When does the manual say a three-point turnabout should be used?
When a U-turn won't fit and you can't circle the block Whenever you miss a turn on any road or street On a divided highway that has a wide median On a busy street during the evening rush hour Show the answer
When a U-turn won't fit and you can't circle the block
On a busy street it is better to circle the block than to turn around this way.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual, Section 7, General Driving, Three-Point Turnabout, p. 7-3 (PDF p. 78)
Why should you avoid the right lane on steep hills when you can?
It is reserved for buses on steep grades It is always closed on hills for safety Large trucks slow to about 35 mph and use it It has a higher speed limit on hills Show the answer
Large trucks slow to about 35 mph and use it
Trucks climb and descend steep hills slowly in the right lane, and also re-enter traffic there near weigh stations.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual, Section 10, Sharing the Road, Rear No Zones, p. 10-10 (PDF p. 119)
Which of these is not allowed while doing a three-point turnabout?
Using a driveway to turn Checking your blind spots Signaling first Stopping at each edge Show the answer
Using a driveway to turn
Do it without touching the curb, leaving the pavement or pulling into a side street or driveway.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual, Section 7, General Driving, Three-Point Turnabout, p. 7-3 (PDF p. 78)
How should you drive on a narrow rural road without shoulders?
Hug the edge of the road Drive on the center line Use your high beams all day Slow down and keep centered in your lane Show the answer
Slow down and keep centered in your lane
Rural roads may have ditches instead of shoulders, so slow down, stay centered and watch for oncoming drivers drifting into your lane.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual, Section 11, Special Driving Situations, Rural Road Driving, p. 11-5 (PDF p. 130)
Your exit is coming up on the highway. What should you do?
Slow down in the travel lane Move to the lane nearest the exit early Cross several lanes at the last second Stop on the shoulder to read signs Show the answer
Move to the lane nearest the exit early
Get into the right lane early, keep your speed on the main road, then signal and slow in the deceleration lane.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual, Section 7, General Driving, Exiting a Roadway, p. 7-15 (PDF p. 90)
You are in one of two left-turn lanes. What should you do during the turn?
Pick any lane you like once the turn begins Stay in the same lane until the turn is complete Move to the outer lane in the middle of the turn Straddle both lanes to make the turn wider Show the answer
Stay in the same lane until the turn is complete
With multiple turning lanes, enter the lane you will turn from and stay in it until you finish.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual, Section 7, General Driving, Turning and Turnabouts, p. 7-2 (PDF p. 77)
When it is safe to pass, how far ahead should you signal?
A quarter mile before 100 feet or more before passing 10 feet before Only after you change lanes Show the answer
100 feet or more before passing
Signal your intention at least 100 feet before you pass.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual, Section 7, General Driving, Passing, p. 7-16 (PDF p. 91)
Under South Carolina law, what is the far left lane of a controlled-access highway for, when other traffic is behind you?
Trucks only Overtaking and passing Exiting to the left only Cruising at any speed Show the answer
Overtaking and passing
State law keeps the far left lane for passing, with exceptions such as no one directly behind you, heavy congestion or bad weather.
Source: South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 56, Chapter 5, § 56-5-1885
A car is merging onto the highway from an on-ramp beside you. How can you help?
Honk until the driver yields to you Speed up to keep it from merging Move over a lane or adjust your speed Stop in your lane and wave it in Show the answer
Move over a lane or adjust your speed
Making space for entering vehicles is part of keeping a safe cushion around your car.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual, Section 8, Safe Driving Tips, Space to the Side, p. 8-7 (PDF p. 100)
Where does the manual say you should not try to pass?
Where a broken line is on your side Just before a railroad crossing or bridge On a straight road with a clear view On a multi-lane road using the left lane Show the answer
Just before a railroad crossing or bridge
Do not pass near intersections, before a railroad crossing or bridge, or when a hill or curve blocks your view.
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual, Section 7, General Driving, Passing, p. 7-16 (PDF p. 91)
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About these questions
We wrote these practice questions from the facts in the South Carolina Driver's Manual (Edition linked from SCDMV's Beginner's Permit page; no revision date is printed (the cover page of the 06/2024 edition is gone) and the file was last modified 2026-04-01 (server date), read 2026-11-09. Compared with the 06/2024 edition it adds the South Carolina Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act (pp. 3-4 to 3-5), a 30-day permit holding period for applicants 18 or older (p. 1-5) and shorter route-restricted license lists; the rest of the text is the same, with some pages shifted. Pages are cited as printed (section-page, e.g. 1-4) with the PDF page. Where the manual gives no value, the South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 56, Chapter 5 (scstatehouse.gov, read 2026-11-09) and SCDMV web pages are the source. edition) and from official sources on road signs. Every answer links to its source, so you can check it and read more.
DMV Decoded is an independent guide, not a government agency. This practice test is not connected to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV), and your actual test will have different questions. Study the handbook, and check the agency's website for current rules.
