South Carolina Speed Limits practice test

Key South Carolina facts: Speed Limits

• A golf cart driver must be at least 16 with a valid license; the cart needs an SCDMV decal and may be driven in daytime within four miles of its registered address or a gated community's gate, only on secondary roads posted 35 mph or less. Section 2, State Laws and Rules of the Road, Golf Carts, pp. 2-2-2-3 (PDF pp. 30-31)
• The maximum speed is 70 mph on interstates and other freeways where signs post that limit. § 56-5-1520(B)(1)
• The maximum speed is 60 mph on multilane divided primary highways where signs post that limit. § 56-5-1520(B)(2)
• Elsewhere the maximum speed is 55 mph, and on unpaved roads it is 40 mph. § 56-5-1520(B)(3)
• In an urban district the top speed is 30 mph. § 56-5-1520(C)

Sample Speed Limits questions

What is the highest speed limit South Carolina law allows on interstates where it is posted?

• 80 mph
• 65 mph
• 55 mph
• 70 mph

Show the answer

70 mph

The state maximum is 70 mph on interstates and other freeways with signs posting that limit.

Source: South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 56, Chapter 5, § 56-5-1520(B)(1)

State law requires a reduced speed in which of these places, even below the posted limit?

• On a freeway on-ramp only
• When approaching a railroad crossing
• On an empty straight highway
• In a parking garage only

Show the answer

When approaching a railroad crossing

Slow down approaching intersections, railroad crossings, curves, hillcrests and narrow bridges, and when other hazards exist.

Source: South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 56, Chapter 5, § 56-5-1520(F)

What is the maximum speed on an unpaved road in South Carolina?

• 40 mph
• 25 mph
• 55 mph
• 35 mph

Show the answer

40 mph

State law limits unpaved roads to 40 mph.

Source: South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 56, Chapter 5, § 56-5-1520(B)(3)

What is the maximum recommended speed for most vehicle-trailer combinations?

• 75 mph
• 55 mph
• 65 mph
• 35 mph

Show the answer

55 mph

Drive more slowly when towing. The recommended top speed is 55 mph, and never above the posted limit.

Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual, Section 11, Special Driving Situations, Safe Driving With a Trailer, p. 11-11 (PDF p. 136)

What is the maximum speed on a multilane divided primary highway where signs post it?

• 55 mph
• 45 mph
• 70 mph
• 60 mph

Show the answer

60 mph

State law allows up to 60 mph on these highways when official signs give that limit.

Source: South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 56, Chapter 5, § 56-5-1520(B)(2)

What is the maximum speed in an urban district unless another limit is set?

• 35 mph
• 30 mph
• 20 mph
• 45 mph

Show the answer

30 mph

State law sets 30 mph as the most you may drive in an urban district.

Source: South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 56, Chapter 5, § 56-5-1520(C)

On what kind of road may a golf cart be driven in South Carolina?

• Only in parking lots
• Any road posted 55 mph or less
• A secondary road posted 35 mph or less
• Any interstate shoulder

Show the answer

A secondary road posted 35 mph or less

Permitted golf carts may run in daytime, within four miles of their registered address or a gated community's gate, on secondary roads posted 35 mph or lower.

Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual, Section 2, State Laws and Rules of the Road, Golf Carts, pp. 2-2-2-3 (PDF pp. 30-31)

On a paved rural highway where no other limit is posted, what is the maximum speed?

• 55 mph
• 65 mph
• 45 mph
• 70 mph

Show the answer

55 mph

Where no higher limit is posted, the maximum is 55 mph; unpaved roads are limited to 40 mph.

Source: South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 56, Chapter 5, § 56-5-1520(B)(3)

You are towing a trailer and come to a long downhill grade. When should you slow down?

• At the bottom of the hill
• Only if the trailer sways
• Halfway down the hill
• Before you start down the hill

Show the answer

Before you start down the hill

Slow down before the descent, not after you are already gaining speed.

Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual, Section 11, Special Driving Situations, Safe Driving With a Trailer, p. 11-11 (PDF p. 136)

When does the slower speed limit in a school zone apply?

• Only at night, after school hours
• Only on weekends and holidays
• Only during the summer months
• While lights flash or children are around

Show the answer

While lights flash or children are around

Watch for flashing lights and children; either one means the lower limit applies.

Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual, Section 10, Sharing the Road, Pedestrians, p. 10-2 (PDF p. 111)

Take this topic's test

More South Carolina practice

• Full practice testAll topics, as in the knowledge test
• Road SignsWhat signs mean and what to do when you see them90 questions, 12 on South Carolina rules
• Right-of-WayWho goes first at intersections, crosswalks and roundabouts39 questions, 12 on South Carolina rules
• Traffic SignalsLights, arrows and pedestrian signals30 questions, 11 on South Carolina rules
• Lanes & TurnsLane markings, turns, passing and merging34 questions, 12 on South Carolina rules
• ParkingCurb colors, hills and where you can't park29 questions, 10 on South Carolina rules
• Safe DrivingFollowing distance, weather, night driving and sharing the road67 questions, 24 on South Carolina rules
• Alcohol & DrugsBlood alcohol limits, DUI rules and medication29 questions, 15 on South Carolina rules
• EmergenciesBreakdowns, emergency vehicles and railroad crossings31 questions, 14 on South Carolina rules
• License RulesPermits, restrictions for new drivers and points31 questions, 31 on South Carolina rules
• Insurance & CollisionsRequired coverage and what to do after a crash21 questions, 11 on South Carolina rules
• Phones & DistractionPhone rules and other distractions18 questions, 11 on South Carolina rules

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.