South Carolina DMV Practice Test 2025

Emma's Law (SC Code § 56-1-400, enacted 2014) was named for 6-year-old Emma Longstreet, killed by a repeat drunk driver. It mandated IID installation for: first-time DUI offenders whose BAC was 0.15% or higher, and all second+ DUI offenders regardless of BAC. The IID must be installed before driving privileges are restored. South Carolina was among the first states to expand mandatory IID requirements to first-time high-BAC offenders. The law has since been used as a model for similar legislation in other states. Emma's Law costs in SC: drivers pay for IID installation ($70–$150) and monthly monitoring fees ($60–$80) throughout the IID requirement period.

A valid South Carolina driver's license is required to operate a golf cart on public roads. Golf carts may only be operated on roads with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less. Requirements: SCDMV registration, proper safety equipment (lights if driven dusk to dawn, SMV emblem), and a licensed driver. Golf carts cannot travel on roads posted above 35 mph. Local municipalities (such as Hilton Head Island, Myrtle Beach, and Kiawah) may have additional local ordinances governing golf cart use, designated crossing zones at higher-speed roads, and operation hours. Check local ordinances in addition to state law.

South Carolina's three-stage GDL: (1) Beginner's Permit at 15 — supervised driving only, adult 21+ in front seat, 180-day minimum hold, 40 hours supervised (10 night); (2) Conditional License at 15½ — curfew 10PM–6AM school nights, midnight–6AM other nights, one non-family passenger under 21 during first 6 months; (3) Unrestricted License at 17 (with driver ed) or 18 (without). Note: drivers who complete a state-approved driver education course can progress faster. Without driver ed, full license eligibility is at 18.

First DUI in South Carolina (BAC 0.08%–0.09%): 48 hours to 30 days in jail (or 48 hours public service) OR $400 fine, 6-month license suspension, completion of ADSAP (Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program). BAC 0.10%–0.15%: $500–$1,000 fine, 72 hours to 30 days jail. BAC 0.16%+: $1,000 fine, 30–90 days in jail, AND mandatory IID under Emma's Law. All first DUI convictions trigger ADSAP enrollment — the cost is borne by the offender. SCDMV will not reinstate the license until ADSAP is completed.

South Carolina's Hands-Free Act (Act R-134, effective May 17, 2023) applies to ALL drivers statewide. Primary enforcement: police can stop a driver solely for violation. Prohibited: holding or manually operating a wireless device while driving. Permitted: Bluetooth, hands-free speakerphone on a mounted device, voice commands, and in-vehicle integrated systems. Fines: $100 first offense, $200 second, $300 third+. Previously, South Carolina only prohibited texting while driving for all drivers and had stricter limits for drivers under 18. The 2023 Act represented a major expansion of the law.

South Carolina requires minimum liability coverage of 25/50/25: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 property damage. South Carolina also requires uninsured motorist coverage equal to these minimums — coverage that many states make optional. If an uninsured driver hits you, your UM coverage applies. SC requires proof of insurance in the vehicle at all times. SCDMV participates in the Insurance Verification System. Uninsured drivers face fines and license suspension. SR-22 insurance certificates are required for license reinstatement after a DUI or certain other convictions.

A driver under 17 can receive a full unrestricted SC license only after completing an SCDMV-approved driver education course AND holding the Conditional License for the required period with no serious violations. Without driver education, the driver must wait until age 18 for full license eligibility. The driver education requirement includes both classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training. Upon turning 17 and meeting all GDL requirements, the driver may apply for an unrestricted Class D license at any SCDMV office.

South Carolina does not have a statute identical to Missouri's explicit barricade law, but South Carolina drivers may not drive around or through any road closure established by law enforcement or SCDOT. More importantly, driving into floodwater is treated as reckless endangerment if it requires emergency response. South Carolina averages 40+ flood-related traffic incidents per year, particularly during hurricane season and after Lowcountry rains. SCDMV driver education emphasizes 'Turn Around, Don't Drown' — six inches of moving water can cause loss of vehicle control, and two feet of water can float most vehicles.

South Carolina participates in the Driver License Compact (DLC). Out-of-state DUI convictions are reported to SCDMV and treated as equivalent to a South Carolina DUI — same suspension periods, same escalation thresholds (first/second/third offense counting), and same IID requirements under Emma's Law. An out-of-state DUI with a BAC ≥ 0.15% will trigger an Emma's Law IID requirement upon reinstatement even though the conviction occurred outside South Carolina.

The Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP) is a South Carolina state-mandated assessment and education/treatment program for DUI offenders. It is required for ALL first DUI convictions in South Carolina — without exception. ADSAP involves: an evaluation by a certified counselor; mandatory education sessions (length depends on assessment results); possible treatment referrals for ongoing substance issues. SCDMV will not reinstate a DUI-suspended license until the offender produces a certificate of ADSAP completion. Costs range from $500 to $2,500+ depending on the level of service required. ADSAP is available at certified locations throughout South Carolina.