South Carolina Driver’s License Manual Vocabulary Flashcards

SCDMV Manual Disclaimer and Introduction

• Manual Purpose: This guide explains rules of the road, traffic control devices, signs, and pavement markings necessary for operating a vehicle in South Carolina.
• Disclaimer: Materials used are with permission from the AAMVA Model Driver’s License Manual. However, state motor vehicle laws are not reproduced in their entirety, and wording may differ from official statutes. Information is subject to legislative and policy changes.
• Website: For current information, visit dmv.sc.gov.

Section 1: The Driver's License

Types of Driver’s Licenses and Permits

• Classification Basis: Licenses are determined by the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW).
• Non-Commercial Licenses:
  • Class D: Passenger vehicles (cars/trucks) not exceeding $26,000$ pounds GVW. Includes mopeds and three-wheel vehicles (excluding motorcycles with detachable sidecars).
  • Class E: Non-commercial single-unit vehicles exceeding $26,000$ pounds GVW (e.g., large trucks, motor homes).
  • Class F: Non-commercial combination vehicles exceeding $26,000$ pounds GVW (e.g., motor homes with towed vehicles).
  • Class G: Mopeds. Minimum age is $15$. Only vision and knowledge tests are required. If a driver has any other class license, Class G is not required.
  • Class M: Two-wheel motorcycles, three-wheel vehicles, or motorcycles with detachable sidecars.
• Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL):
  • Class A: Combination vehicles with GCWR of $26,001$ or more pounds, provided the towed vehicle is over $10,000$ pounds GVWR.
  • Class B: Single vehicle with GVWR of $26,001$ or more pounds, or such vehicle towing a vehicle not over $10,000$ pounds GVWR.
  • Class C: Vehicles designed for $16$ or more passengers or placarded for hazardous materials that don't meet Class A or B definitions.
• Requirement Rule: It is illegal to have more than one valid driver’s license. Drivers must carry a valid license, vehicle registration, and insurance card for the class of vehicle they are operating.

Licensing Requirements

• U.S. Citizens: Must provide proof of citizenship, identity, date and place of birth, social security number (SSN), and SC address using SCDMV form MV-93.
• International Customers: Must provide documents outlined in form MV-94 and apply at designated branch offices.
• Beginner’s Permit:
  • Minimum age: $15$.
  • Requires passing vision and knowledge tests.
  • Driving Hours: $6\,a.m.$ to midnight with a licensed driver who is $21+$ with one year of experience. After midnight, supervision must be by specific individuals (parents, guardians, etc.) listed in SC Code $\S 56-1-100(A)(1-7)$.
  • Hold Times: If under $17$, must hold for $180$ days. If $18+$, must hold for $30$ days.
  • Practice Requirements (Ages 15-16): $40$ hours of practice, including $10$ hours at night, with an authorized adult.
• Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) Program:
  • Conditional License (Age 15 ½ to 16):
    • Pass vision and skills test.
    • Restrictions: Max $2$ passengers under $21$ (unless transporting family or students). Solo driving from $6\,a.m.$ to $6\,p.m.$ ($8\,p.m.$ during DST).
    • Supervised driving ($21+$ driver) from $6\,p.m.$ to midnight.
    • Parental/authorized supervision required from midnight to $6\,a.m.$.
  • Special Restricted License (Age 16 to 17): Similar restrictions to the Conditional License. Eligible for a waiver to drive solo until midnight for work or school activities.
  • Waiver Requirements: Submit Form 447-NC, Form 447-CM, school/work letters, and pay a $25$ fee.
  • Regular License: Full privileges granted at age $17$ or after holding a restricted license for one year with no traffic offenses or at-fault collisions.

Testing and Renewal

• Non-Commercial License Tests: Includes vision, knowledge, and skills tests. Electronic devices (cell phones, iPads, Kindles) are prohibited in testing areas.
• Skills Test (Road Test): Requires a safe vehicle (working brakes, lights, wipers, horn, defroster, etc.), valid registration, and insurance. Automatic failure for not using a seat belt.
  • Retest Wait Times: 1st failure ($2$ business days); 2nd failure ($7$ calendar days); 3rd+ failure ($30$ calendar days).
• Out-of-State Transfers: Must apply for SC license within $45$ days of moving. If license is expired more than $9$ months, all tests must be retaken. International visitors from specific countries may have testing requirements waived due to reciprocity agreements.
• Renewal: Effective May 18, 2024, active-duty military are exempt from vision screening if they provide an LES dated within $31$ days. Regular renewals for U.S. citizens can be done online for an 8-year license if they meet specific criteria (no more than $5$ points in $2$ years, not suspended, etc.).

Loss of Driving Privileges

• Point System: Points are assigned for traffic violations. Points are reduced by half after one year.
• Suspension Thresholds: License suspended if total points reach $12$. For those under $17$, reaching $6$ points results in a 6-month suspension.
• Defensive Driving Course: An 8-hour classroom course can reduce points by four, once every three years. Must be completed before a suspension starts.
• Reinstatement: Fees can be paid online. A payment plan is available for qualified individuals.
• Provisional/Restricted Licenses:
  • Provisional License: For 1st offense DUI/DUAC (BAC $\le 0.14\%$). Cost is $100$. Not available for offenses occurring on or after May 19, 2024.
  • Route Restricted License: Allows driving to work, school, or ADRSAP. Cost is $100$. Valid for specific suspensions (Alcohol, Controlled Substance, etc.).
  • Temporary Alcohol License (TAL): For those pending an administrative hearing for implied consent violations. Cost is $100$.

Section 2: State Laws and Rules

• Selective Service: Males under $26$ must register when applying for a credential. Data is sent to the U.S. Selective Service at age $18$.
• Organ Donation: Registered donors have a red heart on their license. Decisions for those under $18$ are finalized by parents/guardians.
• Littering: Illegal; offenders may be fined or ordered to pick up litter. Cigarette butts are considered litter.
• Golf Carts: Must be $16+$ with a valid license. Permit decal required. Operation allowed only during daylight, within $4$ miles of the registered address or community gate, on secondary roads with speed limits $\le 35\,mph$.

Section 3: Be in Shape to Drive

Vision and Fatigue

• Standards: Minimum vision is $20/40$ corrected in at least one eye. Standard vision certificates are valid for $36$ months.
• Fatigue Tips: Most people need $7$ to $9$ hours of sleep. Plan stops every $100\,miles$ or $2\,hours$ during long trips.

Distractions and Aggressive Driving

• Hands-Free Law: Physically holding a mobile device is illegal.
  • 1st Offense: $100$ fine.
  • 2nd+ Offense: $200$ fine and $2$ points.
• Aggressive Driving: Includes speeding, tailgating, and failing to signal.

Alcohol and Drugs

• Impairment Metrics: Vision is impacted at $0.02\%$ BAC. Alcohol and drugs are involved in approximately $40\%$ of fatal collisions.
• Under 21 Rule: Zero tolerance. BAC $0.02\%$ or greater results in an immediate 3-month suspension.
• Implied Consent Law: By driving in SC, you consent to chemical tests (breath, blood, urine) if suspected of impairment. Refusal leads to immediate loss of privileges ($6$ months for under 21).
• Conviction Levels: Drivers can be convicted even with a BAC as low as $0.05\%$ if combined with drugs or showing impairment.

Older Drivers

• Signs it is time to modify habits: Needing multiple tries to parallel park, confusion in traffic, or difficulty seeing objects a few feet away.

Section 4: Before You Drive

Vehicle Inspection

• Tires: Check pressure monthly (PSI found on the doorframe sticker). Use the "Penny Test" for tread depth: if you can see all of Lincoln's head when the penny is inserted into the groove, the tire is too worn.
• Seat/Mirror Adjustment: Sit upright with at least $10\,inches$ between your chest and the steering wheel. Head restraints should contact the back of the head, not below the ears.
• Enhanced Mirror Settings: To reduce blind spots, lean your head against the left window to set the left mirror, and lean to the center console to set the right mirror.

Occupant Safety

• Safety Belts: SC has a primary enforcement law. Shoulder harness goes across the chest; lap belt stays low across the hips.
• Child Passenger Safety (SC Code $\S 56-5-6410$):
  • Infant (
  • Ages 2+ or Outgrown Rear-facing: Forward-facing seat with harness.
  • Ages 4+ or Outgrown Forward-facing: Booster seat.
  • Ages 8+ or $57\,inches$ tall: Adult safety belt.
• Air Bags: Supplemental; children age $7$ and younger should sit in the back seat.

Securing Loads

• Unsecured loads are misdemeanors. Loads are secure only when nothing can slide, fall, or become airborne. Covers/tarps and ropes/straps must be used.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

• Includes blind spot warning, lane-keep assist, and auto-braking. Drivers cannot use parking assist or cruise control during the skills test.

Section 5: Basic Driving

• Starting: Right foot on brake, gear in Park.
• Moving: Shift to Drive, check blind spots by looking over the shoulder, accelerate gradually.
• Steering Grip: Think of a clock. Left hand at $7$ to $9$ o'clock; Right hand at $3$ to $5$ o'clock. Thumbs should be up along the face of the wheel.
• Steering Techniques:
  • Hand-to-Hand (Push/Pull): Used for normal driving above $10-15\,mph$. Hands do not cross over.
  • Hand-over-Hand: Used for low-speed maneuvers like intersections or parking.
  • One-Hand: Only for backing up or operating controls temporarily.
• Backing Up: Place left hand at $12$ o'clock. Turn body to look through the rear window. Steer in the direction you want the rear of the vehicle to go.

Section 6: Rules of the Road

Yielding Right-of-Way

• First Car Rule: Yield to the vehicle that arrives first at an intersection.
• Same Time Rule: If two vehicles arrive at a 4-way stop simultaneously, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.
• Yield to pedestrians, bicyclists, and traffic already in the intersection.

Traffic Signals

• Green: Go with caution.
• Yellow: Warning signal is about to change to red; stop if safe to do so.
• Red: Stop. Right turn on red is permitted after a complete stop unless prohibited.
• Flashing Yellow: Slow down and proceed with caution.
• Flashing Red: Treat like a stop sign.

Signs

• Warning Signs: Yellow, diamond-shaped.
• Work Zone Signs: Orange, diamond or rectangular. Speeding fines and points are higher here.
• Regulatory Signs: White with black/red/green symbols. (e.g., Stop, Yield, Speed Limit).
• Route Markers: Interstate (Shield), U.S. Route (Badge), State Route (Square).

Pavement Markings

• Yellow: Separates traffic moving in opposite directions. Solid line means no passing.
• White: Separates traffic moving in the same direction.
• Crosswalks: Yield to pedestrians. Stop behind the stop line if one exists.

Section 7: General Driving

Maneuvers

• Turns: Turn right from the right-most portion of the lane. Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
• Three-Point Turn: Only used on narrow, low-traffic, two-lane roads. Must be completed without hitting the curb.
• Intersections: Look left, then right, then left again. Never turn because of an active signal on another car; wait for them to commit.
• Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI): Shifts traffic to the left side between signals to eliminate conflicting left turns.
• Restricted Crossing U-turn (RCUT): Eliminates left turns from cross-streets; drivers must turn right and then make a U-turn.
• Roundabouts: Travel counterclockwise. Entering traffic yields to circulating traffic.

School Buses

• Stop Requirement: Must stop for red/amber flashing lights and extended stop arms.
• Opposite Direction: On a two-lane road, both sides must stop. On a multi-lane highway ($4$ lanes min), the opposite side does NOT stop if there are at least $2$ lanes in each direction.

Parking

• Curb distance: Do not park more than $18\,inches$ from the curb.
• Hills:
  • Downhill (with or without curb): Turn wheels toward the curb.
  • Uphill (with curb): Turn wheels away from the curb.
  • Uphill (no curb): Turn wheels toward the right (off the roadbed).

Zipper Merge

• Best practice for lane closures: Stay in the current lane until the merge point, then take turns. Reduces backups by $40\%$.

Section 8: Safe Driving Tips

• Visual Search: Look $20$ to $30$ seconds ahead.
• Space Management: Maintain a minimum $4-second$ following distance. Increase this in bad weather or when following large vehicles.
• Hydroplaning: Occurs when tires ride on a layer of water. To avoid, slow down in rain.
• Flooded Roads: $6\,inches$ of water can cause stalling; $2\,feet$ of moving water can carry away an SUV.
• Communication: Signals must be used at least $100\,feet$ before a turn or lane change.

Section 9: Emergencies

• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Press the pedal hard and hold. Do not pump.
• Skid Recovery: Release brake/accelerator, look where you want to go, and steer in that direction.
• Tire Blowout: Grip steering wheel firmly, stay straight, take foot off gas. Do not brake.
• Power Failure: Brake with steady pressure; wheels will be hard to turn but still functional.
• Emergency Contact: Enter info on the SCDMV website so law enforcement can access it via your license record.

Section 10: Sharing the Road

• Pedestrians: Visually impaired (white cane or guide dog) requires a total stop.
• Bicyclists: Have the same rights as motorized vehicles. Give them as much space as possible. Do not sound the horn close to them.
• Motorcyclists: Check blind spots; motorcycle turn signals often don't self-cancel.
• Large Commercial Vehicles: "No Zones" are huge blind spots ($200\,feet$ to the rear, plus front and sides). A truck at $55\,mph$ takes $335\,feet$ to stop, which is $1.5$ times that of a car.
• Traffic Stops: Keep hands on the steering wheel. Turn on interior lights at night.
• Move-Over Law: Requires drivers to slow down and change lanes for stopped emergency vehicles.

Section 11: Special Situations

• Night Driving: Dim high beams within $500\,feet$ of oncoming traffic and $200\,feet$ of vehicles being followed.
• Gravel Roads: Traction is significantly reduced; increase following distance.
• Winter Driving: Use tire chains if needed. If stuck, turn wheels side to side to clear snow.
• Safe Trailering:
  • Loading: Load $60\%$ of weight in the front, $40\%$ in the back to prevent sway.
  • Speed: Max recommended speed is $55\,mph$.
  • Sway: If the trailer sways, steer straight and reduce speed gradually without braking.

Section 12: Knowledge Test Sample

• Passing is permitted when the dashed yellow line is on your side.
• Regulatory signs are white.
• If you reach a 4-way stop at the same time as someone else, yield to the driver on the right.
• Motorcyclists have the right to use a complete traffic lane.