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Drivers who want to drive combination vehicles must pass the combination vehicles test. The South Carolina CDL combination test consists of 20 questions, and you'll need at least 16 correct answers to pass (80%). The test covers the combination vehicles section of the South Carolina CDL Manual. Take this practice test now to prepare for the actual SC CDL combination test!
1. If you must make an emergency stop, you should:
apply the brakes as hard as you can to lock them.
brake in a way that will keep your vehicle in a straight line.
use the hand brake before the brake pedal.
None of the above.
2. To prevent a rollover, you should keep the cargo as close to the ground as possible and:
keep the vents clear so they work correctly.
make sure that the release arm is in the engaged position.
keep an eye on your tires.
go slowly around turns.
3. When approaching a stopped bus, you must be aware that:
a student may be driving the bus.
passing a stopped bus is illegal.
passengers may cross in front of or behind the bus.
passengers crossing in front of the bus can always see you.
4. Before connecting the converter dolly to the rear trailer, make sure that:
the shut-off valves at the rear of the first trailer are open.
the locking jaws rest on the kingpin.
the trailer height is slightly lower than the center of the fifth-wheel.
the kingpin rests on the fifth-wheel.
5. What is the minimum tread depth for tires other than front tires?
8/32 inch
4/16 inch
4/32 inch
2/32 inch
6. _________ can make vehicle handling unsafe.
Dry roads
ABS
Poor ventilation
Poor weight balance
7. Which of the following is NOT a step in backing up with a trailer?
Checking the outside mirrors on both sides frequently
Looking at your line of travel before you begin
Backing slowly
Backing quickly when the path is straight
8. When uncoupling, after you unlock the fifth-wheel you should:
pull the tractor clear of the trailer.
chock the trailer wheels.
ease the pressure on the locking jaws.
pull the tractor partially clear of the trailer.
9. Brake fade results from, and is affected by:
excessive heat caused by not relying on the engine braking effect.
excessive heat caused by using the brakes too much.
brakes out of adjustment.
All of the above.
10. When going down grades, you should:
shift up.
downshift to a lower gear.
put the transmission in Neutral.
rely solely on engine braking to reduce your speed.
 
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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the age requirements of the graduated driver's license program to obtain a class D driver's license in South Carolina:
  • For a beginner's permit, you must be at least 15 years old.
  • For a conditional driver’s license, you must be at least 15 but less than 16 years old and have held your permit for at least 180 days.
  • For a special restricted driver’s license, you need to be at least 16 but less than 17 years old. Additionally, you must have held your beginner’s permit for at least 180 days or have a conditional license.
  • For a regular driver’s license, you must have held a conditional or special restricted license for at least one year, or you must be at least 17 years old and have held a beginner’s permit for 180 days.

To take the DMV written test in South Carolina, you can visit a South Carolina DMV branch without appointment. It's important to note that permit tests are typically offered at specific hours, so contact the office you've chosen to find out when you have to go.
Make sure you've got all you need when you go to the DMV office. You must bring:
  • Proof of South Carolina residency (such as school or employment records, utility bills, bank statements, etc.). For a REAL ID permit, you'll need to present two proofs of residency.
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship/identity, name, and date of birth.
  • Proof of Social Security Number.
If you're under 18 years old, a parent or legal guardian must sign the Consent for Minor at the DMV office, unless you are an emancipated minor or married.

To prepare for the DMV written test, read the South Carolina Driver's Handbook. Pay attention to road signs, parallel parking, turning, passing a vehicle, yielding the right of way, etc. Test your knowledge with our practice tests or sign up for Premium, which offers extra resources to get ready for your exam.

New drivers in South Carolina face specific restrictions. If you have a beginner's permit, you can drive:
  • From 6 a.m. to midnight with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old with one year or more of driving experience, seated near you.
  • From midnight to 6 a.m., with any driver listed on your Consent for Minor form, seated beside you.

If you have a conditional or special restricted license:
  • You can transport a maximum of two passengers under 21, unless accompanied by a licensed adult who is at least 21 (except for siblings).
  • You can drive alone from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (8 p.m. during daylight savings time).
  • You can drive between 6 p.m. (8 p.m. during daylight savings time) and midnight if accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21.
  • You can drive from midnight to 6 a.m. with a parent/guardian.

A beginner's permit remains valid for a period of twelve months. You have the option to renew it for another year if you're eligible. The renewal process can be completed online and you are required to pay a fee. However, if the permit has been expired for more than nine months, you'll need to retake the DMV test.

SC CDL Combination Test

Number of questions: 20
Correct answers to pass:16
Passing score:80%
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