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The passenger endorsement applies to drivers who want to drive a bus in any Class A, B, or C CDL. Applicants must pass a special knowledge test, and must pass skills tests in a passenger vehicle. The South Carolina CDL passenger test consists of 20 questions. To pass, you must correctly answer at least 16 questions (80%). The SC passenger test covers the following sections of the South Carolina CDL Manual: Driving Safely, Transporting Passengers, Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Control Skills Test and Road Test. Take this SC practice test now to prepare for the actual passenger test!
1. Bus drivers must have a commercial driver's license (CDL) if transporting ____ students or more.
8
20
6
11
2. Which of the following could cause poisonous carbon monoxide to enter the cab?
Wrong type of fuel
Lack of engine oil
Lack of engine coolant
Exhaust system leaks
3. You should always adjust your speed to be able to stop within:
50 feet.
the length of your vehicle.
30 feet.
the distance you can see ahead.
4. You should do an after-trip inspection:
after each stop.
after each trip.
at least once a week.
once a month.
5. To prevent your vehicle from rolling back when you start you should:
release the parking brake, then apply enough engine power to keep from rolling back.
put the transmission in Neutral.
partly take your right foot off the brake before you engage the clutch.
partly engage the clutch before you take your right foot off the brake.
6. What should you do if you doubt you have safe space to pass under a low bridge?
Assume that the height posted at the bridges is correct.
Go slowly, and take another route if you are not sure you can make it.
If no warnings are posted, assume there is enough clearance under the bridge and proceed slowly.
Increase the weight of your vehicle to clearing under the bridge.
7. Do not push or tow a disabled bus with riders aboard the vehicle, unless:
the distance to be covered is less than 5 miles.
there are 15 students or less.
the majority of the passengers agree.
getting off would be unsafe.
8. Which of the following statements about speed management and braking is true?
Driving below the posted speed limit will always allow you to stop safely.
Stopping time increases by one second for each 10 mph over 30 mph.
The total stopping distance of a bus is the distance your vehicle will travel, in ideal conditions, while you are braking.
None of the above.
9. When you double your speed from 20 to 40 mph, the braking distance:
increases slightly.
is 4 times longer.
doubles.
stays about the same.
10. When driving at night you should dim your lights when following another vehicle within:
1 mile.
50 feet.
500 feet.
100 feet.
 
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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 Passenger Test

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