When riding with a passenger, how should you adjust your control of the motorcycle?

Ride only in the center lane position.

Ride only in the left lane position.

You can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) if your ability to operate your motorcycle has been adversely affected by using

over-the-counter cold medications.

What does this sign indicate?

A pedestrian crosswalk at an intersection

While riding a motorcycle, you should position your feet

with your toes pointed downward.

It is dangerous to ride beside a line of parked cars because

someone may open his or her door into your path.

traction is poor beside parked cars.

To ride safely on a slippery surface, what should you do?

Slow down before you get to it.

To make a quick stop, use both the front and rear brakes.

What does this image indicate?

Passing on the left is permitted when the way ahead is clear.

Passing is allowed only in the daytime.

Passing on the left is prohibited.

Passing is not allowed in either direction.

If you are found to be driving under the influence, you will receive

a mandatory license suspension.

Riding alongside a car can be dangerous because

you may be riding in a blind spot.

objects may be thrown from a window.

you may be hit by an extended side mirror.

At night, how can the car ahead of you help you detect obstacles?

Watch its taillights to detect bumps in the road.

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20 questions
Pass mark 80%

South Carolina Motorcycle Permit Practice Test

Answer each question to see whether you got it right and why. The real South Carolina test has 30 questions and you need 24 correct (80%) to pass.

Facts updated Oct 26, 2026
Official source: dmv.sc.gov
Independent, not affiliated with the DMV. How we write our questions

How it works

1Pick an answer20 questions, one tap each.
2See the ruleRight or wrong, every answer is explained.
3Get your scoreCompared with the real 80% pass mark.

Start the test

0/20 answered0 correctPass mark 80%

1Question 1 of 20
What should you do on Step 3 of passing?
Not quite. The answer is Signal right
When passing, signal left, and when safe, move into the left lane and accelerate. On Step 3, signal right, and complete mirror and head checks before returning to your original lane and then cancel the signal. Remember, passing must be completed within posted speed limits, and only where permitted.
2Question 2 of 20
Before you start your motorcycle's engine, the transmission should be in
Not quite. The answer is neutral.
Before you start your motorcycle's engine, the transmission should be in neutral. Do not start your motorcycle in gear.
3Question 3 of 20
When riding your motorcycle in high-risk areas, you should cover _________ to shorten the time you need to react.
Not quite. The answer is the clutch and both brakes
When riding your motorcycle in high-risk areas, you should cover the clutch and both brakes to shorten the time you need to react.
4Question 4 of 20
When riding with a passenger, how should you adjust your control of the motorcycle?
Not quite. The answer is Ride slower.
Your motorcycle will respond more slowly with a passenger. Hence, you should ride a bit slower, especially when taking curves, corners, or bumps.
5Question 5 of 20
You can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) if your ability to operate your motorcycle has been adversely affected by using
Not quite. The answer is any of the above.
Under South Carolina law, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of any drug or other substance that significantly impairs your ability to operate the vehicle. If you're not sure of the effects of a particular medication, read the warning label or ask your pharmacist or doctor. [Other Impairing Drugs and Driving; Section 3 Be in Shape to Drive; South Carolina Driver's Manual],
Source: SC Code § 56-5-2930
6Question 6 of 20
The safest formation when you're riding in a group is
Not quite. The answer is a staggered formation.
The best formation when riding in a group is the staggered formation. It allows you to stay close together while maintaining a space cushion.
7Question 7 of 20
What does this sign indicate?
Not quite. The answer is A road crew at work
This sign indicates that workers are performing maintenance on the roadway. Slow down, proceed with caution, and follow signs and instructions. If possible, move into a lane farther from the workers.
8Question 8 of 20
While riding a motorcycle, you should position your feet
Not quite. The answer is firmly on the foot pegs.
While riding a motorcycle, you should position your feet firmly on the foot pegs. This helps maintain balance. Pointing your feet downward could cause them to catch on something.
9Question 9 of 20
Which of the following are the most hazardous for a motorcycle to ride on?
Not quite. The answer is Gravel roads
Gravel roads are the most hazardous for a motorcycle to ride on because they provide the least traction.
10Question 10 of 20
It is dangerous to ride beside a line of parked cars because
Not quite. The answer is someone may open his or her door into your path.
It is dangerous to ride beside a line of parked cars. Someone inside a car may not notice you and may open his or her door into your path.
11Question 11 of 20
To cross railroad tracks that run parallel to your course, you should cross them at an angle of at least ____ degrees.
Not quite. The answer is 45
If you need to cross railroad tracks that run parallel to your course, cross them at an angle of at least 45 degrees to avoid catching your tires on the tracks.
12Question 12 of 20
To ride safely on a slippery surface, what should you do?
Not quite. The answer is Do all of the above.
On a slippery surface, your motorcycle's braking distance will increase. Therefore, slow down before you get to the slippery surface and increase your following distance. Sudden moves can cause a skid. Speed up, shift gears, turn, and brake as little and as smoothly as possible. When making a quick stop on wet pavement, apply both the front and rear brakes. The front brake is still more effective than the rear brake, even on a slippery surface. Apply it gradually to avoid locking the front wheel, and apply the rear brake gently.
13Question 13 of 20
The rear brake is controlled by
Not quite. The answer is a foot pedal.
The rear brake is controlled by the right foot pedal. The front brake is controlled by the right hand lever.
14Question 14 of 20
What does this sign mean?
Not quite. The answer is A railroad crossing ahead
This railroad crossing signal has a bell and flashing red lights to warn that a train is coming. Stop when the bell is ringing and the lights are flashing.
15Question 15 of 20
What does this image indicate?
Not quite. The answer is Passing on the left is permitted when the way ahead is clear.
This image indicates that passing on the left is permitted when the way ahead is clear. Overtaking and passing should be done with care because of oncoming traffic.
16Question 16 of 20
If you are found to be driving under the influence, you will receive
Not quite. The answer is a mandatory license suspension.
Certain violations, such as driving under the influence, require mandatory license suspensions and are not under the point system.
Source: Driver's License Suspension for Excessive Points; Loss of Driving Privileges; Section 1 The Driver's License; South Carolina Driver's Manual
17Question 17 of 20
Riding alongside a car can be dangerous because
Not quite. The answer is any of the above may happen.
Riding alongside a car can be dangerous because you may be riding in a blind spot, objects may be thrown from a window and hit you, or you may collide with an extended side mirror.
18Question 18 of 20
How many lane positions are available to a motorcycle in a single lane of traffic?
Not quite. The answer is Three
There are three lane positions available to a motorcycle in a single lane of traffic: one (left), two (center), and three (right).
19Question 19 of 20
At night, how can the car ahead of you help you detect obstacles?
Not quite. The answer is Watch its taillights to detect bumps in the road.
At night, watch the taillights of the car ahead of you. If they appear to bounce, it means that there are bumps in the road you should be aware of.
20Question 20 of 20
What does this signal mean?
Not quite. The answer is Do not walk.
Pedestrian signals are only for controlling pedestrian traffic. This signal showing an upraised hand tells pedestrians that they may not enter the crosswalk to cross the roadway. (Older signals had the words "DONT WALK" illuminated instead.) A signal showing a person walking tells pedestrians that they may enter the crosswalk. (Older signals had the word "WALK" illuminated instead.)

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Questions people ask

Is this South Carolina Motorcycle Permit Practice Test like the real South Carolina Motorcycle Permit Test?

The questions are written in the same style as the real test, from official sources, with an explanation for each answer. The real test has 30 questions; this free test has 20.

How many questions are on the South Carolina Motorcycle Permit Test?

The Motorcycle Permit Test has 30 questions.

What score do you need to pass the South Carolina Motorcycle Permit Test?

You need 24 out of 30 correct (80%).

How old do you have to be to take the South Carolina Motorcycle Permit Test?

You can take it from age 15. A motorcycle beginner's permit requires passing the motorcycle knowledge test, which is based on the SC Motorcycle Operator Manual.

Where can I practice more questions?

The Driving Exam Prep app has the full question bank for your test, a step-by-step roadmap, a mistakes review and a readiness score against the real pass mark.

Official sources

Our questions are written from these official sources. Always study your official handbook too: rules change, and our practice questions may differ from your real test.

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What should you do on Step 3 of passing?

Before you start your motorcycle's engine, the transmission should be in

When riding your motorcycle in high-risk areas, you should cover _________ to shorten the time you need to react.

When riding with a passenger, how should you adjust your control of the motorcycle?

You can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) if your ability to operate your motorcycle has been adversely affected by using

The safest formation when you're riding in a group is

What does this sign indicate?

While riding a motorcycle, you should position your feet

Which of the following are the most hazardous for a motorcycle to ride on?

It is dangerous to ride beside a line of parked cars because

To cross railroad tracks that run parallel to your course, you should cross them at an angle of at least ____ degrees.