The South Carolina DMV motorcycle permit test

What's on the South Carolina DMV motorcycle permit test?

The Motorcycle and Moped Operator's Manual says its knowledge test questions are based on information, practices and ideas from that manual, and that you need to know road rules and safe riding practices. Section 11 has sample questions. The manual calls itself a supplement to the Driver's Manual, which covers the rules of the road and signs. SCDMV doesn't publish the number of questions or the pass mark.

Moped license applicants take the same motorcycle knowledge test.

Riding on a motorcycle permit

You may ride alone from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., or until 8 p.m. in daylight saving time. At other times a licensed motorcycle rider who is at least 21, with a year of experience, must be within a safe distance and in sight. If you're under 21, you must wear a helmet and eye protection.

Under 18, you need a Consent for Minor form (447-CM) signed by a qualified adult, and at 15 or 16 you must pass a driver's education course before you apply for the motorcycle license. SCDMV's motorcycle road test page says to hold the permit for 180 days before trying for the license.

Getting the Class M license

There are two ways to pass the skills part:

1. Take the motorcycle skills test at a designated SCDMV branch, Monday to Friday. The Allendale and McCormick offices are open only on Wednesdays. You book it like a regular road test.
2. Or finish a rider education course and get a Motorcycle Safety Foundation skills test certificate from an SCDMV-approved third-party tester. SCDMV accepts it if you were tested within 30 days of applying.

If you already hold a valid license in another class, the manual says you can try the knowledge and skills tests on the same day instead of getting a permit first.

Three tries at SCDMV

You can attempt the motorcycle road test with SCDMV no more than three times. After three fails you can't test at an SCDMV branch again: you must complete an SCDMV-authorized motorcycle safety course and pass its skills test. The permit can be renewed no more than three times, and only after a real attempt at the skills test.

Mopeds

A moped (Class G) license is available from 15. You pass the vision and knowledge tests, with no skills test, and it costs $25 for eight years. Under 16, you can ride a moped alone only in daylight. Anyone with a valid license or permit in another class doesn't need a separate moped license.