The online permit test in SC: what you can do from home

Can you take the online permit test in SC for real?

Not according to SCDMV. Its testing page says you may take knowledge tests at any SCDMV branch, and its online services page lists renewals, replacements, road test scheduling and more, but no knowledge test.

The other way to test is SCDMV's One Stop Driver Training and Testing Programs. Some driver training schools have SCDMV-authorized testers who can give the knowledge test, the road test or both for a first-time Class D beginner's permit or license, or a motorcycle license. That still happens in person.

Practice online for free

SCDMV's Driver's License Practice Exam runs in your browser. The questions change each time you start a new test, and SCDMV encourages you to take it as often as you like. Step away for 3 minutes and it restarts. Our 20 questions are free too, with every answer explained.

What you can do on SCDMV's website

Once you have a permit, these are online:

• Renew a Class D beginner's permit for $2.50, if you're a U.S. citizen, it hasn't been expired more than 9 months, it isn't suspended, and your name and Social Security number match Social Security records, among other conditions. An SC-licensed eye care professional must send your vision form to SCDMV electronically first. The new card can take up to 15 business days to arrive
• Replace a lost, stolen or damaged permit for $2.50, unless you've already bought a duplicate online in the past 12 months
• Schedule a road test
• Change your address

You still go to a branch for your first permit, because that's where you take the vision and knowledge tests and show your documents.

Sending vision results from your eye doctor

You can skip the branch eye test if a licensed eye care professional examines you. SC-licensed eye doctors submit the results to SCDMV electronically, and the certificate is good for 36 months. SCDMV's own screening checks whether you have 20/40 vision or better.