South Carolina Driver’s Manual: DMV Drivers Handbook (Revised 06/2024)

About This Manual Driving is one of the most risky activities you may choose to do during your lifetime. This manual is your guide to good driving. It explains the rules of the road and what the law expects of you when operating a vehicle. Its purpose is to help you learn traffic control devices, signs, pavement markings, and proper behavior, which you must know before driving on the highway. Table of Contents SECTION 1: THE DRIVER’S LICENSE About This Manual Types of Driver’s Licenses and Driver’s Permits Licensing Requirements Graduated Driver's License Program Required Non-Commercial License Tests Out-of-State License or Driving on an Existing License Driver's License Renewal Loss of Driving Privileges SECTION 2: STATE LAWS AND RULES OF THE ROAD State Laws State Rules of the Road SECTION 3: BE IN SHAPE TO DRIVE Vision Fatigue Driver Distractions Aggressive Driving Alcohol, Other Drugs, and Driving Emotions Driving Tips for Older Drivers SECTION 4: BEFORE YOU DRIVE Inspecting Your Vehicle Adjusting Seat and Mirrors Using Safety Belts Air Bags Child Passenger Safety Laws Secure Your Load What Are Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Safety Features SECTION 5: BASIC DRIVING Starting the Engine Moving the Vehicle Stopping the Vehicle Steering Backing Up SECTION 6: RULES OF THE ROAD Yielding Right-of-Way Traffic Control Devices Traffic Signals Traffic Signs Pavement Markings Other Lane Controls SECTION 7: GENERAL DRIVING Turning and Turnabouts Intersections Roundabouts and Traffic Circles Rules for School Buses Parking Changing Lanes Entering a Multi-lane Highway Exiting a Roadway Passing Zipper Merge (Late Merge) SECTION 8: SAFE DRIVING TIPS Visual Search Speed Management Stopping Distance Space Management Communicating SECTION 9: EMERGENCY SITUATIONS AND AVOIDING COLLISIONS Emergencies and Avoiding Collisions Vehicle Malfunctions Emergency Contact Information SECTION 10: SHARING THE ROAD Pedestrians View Less