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If you fail the South Carolina Class D knowledge test, you do not receive the beginner's permit yet. The failed attempt uses the $2.00 knowledge-test fee; the separate $2.50 beginner's permit fee is paid only after you pass.
You must start the knowledge test before 4:00 PM. The Beginner's Permit test has 30 questions; you need 24 correct (80%) to pass. The test is taken in-person only — no online SCDMV option.
You receive an immediate 'Test Failed' notification on screen. The SCDMV system provides a score sheet showing your percentage and the topics you missed, such as Right-of-Way or Signs.
Yes, indirectly. The permit-holding period starts after the beginner's permit is issued, so failing the knowledge test delays the date that the holding-period clock can begin. The applicable holding period itself is covered in the dedicated Waiting Period guide.
You cannot retest the same day after failing. Wait until the next business day and pay the $2.00 fee again. One scored attempt is allowed per day across all branches.
Class D knowledge testing ends at 4:00 PM. Arriving only a few minutes before the cutoff may not leave enough time for check-in and test setup, so plan to arrive well before 4 PM.
| Failed Test | Retake Rule | Where to Read More |
|---|---|---|
| Class D knowledge test | This article's current rule is a retake beginning the next business day, with another $2.00 test fee. | Stay on this page for knowledge-test retakes. |
| Class D road test | First failure: 2 business days; second: 7 calendar days; third or later: 30 calendar days. | See the dedicated Road Test & License content. |
Do I have to pay the $2.50 beginner's permit fee again after failing? No. The $2.50 permit fee is separate and is paid after you pass the knowledge test and the permit is issued.
Each knowledge-test attempt costs $2.00. If you fail and return for another attempt, the $2.00 test fee applies again.
Yes. You do not have to return to the same branch simply because you failed there. Use a branch that offers Class D knowledge testing and follow the same retake timing rules.
No. SCDMV does not require an appointment for a Class D knowledge test. Retakes are handled as walk-in knowledge testing at branches that offer the service, subject to the daily testing cutoff.
| Fee Type | Cost | When Paid |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge Test Fee | $2.00 | Every single attempt |
| Beginner's Permit Fee | $2.50 | Only after you pass |
You pay the $2.00 fee for every retake. Paying with cash or check avoids third-party card processor fees.
Use the result from your failed attempt to identify weak topics, then review the current South Carolina Driver's Manual and practice those areas before trying again. For detailed study strategy and question practice, see the dedicated Practice Tests and Hardest Test Topics guides.
Before your next attempt, practice with Shoro AI's South Carolina permit prep to prepare better and improve your chances of passing on the next try.
Current SCDMV Class D materials and South Carolina Code §56-1-50 do not state a maximum number of Class D knowledge-test attempts. Because the official sources do not publish a fixed cap, this guide does not assume an "unlimited attempts" rule. Follow the applicable retake timing and pay the knowledge-test fee for each new attempt.
The current public Class D sources do not publish a separate knowledge-test penalty, mandatory course, or special attempt cap triggered specifically by a second or third failure. After any failed attempt, use the score feedback to review weak topics before testing again. The waiting-period and fee rules are covered above and do not need to be repeated here.
Is there a maximum number of failed attempts? The current official Class D sources reviewed do not state one. If SCDMV later publishes a specific attempt limit, follow that current rule.
Knowledge-test retakes are walk-in transactions. Return during knowledge-testing hours, bring the identification and credential documents that apply to your transaction, and pay the $2.00 test fee for the new attempt.
If you need a testing accommodation, use the dedicated Disability Accommodations guide for the current process rather than assuming every branch has the same equipment or setup.
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