AAMVA Model Driver's License Manual
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AAMVA Model Driver’s License Manual Non-Commercial Driver’s Manual COPYRIGHT AAMVA All Rights Reserved DISCLAIMER: The state motor vehicle laws mentioned in this book are not reproduced in their entirety and the wording is not identical. Due to possible legislative changes in federal and state law and SCDMV Policy, the information in this manual may not always be current. The SCDMV will make every effort to incorporate any changes as soon as possible. For more information, please visit the SCDMV website at www.scdmvonline.com TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION 1 THE DRIVER’S LICENSE About This Manual ................................................................... 1 Types of Driver’s Licenses and Driver’s Permits ..................... 1 Licensing Requirements .......................................................... 4 Graduated Driver's License Program ...................................... 6 Required Non-Commercial License Tests ............................... 9 Out-of-State License or Driving on an Existing License ........13 Driver's License Renewal ......................................................14 Loss of Driving Privileges ......................................................16 SECTION 2 STATE LAWS AND RULES OF THE ROAD State Laws ............................................................................... 1 State Rules of the Road .......................................................... 2 SECTION 3 BE IN SHAPE TO DRIVE Vision ....................................................................................... 1 Fatigue ..................................................................................... 3 Driver Distractions ................................................................... 3 Aggressive Driving ................................................................... 4 Alcohol, Other Drugs, and Driving ........................................... 4 Emotions .................................................................................. 9 Driving Tips for Older Drivers .................................................. 9 SECTION 4 BEFORE YOU DRIVE Inspecting Your Vehicle..........................................................1 Adjusting Seat and Mirrors ...................................................... 3 Using Safety Belts ................................................................... 5 Air Bags ................................................................................... 6 Child Passenger Safety Laws.................................................6 Secure Your Load...................................................................8 SECTION 5 BASIC DRIVING Starting the Engine .................................................................. 1 Moving the Vehicle .................................................................. 1 Stopping the Vehicle ................................................................ 1 Steering ................................................................................... 2 Backing Up .............................................................................. 5 AAMVA Model Driver’s License Manual ii ii SECTION 6 RULES OF THE ROAD Yielding Right-of-Way .............................................................. 1 Traffic Control Devices ............................................................ 2 Traffic Signals .......................................................................... 2 Traffic Signs ............................................................................. 4 Pavement Markings ...............................................................12 Other Lane Controls ..............................................................14 SECTION 7 GENERAL DRIVING Turning and Turnabouts .......................................................... 1 Intersections ............................................................................ 4 Roundabouts and Traffic Circles ............................................. 6 Rules for School Buses ........................................................... 8 Parking ...................................................................................10 Changing Lanes.....................................................................14 Entering a Multi-lane Highway ...............................................14 Exiting a Roadway .................................................................15 Passing ..................................................................................15 Zipper Merge (Late Merge) ....................................................17 SECTION 8 SAFE DRIVING TIPS Visual Search ........................................................................... 1 Speed Management ................................................................ 2 Stopping Distance.................................................................... 5 Space Management ................................................................ 5 Communicating ........................................................................ 8 SECTION 9 EMERGENCY SITUATIONS AND AVOIDING COLLISIONS Emergencies and Avoiding Collisions ..................................... 1 Vehicle Malfunctions ................................................................ 3 Emergency Contact Information .............................................. 6 SECTION 10 SHARING THE ROAD Pedestrians .............................................................................. 1 Bicyclists .................................................................................. 2 Motorcyclists ............................................................................ 5 AAMVA Model Driver’s License Manual iii iii Interacting with Commercial Vehicles ..................................... 7 Emergency Vehicles ..............................................................11 What to Do and Expect When Stopped by Law Enforcement ..........................................................................12 Move-Over Law .....................................................................14 Slow-Moving Vehicles ...........................................................15 SECTION 11 SPECIAL DRIVING SITUATIONS Night Driving ............................................................................ 1 Work Zones ............................................................................. 2 Rural Road Driving .................................................................. 3 Winter Driving Techiniques ...................................................... 5 SECTION 12 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE Practice Beginer’s Permit Knowledge Test ............................. 1 Sample Knowledge Test Questions ........................................ 1 AAMVA Model Driver’s License Manual iv iv Section 1 This Section Covers The About This Manual Types of Driver’s Licenses and Driver’s Driver’s Permits License 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 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. Types of Driver’s Licenses and Driver’s Permits South Carolina (SC) issues licenses as proof that you passed an examination and are qualified to operate a particular type of vehicle. The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross vehicle weight (GVW) determines which class of license you will need. Non-Commercial Licenses Class D: Allows you to drive non-commercial passenger vehicles, such as cars and trucks, which do not exceed 26,000 pounds GVW. With a Class D driver’s license, you may also operate a moped or three-wheel vehicle (excluding a The Driver’s License 1-1 The Driver’s License 1-1 two-wheel motorcycle with a detachable sidecar). Class E: Allows you to operate non- commercial, single unit vehicles that exceed 26,000 pounds GVW. Examples of Class E vehicles include trucks and motor homes. With a Class E driver’s license, you may also operate a moped or three-wheel vehicle (excluding a two-wheel motorcycle with a detachable sidecar). Reference SC’s Large Non- Commercial and Recreational Vehicles Driver’s Manual for specific information to get this type of license. Class F: Allows you to drive non-commercial, combination vehicles that exceed 26,000 pounds GVW. Examples of Class F vehicles include trucks and motor homes with a towed trailer or vehicle. With a Class F driver’s license, you may also operate a moped or three-wheel vehicle (excluding a two-wheel motorcycle with a detachable sidecar). Reference SC’s Large Non-Commercial and Recreational Vehicles Driver’s Manual for specific information to get this type of license. Class G: Allows you to operate a moped. If you have a valid driver’s license or permit in any of the other four classifications, you are not required to obtain a license to drive a moped. (Minimum age 15). You are only required to pass the vision and knowledge test to get a moped license. Reference SC’s Motorcycle and Moped Operator’s Manual for specific information to get this type of license. Class M: Allows you to operate a two-wheel motorcycle, a two-wheel motorcycle with a detachable sidecar, or a three-wheel vehicle.