Free South Carolina Well Driller Level D Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the South Carolina Well Driller Level D practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1A first-time applicant seeks a South Carolina Class D well-driller license. What is the minimum age the applicant must have reached?

   1. A. 16 years
   2. B. 18 years
   3. C. 19 years
   4. D. 21 years

   Answer: B

   Explanation: Section 40-23-320(B) states that a Class D applicant must "be at least eighteen years of age." The applicant therefore must be at least 18.

   Reference: Code of Laws - Title 40 - Chapter 23- - PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS — Section 40-23-320(B)(1)

2. 2An initial board-certification application is left incomplete. How many months after the board receives it does R.51-1 say it expires?

   1. A. One month after the board receives the application.
   2. B. Twenty-four months after the board receives the application.
   3. C. Twelve months after the board receives the application.
   4. D. Thirty-six months after the board receives the application.

   Answer: C

   Explanation: R.51-1 states, "An application that is not completed by the applicant within twelve (12) months of receipt by the board shall expire." The twelve months run from board receipt.

   Reference: South Carolina Code of Regulations, Chapter 51 — Chapter 51, Applications for Certification, final sentence

3. 3Under what circumstance may the Department issue a variance authorizing an alternative well-construction method?

   1. A. When the well standards cannot otherwise be met
   2. B. When the owner prefers a faster method
   3. C. When the driller wants to avoid inspection
   4. D. When a permit fee has not been paid

   Answer: A

   Explanation: R.61-71.C allows an alternative method providing equivalent protection "when the standards in this regulation cannot otherwise be met."

   Reference: R 61 71 — R.61-71.C

4. 4Before constructing an individual residential, irrigation, or replacement well in South Carolina, what permit condition must be satisfied?

   1. A. Coverage under the Department's general permit
   2. B. A county building permit waiver
   3. C. A groundwater withdrawal allocation
   4. D. A public-water operating permit

   Answer: A

   Explanation: R.61-44.D.1 makes construction unlawful "unless conditions of the general permit issued by the Department have been satisfied."

   Reference: R 61 44 — R.61-44.D.1

5. 5Which assessment must a South Carolina Class D well-driller applicant pass as a condition of initial licensure?

   1. A. A written examination
   2. B. A field demonstration
   3. C. An oral board interview
   4. D. A drilling-rig road test

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The statute requires the applicant to "pass a written examination approved by the board." A written examination is the required assessment.

   Reference: Code of Laws - Title 40 - Chapter 23- - PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS — Section 40-23-320(B)(2)

6. 6A well driller is checking the calendar date by which a board license must be renewed for its applicable annual or biennial cycle. Which date controls under R.51-4?

   1. A. June 30 of the applicable renewal year.
   2. B. July 1 of the applicable renewal year.
   3. C. June 30 of the following renewal year.
   4. D. December 31 of the applicable renewal year.

   Answer: A

   Explanation: R.51-4(A) provides, "Each license issued by the board shall be renewed annually or biennially on or before June 30." July 1 is after that deadline; the rule does not move it to the following year or December 31.

   Reference: South Carolina Code of Regulations, Chapter 51 — Chapter 51, Renewal of License, Continuing Education, paragraph A

7. 7Who participates in deciding whether site conditions require a greater-than-standard distance from contamination?

   1. A. The Department in consultation on the siting decision
   2. B. The equipment dealer through a warranty review
   3. C. The laboratory through a sample chain of custody
   4. D. The county recorder through a deed search

   Answer: A

   Explanation: R.61-71.E.2 says the decision on increased distances "shall be made in consultation with the Department."

   Reference: R 61 71 — R.61-71.E.2

8. 8Who bears responsibility for ensuring general-permit coverage is obtained before a regulated residential, irrigation, or replacement well is constructed?

   1. A. The property appraiser
   2. B. The well driller
   3. C. The drilling-fluid supplier
   4. D. The testing laboratory

   Answer: B

   Explanation: R.61-44.D.2 states, "It shall be the responsibility of the well driller to ensure that coverage under this general permit ... is obtained from the Department prior to construction of the well."

   Reference: R 61 44 — R.61-44.D.2

9. 9Who must approve the written examination used for South Carolina Class D well-driller licensure?

   1. A. The county health office
   2. B. The drilling employer
   3. C. The Environmental Certification Board
   4. D. The equipment manufacturer

   Answer: C

   Explanation: Section 40-23-320(B)(2) requires a "written examination approved by the board." In this chapter, the board is the South Carolina Environmental Certification Board.

   Reference: Code of Laws - Title 40 - Chapter 23- - PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS — Sections 40-23-20(3) and 40-23-320(B)(2)

10. 10A South Carolina well driller lets a board license remain unrenewed for more than 365 days after it expires. What is its status under R.51-4(A)?

    1. A. It stays renewable after payment of the reinstatement fee.
    2. B. It remains current through the next June 30 renewal cycle.
    3. C. It renews automatically when continuing education is complete.
    4. D. It is lapsed and cannot be renewed under that provision.

    Answer: D

    Explanation: R.51-4(A) states, "Any license not renewed within three hundred sixty-five (365) days of the date on which the license expired shall be considered lapsed and declared nonrenewable." The 365-day period has passed, so a reinstatement fee or later continuing education does not preserve ordinary renewability.

    Reference: South Carolina Code of Regulations, Chapter 51 — Chapter 51, Renewal of License, Continuing Education, paragraph A