GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
What is the age requirement to obtain a South Carolina Driver’s License?
You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a SC Driver’s License.
If you are at least 15 years old you can apply for a Beginner’s Permit.
Do I have to pass any test in order to obtain a South Carolina driver’s license?
Yes, you must pass the Vision, Knowledge and Road Tests.
BEGINNER’S PERMIT
What is the age requirement to apply for a Beginner’s Permit?
You must be at least 15 years of age.
Which documents do I need to provide to apply for a Beginner’s Permit in South Carolina?
- Birth Certificate;
- Social Security Card;
- Proof of residency.
Do I have to pass any test to obtain my SC Beginner’s Permit?
Yes. You must pass vision and a knowledge tests.
I am younger than 18 years old. Can I sign my application?
No, a parent or legal guardian must sign it for you.
How long do I have to hold my Beginner’s Permit?
If you are younger than 18 years old or if you have never been licensed, you must hold it for 180 days.
Do I have any restriction while driving with my Beginner’s Permit?
Yes, you are allowed to drive only between 6 am and midnight accompanied by a licensed driver of at least 21 years of age sitting beside you, who has at least 1 year of driving experience.
CONDITIONAL DRIVER’S LICENSE
Who can apply for a Conditional License?
Everyone who is at least 15 years old and less than 16 years old and has held the beginner’s permit for at least 180 days.
What documents do I need to provide to apply for my Conditional Driver’s license?
- Insurance information;
- Application signed by a parent/legal guardian;
- Form PDLA (available at www.scdmvonline.com).
You must also pass a vision and a road test.
Do I have any restriction while driving with my Conditional Driver’s license?
Alone: you can drive only between 6 am and 6 pm (8 pm during daylight savings time). You cannot transport more than 2 passengers under 21 years of age (except for family members and students in the journey to and from school).
With a licensed driver of at least 21 years of age: you can drive between 6 pm and midnight and you have no restriction on passengers.
You are allowed to drive between midnight and 6 am only if your parent/legal guardian is with you.
REGULAR DRIVER’S LICENSE
I hold a valid Conditional Driver’s license. When can I receive full driving privileges?
When you are 16 years of age, if you have held your Conditional Driver’s license for 1 year and have no traffic offenses.
I am 17 years old and I have held my Beginner’s Permit for 180 days. Can I receive full driving privileges?
Yes, you must have the consent of a parent/legal guardian, bring your insurance information and pass the vision and road tests.
SOUTH CAROLINA KNOWLEDGE TEST
How many questions are on the South Carolina DMV permit test?
30 multiple choice questions.
What is the score required to pass the test?
You must correctly answer at least 24 questions (80%) to pass the test.
How can I prepare for the South Carolina knowledge test?
Study the South Carolina Driver’s Manual and practice with our
written tests!
I failed my knowledge test. What do I have to do?
Study the manual and practice. You are allowed the following attempt after 2 weeks. After the second attempt you must wait 60 days.
SOUTH CAROLINA ROAD TEST
How can I register for my Road Test?
Contact the
South Carolina DMV office.
Will the SC DMV office provide a car for my Road Test?
No, you have to provide a car for your test. Be sure that the vehicle is in safe operating condition.
Can I drive to the DMV office to take my Road Test?
No. A licensed driver must accompany you.
Are there specific requirements for passing the Road Test?
- Be physically and mentally able to drive;
- Be able to understand traffic signs, signals and pavement markings;
- Be able to drive safely on streets and highways;
- Respect the rights of others who share the road.
I failed my Road Test. When am I allowed the following attempt?
The examiner will tell you when you can retake the test.
If you have no previous driving experience you must wait at least 2 weeks (otherwise 1 week). After the second attempt you must wait 60 days before retaking the test.