Get a Drivers License in South Carolina

A) Make Sure You're Eligible for a Driver's License

South Carolina Conditional License

You may apply if:

• You're 15 years old

• You have held your beginner's permit for at least 180 days

• You've completed a state-approved drivers education course

• You have a satisfactory attendance record at school

• You completed 40 hours of supervised driving

South Carolina Special Restricted License

You may apply if:

• You're 16 years old

• You have held your beginner's permit for at least 180 days, or have a conditional license

• You've completed a state-approved drivers education course

• You have a satisfactory attendance record at school

• You completed 40 hours of supervised driving

South Carolina Regular Driver's License

You may apply if:

• You are at least 17 years old

• You have held your beginner's permit for at least 180 days

B) Make a Road Test Appointment

Road tests are given on a walk-in basis only at most DMV office locations. Arrive at least an hour before closing to allow for enough testing time. No tests will be given in inclement weather, which includes rain.

C) Gather Required Documents and South Carolina License Fees

On the day of the test you'll need to bring:

• Your learner's permit

• A completed PDLA form verifying you completed drivers ed and 40 hours of supervised driving, and have a satisfactory attendance record at school (not required if 17 or older)

• A parent or guardian to sign your application (not required if 18 or older)

• Payment for license and test fees

D) Take the Road Test

Arrive at the test location accompanied by a licensed driver in a vehicle that's legally registered and insured.

During the road test you will be graded on:

• Observance of traffic signs and signals

• Changing lanes

• Backing

• Turning at intersections

• Parallel parking

• Respecting the space of others on the road

Retake Road Test

You are limited to one test per day. Or, in some circumstances, the test examiner may request a longer wait period.

E) Get Your SC Driver's License After Passing Road Test

SC Conditional License

You must carry this license for at least one year and obey the following driving restrictions:

• You must be accompanied by a licensed adult 21 or older when driving between 6 p.m. (8 p.m. during daylight hours)and midnight

• You must be accompanied by a licensed parent or guardian when driving between midnight and 6 a.m.

• You cannot drive with more than two passengers younger than 21 unless accompanied by a licensed driver 21 or older (restriction does not apply to family members, or if you're driving other students to or from a school function)

You will earn full driving privileges if you hold this license for one year and avoid any traffic offenses and at-fault accidents.

SC Special Restricted License

You must hold this license for at least one year while abiding by the following driving restrictions:

• You must be accompanied by a licensed adult 21 or older when driving between 6 p.m. (8 p.m. during daylight hours)and midnight

• You must be accompanied by a licensed parent or guardian when driving between midnight and 6 a.m.

• You cannot drive with more than two passengers younger than 21 unless accompanied by a licensed driver 21 or older (restriction does not apply to family members, or if you're driving other students to or from a school function)

NOTE: The DMV will grant a restriction waiver if you can provide proof that the driving restrictions are interfering with work and/or school.

Hold this license for one year without any traffic violations or at-fault accidents and you'll qualify for full, non-resticted driving privileges.

SC Regular Driver's License

No driving restrictions.

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