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new south carolina drivers license - SC

South Carolina Drivers License Information

To get your drivers license in South Carolina, you need to apply for a noncommercial Class D drivers license. You must have a South Carolina license within ninety (90) days of establishing residency. You must give up any other Drivers License that you have previously held from any other State.  Please have your South Carolina license with you at all times.

South Carolina Drivers License Requirements

18 years and under 

  • Beginner's Permit

    • A few of the requirements:
      • You must be at least 15 years old.
      • Parent or Legal Guardian signature.
      • Must have an adult with you at all times.
      • For complete details and to get your South Carolina Beginner's Permit, please SIGN IN HERE

  • Conditional License

    • A few of the requirements:
      • You must be at least 15 years old but less than 16 years old.
      • You must have had a Beginner's Permit (see above) for at least one hundred and eighty (180) days.
      • Must have south carolina drivers ed.
      • Forty (40) hours of driving experience which shall include ten (10) hours of night driving.
      • Must have an adult with you at all times.
      • For complete details and to get your South Carolina Conditional License, please SIGN IN HERE

  • Special Restricted License

    • A few of the requirements:
      • You must be at least 16 years old but less than 17 years old.
      • You must have had a Beginner's Permit (see above) for at least one hundred and eighty (180) days OR have had a Conditional License (see above) 
      • Must have south carolina drivers ed.
      • Forty (40) hours of driving experience which shall include ten (10) hours of night driving.
      • For complete details and to start your South Carolina Special Restricted License, please SIGN IN HERE

  • Regular Driver’s License

    • You must be at least 17 years old.
    • You must have had a Beginner's Permit (see above) for at least one hundred and eighty (180) days.

 

18 years and over

  • Beginner's Permit

    • A few of the requirements:
      • Must hold this Permit for at least one hundred and eighty (180) days.
      • For complete details and to get your South Carolina Beginner's Permit, please SIGN IN HERE

  • Regular Class D Drivers License

    • You must have had a Beginner's Permit (see above) for at least one hundred and eighty (180) days 
    • Take and pass the Vision, Knowledge and Road Tests. 

 

For complete details and to GET your South Carolina license, please SIGN IN HERE

South Carolina Drivers Ed

Visit our south carolina drivers ed page for more information on South Carolina driver education.

Tests Required

  • Vision Test

  • Knowledge Test

  • Road Test

Test requirements vary by age and depending on whether you've previously held a license in another state. 

For complete details and to GET your South Carolina license, please SIGN IN HERE

Fee

New  Driver's License Class D

  • 5 Year License for 65 Year of Age and Older

    • $12.50

  • 10 Year License for 65 Year of Age and Older

    • $25.00 

Beginner's Permit

  • $2.50 

Knowledge Tests

  • $2.00 each one.

 

Fees depend on your age. For complete Fees SIGN IN HERE 

Documents needed to get your South Carolina Drivers License

  • Proof of Age and Identity and U.S. Citizenship

    • A few examples:
      • U.S. Birth Certificate (must be original)
      • U.S. Passport (must be original and must be active)
      • For complete list of items SIGN IN HERE

  • Social Security Number

    • A few examples:
      • Social Security Card 
      • U.S. Military ID Card (social security number must be displayed on card)
      • For complete list of items SIGN IN HERE

  • Proof of South Carolina Residency 

    • A few examples:
      • School Records (must be from South Carolina school)
      • Payroll Stub (must show South Carolina withholdings)
      • For complete list of items SIGN IN HERE

  • For Minors (Under 18)

    • Parent or Legal Guardian signature on application.

  • Non U.S. Citizens

    • A few examples:

      • Must show document for Permission to Study or Work or Live in the U.S.
      • Proof of Date of Birth and Place of Birth
      • For complete list of items SIGN IN HERE

 

South Carolina DMV Office

Go to your South Carolina DMV Office in order to take your required tests. You can use our locator to find the office that is closest to you.

Take the South Carolina Drivers License Test

At this point you need to make sure that you have prepared and studied all of the material for the written test. You can find the South Carolina Driver Test handbook here. 

Buy a Car and Get Auto Insurance

Auto insurance is required by law in most states. Click HERE to get started and we'll help you find the lowest rates in your state.

Take the Driving Test

Your last step is to show up to your local South Carolina DMV Office and take the driving test.