The Palmetto State on Wheels: Your 2025 Guide to a South Carolina Driver's License

Getting your driver's license in South Carolina is an exciting journey, opening up everything from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the beaches of the Grand Strand. To ensure that all new drivers are safe and prepared, the state uses a Graduated Driver's License (GDL) program for teens, which systematically introduces driving privileges. For adults, the process is more direct but still requires careful adherence to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) regulations.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every stage of the process, ensuring you know exactly what to expect on your path to becoming a licensed driver in the Palmetto State.

For Teen Drivers: The Graduated Driver's License (GDL) Program

South Carolina's GDL program is designed to give young drivers the chance to gain valuable experience in lower-risk situations before earning full driving freedom. It consists of three main stages.

Stage 1: The Beginner's Permit

This is your very first step, allowing you to legally practice driving with a licensed adult.

Eligibility and First Steps:

• Age: You must be at least 15 years old.
• Sponsor: Your application must be signed by a parent or legal guardian who will assume financial responsibility.

How to Apply:

1. Gather Your Documents: Before visiting an SCDMV office, you must collect several key documents:
   • Application for Beginner's Permit, Driver's License, or Identification Card (Form 447-NC).
   • Proof of Identity and Citizenship: You will need documents proving your identity, U.S. citizenship, Social Security number, and two proofs of South Carolina residency. This typically includes an original birth certificate, your Social Security card, and two recent utility bills or bank statements. (See our complete Document Checklist article for REAL ID details).
   • Proof of School Attendance: If you are of school age, you must provide a document showing you are enrolled in and attending school.
2. Make an Appointment (Recommended): While some walk-ins may be available, it is highly recommended to schedule an appointment on the SCDMV website to reduce your wait time.
3. Pass the Tests: At your appointment, you must pass two tests:
   • Vision Test: A basic eye exam to ensure you meet the state's minimum vision standards.
   • Knowledge Test: A multiple-choice test on a computer covering South Carolina traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices from the official Driver's Manual.

Once you pass and pay the fee, you will be issued your Beginner's Permit.

Beginner's Permit Rules:

• Supervised Driving: You must always drive with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and has at least one year of driving experience. The supervising driver must be seated in the front passenger seat.
• Driving Hours: You may drive from 6 a.m. to midnight. If driving after midnight, your supervising driver must be a licensed parent or guardian.

Stage 2: The Conditional Driver's License

This is the next level of freedom, allowing you to drive alone but with some very important restrictions.

Eligibility:

• You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old.
• You must have held your beginner's permit for at least 180 days.
• Driver's Education: You must have completed a state-approved driver's education course.
• 40-Hour Driving Requirement: You must have completed at least 40 hours of supervised driving practice, with at least 10 of those hours at night. A parent or guardian must certify this on the PDLA (Parent-Led Driver's License Affidavit) form.

How to Apply:

1. Schedule a Road Test: You must schedule a driving skills test appointment online through the SCDMV website.
2. Pass the Road Test: This is the practical, behind-the-wheel test where an examiner evaluates your ability to safely control a vehicle and perform specific maneuvers.
3. Get Your License: Upon passing, you'll pay the fee and be issued your Conditional License.

Conditional License Restrictions:

• You may drive alone from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. (or until 8 p.m. during Daylight Saving Time).
• From 6 p.m. (or 8 p.m.) until midnight, you must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21.
• After midnight, you must be accompanied by a licensed parent or guardian.
• Passenger Limit: You may not have more than two passengers under the age of 21 in the car, unless they are immediate family members or you are transporting students to or from school. This restriction does not apply if a licensed adult (21+) is in the front seat.

Stage 3: The Full, Unrestricted License

The final step is earning a full license with no GDL restrictions.

Eligibility:

• You must have held your conditional license for at least one year with no traffic offenses and no at-fault accidents.
• You must be at least 17 years old.

If you meet these criteria, the restrictions are lifted, and your license becomes a full license.

For Adult Drivers (17 and Older)

If you are a new driver aged 17 or older, you are not required to participate in the GDL program.

1. Get a Beginner's Permit: You'll follow the same application process as a teen (documents, vision and knowledge tests), but you do not need a parent to sign or proof of school enrollment.
2. Practice Driving: It is highly recommended to practice with a licensed driver over 21 until you are confident in all driving skills.
3. Take the Road Test: You can take the road test after holding your permit for a period of time to gain experience.
4. Get Your License: After passing the road test and paying the fees, you will be issued your full, unrestricted Class D driver's license.