South Carolina DMV License

Drivers Permits in South Carolina

Research shows that car accidents are the number one killer of teens in South Carolina. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles has implemented a Graduated Driver License (GDL) program due to this disturbing statistics. Under the GDL program, teenagers must reach certain age- and experience-related milestones before obtaining a full driver’s license.  Obtaining your beginner’s permit or learner’s permit is the first milestones on your path to your South Carolina driver’s license.

South Carolina Beginner’s Permit

You must be at least 15 years old to apply for your beginner’s permit. Your parent must accompany you to the DMV office if you are below 18 years old, you will also need to provide the following documents:

• Application for a Non-Commercial Credential (Form 447-NC).
• Proof of identity
• Proof of social security number
• Proof of South Carolina residency
• Payment for the $2.50 permit fee

 
With your beginner’s permit, you must adhere to the following restrictions: you can drive between 6 a.m. and midnight under the supervision of a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old with a minimum of one year experience. Your parent or legal guardian must be seated next to you while driving between midnight and 6 a.m. and your supervising driver must always occupy the seat next to the driver seat.

South Carolina Provisional License

You are eligible for your conditional provisional license if you are at least 15 years old and 180 days and you have held your beginner’s permit for more than 180 days.

To apply, visit your local South Carolina DMV office, with the following documents:

• PDLA form confirming your completion of the minimum hours of behind-the-wheel driving practice (40 hours, with at least 10 hours being at night).
• Proof of South Carolina residency
• Proof of U.S. citizenship
• Proof of your Social Security number
• A completed application form, it must be signed by your parent or legal guardian
• Pass the vision test.
• Pass a driving test.
• Pay the South Carolina driver’s license fee: 5 years license: $12.50 and 10 years license: $25

 
You will be eligible for an unrestricted driver’s license after holding your provisional license for more than year.