Under the SouthCarolina’s graduated driver’s licensing (GDL) program, first time driver license applicants are required to obtain a learner’s permit as the first stage. The SouthCarolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is in charge of the GDL program and it has several licensing levels before you obtain an unrestricted driver’s license. The GDL program is designed to instill the skills necessary to be a safe and responsible driver. In addition, you will also be required to take a written permit test.
If you recently moved to South Carolina and you have an out-of-state learner’s permit, you may exchange it for a South Carolina beginner’s permit.You must hold the learner’s permit for at least 6 months before you apply for your driver’s license.
The South Carolina written permit test contains a series of multiple choice questions that are directly obtained from the South Carolina Driver’s Handbook. It covers a number of topics which include: South Carolina traffic laws, safe driving, identifying traffic signs by their shapes and colors, describing the meaning of each traffic sign, accident and emergency procedures and defensive driving.
To prepare for the written test, you can study the South Carolina Driver’s Handbook. The manual will give a comprehensive knowledge off all you need to know about the questions in the written test. However there are other study materials like the online practice tests. A combination of the two will help you test your knowledge about the rules of the road in South Carolina, familiarize with the format of the actual exam and learn what it takes to pass the written test. You will need a pass score of at least 80% to pass the test. In case you do not pass on your first attempt, you will have to wait for 1 business day before you retest.
Once you are ready for the test and you have all the required documents, visit your local DMV office for your written permit test. It is advisable to book an appointment with the DMV to save time when you go for the test.