South Carolina Driver's License FAQs

You must be at least 15 years old to apply for a regular Class D beginner's permit. If you are under 18, an authorized adult must provide the required consent.

If you are under 18, you must hold your beginner's permit for more than 180 days before applying for your first driver's license. You can generally apply on the 181st day.

Yes, for applicants who are 15 or 16 and applying for their first driver's license. The required course includes eight classroom hours and six hours of driving instruction.

No. Teendrivingcourse.com is supplemental and does not replace the certified driver education course or provide the official PDLA documentation.

You must pass a vision test and a knowledge test. The knowledge test is based on the South Carolina Driver's Manual.

You need at least 40 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night, when pursuing a first driver's license at 15 or 16.

Your practice must be completed with a qualified, licensed individual who can certify the required driving experience. The SCDMV identifies the people authorized to make this certification.

The PDLA is the Certification of School Attendance, Driver's Education, and Driving Practice. It documents the school, driver education, and supervised-practice requirements for eligible teen applicants.

No. A regular beginner's permit requires a qualified licensed driver to be in the front seat. From midnight to 6 a.m., an individual specifically authorized under South Carolina's minor-consent rules must supervise.

An eligible driver can receive a Conditional License beginning at age 15½ after holding the beginner's permit for more than 180 days, completing the required education and practice, and passing the applicable tests.

At age 16, an eligible driver who has met the applicable requirements and passed the required vision and road tests may qualify for a Special Restricted License.

Yes. A qualifying 16-year-old with a Conditional or Special Restricted License may apply for a waiver allowing certain driving related to work or specified activities, with the required supporting letters and documentation.

You may generally have no more than two passengers under 21 unless a licensed adult who is at least 21 is with you. Exceptions apply for family members and students being transported to or from school.

South Carolina's Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act prohibits holding or supporting a mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle on a public highway, subject to statutory exceptions. The law took effect September 1, 2025.

You receive full driving privileges at 17, or after holding a Conditional or Special Restricted License for one year without traffic offenses or being at fault in a collision.