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  • 15Youngest age for a beginner's permitp. 1-4
  • 21+Age of the licensed driver beside youp. 1-4
  • 180 daysPermit time before a license (17 and under)p. 1-4 to 1-5
  • 40 hoursPractice hours at 15 or 16 (10 at night)p. 1-5

Step by step

  1. Gather your documents

    Bring original documents proving:

    • U.S. citizenship (or lawful presence)
    • Your identity
    • Your date and place of birth
    • Your Social Security number
    • Your South Carolina address

    (South Carolina Driver's License Manual, p. 1-4)

  2. Check the SCDMV checklist

    Use form MV-93 (U.S. citizens) or MV-94 (international customers); some branches handle international customers. (South Carolina Driver's License Manual, p. 1-4)

  3. Pass the vision and knowledge tests

    At any SCDMV branch, or for a first Class D permit at an approved One Stop driving school. No notes, phones or devices are allowed in the test area. (South Carolina Driver's License Manual, p. 1-4, 1-10 to 1-11)

Fees and the full list of accepted documents change from time to time, so check them on the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) website before you go.

Rules while you have a beginner's permit

  • From 6 a.m. to midnight, a licensed driver aged 21 or older with at least one year of experience sits in the front seat. (South Carolina Driver's License Manual, p. 1-4)
  • From midnight to 6 a.m., only a licensed parent, guardian or other adult listed in the law may supervise you. (South Carolina Driver's License Manual, p. 1-4)
  • No holding or propping up a phone, texting or watching video while you drive. (South Carolina Driver's License Manual, p. 3-5)
  • Reaching six points on a permit means your driving privileges are suspended. (South Carolina Driver's License Manual, p. 1-19)

What comes next

After 180 days, driver's education and 40 logged hours (10 at night), pass the vision and skills tests for a conditional license (15½ to 16) or a special restricted license (16). Full privileges follow at 17, or after a clean year. (South Carolina Driver's License Manual, p. 1-6 to 1-10)

Ready for the knowledge test?Free South Carolina practice exam: 30 questions, 24 to pass.

This guide is a free learning aid based on the South Carolina Driver's License Manual (March 2026), not official advice. Rules, documents and fees can change: always confirm with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) before you go. Page numbers are the ones printed on the handbook pages: section, then page (6-1 is page 1 of section 6); tap one to open the official PDF at that page.