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How to Get Your South Carolina Permit License

The actual step-by-step process, from application to full license — not just what's on the exam. Confirm anything time-sensitive (fees, forms) with SCDMV directly.

Under 18 (Four-Stage GDL)

  1. Apply for a beginner's permit at 15

    Apply for a South Carolina beginner's permit starting at age 15, after passing the 30-question knowledge test (80%, 24 correct) and a vision screening.

    • Proof of identity and residency

  2. Complete driver education and drive only with a qualifying supervisor

    Complete an SCDMV-approved driver education class. A licensed adult at least 21 who has held their own license at least 1 year must supervise all practice driving.

  3. Log 40 hours of supervised driving

    Log at least 40 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night.

  4. Hold the permit at least 180 days

    South Carolina requires holding the beginner's permit for at least 180 days before applying for a conditional license.

  5. Apply for your conditional license at 15 years 6 months

    Once you've turned 15 years 6 months and met the holding-period and supervised-hour requirements, receive a conditional license.

    • Supervised driving log
    • Driver education completion certificate

  6. Follow conditional license restrictions

    6 a.m.-6 p.m. (8 p.m. during daylight saving time): no supervisor needed. 6 p.m.-midnight: a licensed adult 21+ with 1+ year of experience must ride along. Midnight-6 a.m.: only a licensed parent or guardian may accompany you. No more than 2 passengers under 21, unless a qualifying adult, family, or school driving is involved.

  7. Move to a special restricted license at 16

    At 16, and with a clean record, move to a special restricted license — the third of South Carolina's four licensing stages.

  8. Receive your full license at 17

    After holding the special restricted license for 12 months without a major violation, you advance automatically to a full, unrestricted license at 17.

18 and Older

  1. Apply for a beginner's permit

    Apply for a beginner's permit at an SCDMV office; the graduated stages for minors don't apply to this path.

  2. Pass the knowledge test

    Pass the same 30-question knowledge test (80%, 24 correct) and a vision screening.

    • Proof of identity and residency

  3. Practice and pass the road test

    Practice driving under the terms of your beginner's permit, then pass the road test to receive your license.

  4. Receive your full license

    Adult first-time applicants receive a standard, unrestricted license upon passing — South Carolina's four-stage GDL structure applies specifically to applicants who start the process before turning 18.

Notes

  • Violating conditional or special restricted license restrictions is a misdemeanor in South Carolina — a $100 fine or up to 30 days in jail — and a parent who knowingly permits a violation can be fined up to $500.
  • South Carolina's zero-tolerance law sets a BAC of 0.02% or higher as a violation for drivers under 21.
  • Exact fees and current procedures change over time — confirm the current process on the official South Carolina DMV website before your appointment.

Last reviewed: 2026-07-21