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South Carolina Graduated License Law

Beginner’s Permit

Age 15+

Requirements

  • Birth certificate, social security card, proof of residency and insurance.
  • Under 18, must bring your parent or legal guardian to sign application.
  • Pass the vision and knowledge tests.

Restrictions

  • From 6 a.m. to midnight licensed driver at least 21 with at least 1 year driving experience in front seat.
  • From midnight to 6 a.m., licensed parent or guardian in front seat.

Conditional License

Age 15 1/2 +

Requirements

  • Have held Beginner’s Permit at least 180 days.
  • Under 18, licensed parent or legal guardian must certify at least 40 hours supervised practice, including 10 hours during darkness.
  • Must bring parent or legal guardian to sign application.
  • Birth certificate, social security card, proof of residency and insurance.
  • You must submit Form PLDA that certifies driver's education course & satisfactory school attendance.
  • Practiced driving with your licensed parent or guardian for 40 hours, including 10 hours of driving practice at night.
  • Pass vision & road skills tests.

Restrictions

  • You may drive alone during daylight hours from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. (or 8 p.m. during daylight savings time).
  • From 6 p.m. (or 8 p.m. daylight savings time) until midnight, must have licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age accompanying.
  • Between midnight and 6 a.m., licensed parent or legal guardian accompanying.
  • You cannot transport more than two passengers under the age of 21 unless accompanied by licensed adult at least 21.
  • Exception: May transport family members or students to and from school.

Special Restricted License

Age 16 +

Requirements

  • Have held your Beginner’s Permit at least 180 days or have Conditional License.
  • Under 18, must bring your parent or legal guardian to sign application.
  • Birth certificate, social security card, proof of residency and insurance.
  • You must submit Form PLDA that certifies driver's education course & satisfactory school attendance.
  • Practiced driving with your licensed parent or guardian for 40 hours, including 10 hours of driving practice at night.
  • Pass vision & road skills tests.

Restrictions

  • You may drive alone during daylight hours from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. (or 8 p.m. during daylight savings time).
  • From 6 p.m. (or 8 p.m. during daylight savings time) until midnight, you may drive if a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age accompanies.
  • Between midnight and 6 a.m., you may drive if your licensed parent or legal guardian accompanies you.
  • You cannot transport more than two passengers under the age of 21 unless accompanied by licensed adult at least 21.
  • Exception: May transort family members or students to and from school.
  • You will obtain full driving privileges when you are 16 if you have had your special restricted license for one year and have no traffic offenses or been involved in any at-fault accidents.

Regular Driver’s License

Age 17+

Requirements

  • Have held Beginner’s Permit for 180 days.
  • If under 18 and have never been licensed, must bring your parent or legal guardian to sign application.
  • Bring birth certificate, social security card, proof of residency & insurance.
  • Pass the vision and road skills tests.