South Carolina Driver License Requirements at-a-glance:

DMV Info
  • Minimum Age for Learner Permit 15 years
  • Learner Permit Holding Period 180 days
  • Minimum Age for Driver License Conditional License--15 years & 6 months; Special Restricted License--16 years
  • Road Test Yes
  • Minimum Amount of Supervised Driving 40 hours, including 10 hours at night with a qualified supervising driver (i.e.—an adult who’s at least 21 years old, has a valid driver’s license, and is approved by your parent/guardian to supervise your driving).
  • Unsupervised Driving Rules Conditional license and special restricted license holders may drive without supervision anytime between 6am and 6pm (or 8pm during daylight savings time). From 6pm (or 8pm if DST) to 12 midnight, a qualified supervising driver must be in the vehicle and from midnight to 6am, the qualified supervising driver must be your parent/guardian.
  • Passenger Rules Conditional license and special restricted license holders may only carry two (2) passengers under the age of 21 unless you are driving family members to or from school. This passenger restriction is waived if a qualified supervising driver is seated in the front passenger seat.
  • Other Time restrictions may be waived with special permission from school or work

How to get your South Carolina Driver License step-by-step:

  • Practice for the written Learner Permit Exam using our free practice tests
  • Find a driver license office and schedule an appointment for the written exam (you may also simply show up but you may have to wait some time)
  • Take the Learner Permit Written Exam
  • Practice driving with your learner permit
  • Take driving exam