South Carolina DMV driving test, SC drivers license, CDL, motorcycle practice test

How do you get a driver’s license in South Carolina

Automobile License

Like in many other US states, you must earn a driver’s license to be able to drive in South Carolina. If you have a driver’s license issued by another state you can convert it to the SC one (the fee is $2.50).

In turn, drivers who have never held a driver’s license before are obliged to enroll in the Graduated Licensing Program which typically consists of 4 levels:

• learner’s permit. To qualify, you must be 15 years old. You will be asked to submit proofs of US citizenship and residency as well as your SSN. The next step is to undergo a vision screening, pass SC written permit test and pay the $2.50 fee;
• provisional license. You are ready to apply if you are 15 years and 6 months old and you’ve been holding a learner’s permit for 6 months. The major requirements are providing the same set of documents as for a learner’s permit, getting your parent’s approval, passing vision screening and driving road test. Prior to applying for a provisional license, you will be asked to present a driving log proving that you practiced forty hours of driving including ten hours of night driving;
• special restricted license. The main rule that distinguishes it from a provisional license is that you are allowed to waive some restrictions if you can provide a proof of these restrictions being an obstacle to your regular activities and obligations (e.g., school attendance). In this case, you have to be 16 years old;
• unrestricted license. You can apply once you turn 16, provided have held a provisional license for a year and a special restricted license for a year. You will be asked to undergo vision screening and driving test as well as get your parent’s approval.

Motorcycle License

To gain a motorcycle license, you need to be 15 years of age. You will also be obliged to hold your permit for at least six months.

The typical requirement is that you are to undergo a vision screening, written and driving tests. SC DMV official website strongly recommends that you enroll in the Motorcycle Safety Foundation training course to improve your driving skills.

Commercial Driver’s License

Drivers wishing to obtain a commercial driver’s license in this state must be no less than 18 years old.

The first step to getting your CDL is earning a commercial learner’s permit. You will be asked to:

• bring in your identification documents, car insurance and SSN;
• undergo knowledge test and vision screening;
• pass a medical check-up.

If you succeed, you will be issued a learner’s permit valid for 180 days. You can apply for a CDL as soon as two weeks after gaining a learner’s permit. Make sure to bring in your permit and existing driver’s license, successfully pass a driving test and pay appropriate fees.

Driver-start.com offers a whole variety of great training materials, South Carolina online driver’s license information and prep tests. Getting ready to your driving exams with these helpful guides has never been that easy. Also, remember to download our mobile app which is available on Google Play and App Store .