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South Carolina · Permit test

When you can get your permit in SC, and what you need

At 15. That's the minimum age for a regular Class D beginner's permit, and for a motorcycle permit too. You can get your permit in SC as soon as you've passed a vision test and the knowledge test at an SCDMV branch, and if you're under 18, a qualified adult has to give consent. Your age also sets how long you hold the permit before a road test: 180 days under 18, 30 days at 18 or older.

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Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

When can you get your permit in SC?

From your 15th birthday, for a Class D (car) or Class M (motorcycle) beginner's permit. Permits for the larger Class E and F vehicles start at 18, and so does a commercial learner's permit. A moped license can come at 15 too, with a vision test and a knowledge test but no road test.

What do I need to get my permit in SC?

Have these ready when you go to the branch:

  • A pass on the vision test and the knowledge test
  • Your Social Security number
  • A government-issued birth certificate
  • Proof of your current physical South Carolina address, or two proofs for a REAL ID
  • A qualified adult to give consent, if you're under 18
  • $2 for the knowledge test and $2.50 for the permit

SCDMV's U.S. Citizens' Checklist (form MV-93) lists every document it accepts. If you're not a U.S. citizen, use the Lawfully Present Non-US Citizens' Checklist (MV-94) instead, and check that the branch handles international customers. Arrive in time to start the test before 4 p.m.

SCDMV form MV-93 (PDF) ↗SCDMV form MV-94 (PDF) ↗

Who can sign as your adult

The adult signs at an SCDMV branch and shows a picture ID, unless a representative of your driver training school signs and submits the form instead. By signing, they take responsibility for you as a driver and become liable for any damage you cause. The law limits who can do this: a parent, a legal guardian, someone with custody of you, a person approved in writing by the Department of Social Services, someone who has stood in place of a parent for at least 60 days, or a responsible adult with notarized written permission from one of those people.

Driving on a beginner's permit

A Class D permit can be renewed for $2.50, online if you meet SCDMV's conditions. A motorcycle permit can be renewed no more than three times, and each renewal needs a real attempt at the skills test.

PermitWhenWho must be with you
Class D (car)6 a.m. to midnightA licensed driver 21 or older with at least one year of driving experience, in the front seat
Class D (car)Midnight to 6 a.m.A licensed person from the list in SC Code §56-1-100(A), such as a parent or legal guardian
Class M (motorcycle)6 a.m. to 6 p.m., or 8 p.m. in daylight saving timeNo one: you may ride alone
Class M (motorcycle)Other hoursA licensed motorcycle rider 21 or older with a year of experience, within a safe distance and in sight

How long you hold the permit

If you're 17 or younger, you hold the permit for at least 180 days before you can apply for any license, so you can apply on the 181st day. At 18 or older it's 30 days, and you can apply on the 31st.

At 15 or 16 there are more steps before your first license, covered on the driver's license page.

Getting an SC driver's license →

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Everything else, in one place

OverviewThe SC DMV permit testAppointmentsSC DMV permit test appointment: when you need oneOnline testThe online permit test in SC: what you can do from homeRoad testSC road test requirements, and what the test coversDriver's licenseGetting an SC driver's licenseCDL permitThe CDL permit test in South CarolinaMotorcycle permitThe South Carolina DMV motorcycle permit testRoad signsThe SC road signs test: what the signs meanDriver's ManualThe South Carolina permit book: SCDMV's Driver's ManualPractice testSC permit practice testWhere to learnSouth Carolina DMV permit test study guide: where to learn
Sources: SCDMV and 5 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.