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Online transactions and log in services will be unavailable from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. on Sunday, April 18, 2021 due to scheduled maintenance.
Online transactions and log in services will be unavailable from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. on Sunday, April 18, 2021 due to scheduled maintenance.
Beginner’s permits are issued in four classes according to the type of vehicle you'll be driving.
If you're interested in getting a beginner's permit, read the Driver's Manual and visit an SCDMV branch before 4:30 p.m. Before you take the beginner's permit test, prepare now!
Study the Appropriate Manual Before Testing
Motorcycle and Moped Operator's Manual
Large Non-commercial and Recreational Vehicle Driver's Manual
Commercial Driver's License Manual
When you apply for a beginner’s permit, you must pass the vision and knowledge tests, provide your social security number, and bring required documents such as your original birth certificate, and proof of your current, physical address (two proofs for a REAL ID card). The United States Citizens' Checklist (SCDMV Form MV-93) has a complete list of accepted documents.
If you're an international customer, the requirements are different. The International Customers' Checklist (SCDMV Form MV-94) has a complete list of accepted documents.
You must be at least 15 to apply for a regular or motorcycle beginner’s permit. If you are under 18, you must bring an individual listed on the Consent for Minor (SCDMV Form 447-CM) with you to sign consent.
You must have your beginner's permit for at least 180 days unless you hold a valid driver's license.
You must be at least 18 to apply for a Class E or Class F beginner’s permit.
Renewing a Beginner's Permit
You may renew your regular beginner's permit (Class D) for $2.50 when it expires.
If you choose to renew your permit online, you must provide identifying information to login below. At the end of the process, you must pay for the permit with a valid credit card.
If you're not a US Citizen, you cannot renew your permit online.
If you're a US Citizen interested in renewing your beginner’s permit online, you must meet all of the following requirements:
If you are eligible for renewing your permit online, you will pay $2.50 plus a service fee to receive a new permit in the mail. The SCDMV will use your current photograph and signature and mail your new card to the address on file. It will take up to fifteen business days to receive your renewed permit in the mail.
RENEW BEGINNER'S PERMIT ONLINE
Motorcycle beginner's permits (Class M) cannot be renewed more than three times. Before a motorcycle permit can be renewed, you must make an attempt to pass the skills test. This includes all of the following:
If you fail the motorcycle skills test three times, you may not receive another motorcycle permit. You will be required to take an SCDMV authorized motorcycle safety course and pass the skills test as part of that course to receive your license.
Adult Consent for Minors
If you’re under 18, and applying for a beginner's permit or driver's license, a responsible adult must sign the Consent for Minor (SCDMV Form 447-CM) at an SCDMV branch, unless it’s signed and submitted by a representative at a driver training school.
The adult must bring a picture ID.
A responsible adult is someone who is all of the following:
Out-of-State Beginner's Permits
You may practice driving with your out-of-state beginner's permit in South Carolina.
If you’ve permanently moved to this state from another state, you may exchange your out-of-state beginner's permit for an SC beginner’s permit.
It is $2.00 for a knowledge test and $2.50 for the beginner's permit.
No Driving Experience
If you have no driving experience and are interested in getting a beginner's permit, you must hold the beginner's permit for 180 days regardless of your age.
SC Code Sections 23-3-430, -460, 56-1-110, 56-1-50