Beginner's Permit

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

Driver's Manual

Motorcycle and Moped Operator's Manual

Large Non-commercial and Recreational Vehicle Driver's Manual

Commercial Driver's License Manual

Take the practice test

When you apply for a beginner’s permit, you must pass the vision and knowledge tests, and you must bring documents such as your original birth certificate, social security card, and two proofs of your current, physical address. 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 your application.

  • Regular beginner’s permit (Class D) allows you to practice driving under the following restrictions:
    • From 6 a.m. to midnight with a licensed driver, who is at least 21 and has at least one year of experience, in the front seat of the vehicle.
    • From midnight to 6 a.m. with any licensed individual listed on the Consent for Minor (SCDMV Form 447-CM) in the front seat of the vehicle.

  • Motorcycle beginner’s permit (Class M) allows you to practice driving a motorcycle under the following restrictions:
    • From 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (or 8 p.m. during daylight savings time)
    • You may not operate a motorcycle at any other time unless a licensed individual listed on the Consent for Minor (SCDMV Form 447-CM) supervises you.

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.

  • A Class E vehicle is a single unit non-commercial vehicle with more than 26,000 gross vehicle weight (GVW), like a large truck or motor home. When you practice driving, you must be with an experienced licensed driver.
  • A Class F vehicle is a combination unit non-commercial vehicle with more than 26,000 GVW, like a large truck with a towed trailer or vehicle. When you practice driving, you must be with an experienced licensed driver.

Renewing a Beginner's Permit

You may renew your regular beginner's permit (Class D) for $2.50 when it expires.

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:

  • Taking your motorcycle to the skills test pad
  • Passing the pre-trip inspection
    If you do not pass the pre-trip inspection, it is not considered an attempt at the skills test.
  • Attempting the skills test

If you fail the skills test too many times, you may not be able to receive another motorcycle permit.

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 all of the following:

The adult must bring a picture ID.

A responsible adult is someone who is all of the following:

The application must be signed at an SCDMV branch, unless it’s signed and submitted by a representative at a driver training school with the Consent for Minor (SCDMV Form 447-CM). 

Find an SCDMV branch

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.

  • If your out-of-state beginner's permit has expired, you must take the vision and knowledge tests to get an SC beginner's permit.
  • If your out-of-state beginner's permit is valid and you’ve had it for at least 180 days, you may take the vision and skills test to apply for an SC driver's license. You can apply on the 181st day or any day after. The time you held the out-of-state beginner's permit will count toward the 180 day period.
  • If you fail the skills test on your first attempt, you must wait two weeks to re-test regardless of your age.

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