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Branch office wait times are currently not being displayed properly as we are transitioning to a new queuing system. We are working on resolving this issue and apologize for any inconvenience.
SC DMVBranch office wait times are currently not being displayed properly as we are transitioning to a new queuing system. We are working on resolving this issue and apologize for any inconvenience.
SC DMV
If you're interested in getting a beginner's permit, study the appropriate manual and visit an SCDMV branch before 4 p.m. to take the knowledge test.
It is $2.00 for a knowledge test and $2.50 for the beginner's permit after you pass the knowledge test.
If you have no driving experience, you must hold the beginner's permit for 180 days, regardless of your age, before taking a skills test on the road.
Study the Appropriate Manual Before Testing
Before you take the beginner's permit test, prepare now! Beginner’s permits are issued in four classes according to the type of vehicle you'll be driving.
Motorcycle and Moped Operator's Manual
Large Non-commercial and Recreational Vehicle Driver's Manual
Commercial Driver's License Manual
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.
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.
Renewing a Beginner's Permit
You may renew your regular beginner's permit (Class D) for $2.50 when it expires.
If you're a US Citizen interested in renewing your Class D, E, or F beginner’s permit online, you must meet all of the following requirements:
If you choose to renew your permit online and are eligible, you must provide identifying information to login below. At the end of the process, you must pay $2.50 for the permit plus a service fee using a valid credit card. 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, an authorized 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.
An authorized adult is someone who is all of the following:
Out-of-State Beginner's Permits
You may practice driving with your unexpired 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.
Medical Symbol on Beginner's Permits and Driver's Licenses
Customers may voluntarily choose up to three qualifying medical conditions that will be placed on their internal driving record for emergency personnel to better assist customers in times of need.
Once a customer discloses a medical condition and applies for an original or renewed beginner's permit or driver's license, the caduceus medical symbol will be printed on the back of the card.
To add the caduceus medical symbol on a card, customers must submit all of the following:
There is no additional charge to add the caduceus medical symbol to a card. However, the standard license renewal fees apply.
SC Code Sections 23-3-430, -460, 56-1-110, 56-1-50, 56-1-80 (A)(6)