Refer to and below for detailed information about ID documents, fees, and other driver license application requirements. You do have to pass the vision test, but you do not have to take the knowledge or road skills exams UNLESS your out-of-state license is expired for 9 months or longer.
New South Carolina Residents South Carolina allows new residents to transfer both out-of-state driver's licenses and beginner permits. Below, we've outlined how you can apply for a new South Carolina driver's license, whether you're a long-time resident, new to the state, or a non-citizen. The licensing authority in the state where application is made may not issue a license to drive if: 1 The applicant has held a license, but it has been suspended for a violation and the suspension period has not terminated.Īpplying for a New Driver's License in South Carolina You must obtain a South Carolina driver's license from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles to drive on public roads. You must give up any other Drivers License that you have previously held from any other State. No person shall be permitted to have more than one valid motor vehicle driver's license or operator's license at any time. Be sure to note the days and hours of operation. the safe operation of a vehicle requires practiced skill, knowledge, and a respectful understanding of the limitations imposed by the other drivers and the environment.※ Download: ?dl&keyword=south+carolina+drivers+license&source=
Full driver's license (18 and older) valid for up to 10 years.Restricted License (15 to 17 years of age) valid for 5 years.Once your licensing requirements have been met, you will receive your new: South Carolina ID and Required Documents.Required Paperworkīefore you head to the South Carolina DMV Office, make sure you have all of the following required documents to get your driver's license: The following countries have reciprocity with South Carolina for noncommercial vehicles: France, Germany, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau and the Northern Marinana Islands for regular driver licenses only. If your out-of-country license has expired for more than nine months, you will have to take the knowledge and road tests.ĭrivers from other countries may obtain a South Carolina driver's license without taking a test other than the vision test if South Carolina has reciprocity with their home country. If you are applying for a driver's license, you must also submit a valid driver's license from your country of origin as proof of prior driving experience. Department of Homeland Security to live, work or study in the United States on a temporary or permanent basis will be eligible to apply for a beginner's permit, driver's license.
Immigration and Naturalization Service, or the U.S. International DriversĪll persons authorized by the U.S. If your driver's license from your home state has expired you must also pass the knowledge and road tests. The written exam and road skills tests are not required to change a valid out-of-state license to a SC driver's license, however you will need to pass a vision exam. However, you must convert to a South Carolina driver's license before the end of the 90-day period. If you are a new resident, you may use a valid driver's license from your former state for up to 90 days. Practice tests are available that provide real sample questions from the DMV Exam - Take the South Carolina practice test nowĪnd test your driving knowledge. Prepare for the Written Knowledge TestĪll new drivers are encouraged to study for this driver education exam so you don't miss the opportunity to get your learners permit as soon as you reach the approved age. Once you receive a valid limited instructional permit, you will then need to pass a road skills test to receive a SC drivers license.Īpplicants under 18 must have held a learners permit for 180 days and complete 40 hours (including 10 at night) of supervised driving time before taking the road skills test. You must be at least 17 years of age and have held a beginner's permit for 180 days to apply for a regular South Carolina Drivers License.You must be at least 16 years of age and have held a beginner's permit for 180 days to apply for a Special Restricted License.You must be at least 15 years of age and have held a beginner's permit for 180 days to apply for a regular South Carolina Conditional Drivers License.