South Carolina Driver's License

Non-Commercial Driver's Licenses

Non-commercial driver's licenses in South Carolina are issued for those who want to drive non-commercial vehicles such as cars, trucks, motorcycles, and RVs that do not exceed a specific weight limit. Here is a breakdown of non-commercial driver's licenses in the state:

Class D

The Class D driver's license is the most common type of license issued in South Carolina. This license grants permission to operate non-commercial passenger vehicles, including cars and trucks, as long as their gross vehicle weight (GVW) does not exceed 26,000 pounds.

Class E

This license specifically caters to the operation of heavier vehicles for personal or non-commercial purposes. It is designed to operate single-unit vehicles with GVW exceeding 26,000 pounds, which typically include trucks and motor homes.

Class F

A Class F driver's license is specifically for individuals operating non-commercial combination vehicles that exceed a GVW of 26,000 pounds for personal use. These vehicles are similar to those requiring a Class E license. However, the distinction lies in whether the car is used for towing.

Class G

The Class G driver's license is specifically for operating mopeds. Individuals with a valid driver's license or permit in other categories are not required to obtain this license separately.

However, those who do not possess a driver's license from other categories must be at least 15 years old and pass the vision and knowledge tests to obtain this license.

Class M

A Class M driver's license is for individuals who wish to operate motorcycles and certain three-wheel vehicles. Holders of this license can operate two-wheel motorcycles, two-wheel motorcycles equipped with detachable sidecars, or three-wheel vehicles.

Commercial Driver's Licenses

In South Carolina, commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) are required for drivers who operate vehicles for transporting passengers or property. Among the CDLs issued in the state include:

Class A

Class A CDL permits individuals to operate any combination of vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. Additionally, this class allows towing a car with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of more than 10,000 pounds.

Note that this CDL allows the operation of vehicles under Class B CDL and Class C CDL.

Class B

With a Class B CDL, drivers are authorized to operate a single vehicle with a GVWR equal to or over 26,001 pounds. They can also tow a car with a GVWR not exceeding 10,000 pounds.

Class C

Class C CDL covers vehicles or combinations that do not fall under Class A or B definitions. This class includes vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or cars placarded for transporting hazardous materials.

Documentary Requirements

Obtaining a South Carolina driver's license requires adhering to specific documentary requirements.

Individuals must provide their Social Security number and present original or government-issued copies of essential documents, which include proof of identity, U.S. citizenship, and birth date.

Furthermore, applicants must provide proof of their current physical address in South Carolina. In the case of a legal name change, applicants should furnish documentation to validate their name change history.

Individuals can refer to the "United States Citizens' Checklist" for a comprehensive list of accepted documents.

Note that international customers have slightly different requirements. If the customer is from another U.S. territory, the same documentary requirements apply. If birth certificates or licenses require translation, the Translation Document should be utilized. The International Customers' Checklist provides guidance on acceptable documents for international applicants.

Beginner's Permit

Once all necessary documents are gathered, aspiring drivers in South Carolina can acquire a Beginner's Permit at their local SCDMV branch.

Applicants must be at least 15 years old, and if under 18, they must be accompanied by a consenting individual listed on the Consent for Minor form. Passing vision and knowledge tests and paying the applicable fee is also paramount when obtaining the permit.

With the permit in hand, applicants can practice driving, but they must adhere to specific driving restrictions. For instance, driving between 6 a.m. and midnight is allowed, provided a licensed driver aged 21 or older, with at least one year of driving experience, occupies the front seat.

To get full driving privileges, applicants must hold the permit for 180 days and pass the required road test.

South Carolina Graduated Driver's License Program

The South Carolina Graduated Driver's License Program provides an opportunity to enhance the driving skills of teen drivers in a controlled manner.

To be eligible for this program, applicants must be either 15 or 16 years of age and apply for their first driver's license. They are required to submit the Certificate of School Attendance, Driver's Education, and Driving Practice along with meeting the following criteria:

• Hold a Beginner's Permit for over 180 days
• Complete a driver's education course consisting of eight hours in the classroom and six hours of driving practice
• Enrolled in a public or private school, with satisfactory attendance and no suspension or expulsion or being homeschooled
• Accumulate a minimum of 40 hours of driving practice, including 10 hours of nighttime driving, under the supervision of a licensed individual

Once these requirements are met and the necessary exams are completed, the individual will be issued either a Conditional or a Special Restricted license. The full driving privileges are granted at the age of 17 or after holding either of these licenses for a year, provided there have been no traffic offenses or at-fault collisions.

Driving Test

Applicants must undergo a comprehensive evaluation when applying for an original driver's license in South Carolina to confirm they possess the skills and understanding to operate a vehicle safely on the state's roads. The assessment comprises three parts: a vision test, a knowledge test, and a road test.

Vision Test

The vision test administered by the SCDMV assesses if an applicant maintains a minimum visual acuity of 20/40 or better. Should individuals fail this initial screening, they must undergo a thorough examination by a licensed eye care professional to ascertain if their eyes meet the state's vision standards.

If corrective measures such as wearing lenses or undergoing treatment enhance sight, the applicant may be eligible for a driver's license permitting driving while using these aids.

Knowledge Test

The knowledge test evaluates applicants' comprehension of traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving protocols. This examination is administered at SCDMV branches and strictly prohibits using testing aids or manuals. Applicants who consult test aids, converse, or leave the testing area prematurely will automatically fail.

The test comprises 30 multiple-choice questions, of which applicants must answer 24 questions correctly to pass.

Road Test

The road test is critical when acquiring a driver's license in South Carolina. It can be taken at any SCDMV branch, either through walk-in appointments or online scheduling.

Applicants are required to bring their Beginner's Permit when taking the test. They must also provide a safe vehicle with a valid license plate, registration card, and insurance card.

During the test proper, the evaluator will grade the applicant based on driving abilities through various maneuvers, such as lane changes, turns, parking, and identifying road signs.

In case of failure, retests are subject to specific waiting periods: two business days for the first attempt, seven calendar days for the second attempt, and 30 calendar days for subsequent attempts.

South Carolina Driver's License Fees

There are associated fees when obtaining a South Carolina driver's license. For a 4-year or less license, the cost is $12.50. Meanwhile, for an 8-year license, the fee is $25.

The SCDMV accepts checks and cash. Credit debit cards are also accepted but come with a $1 and a 1.7% service fee.

Applicants must also consider other applicable fees, such as testing and permit fees, besides the license fees. For a complete breakdown, refer to the Fees page on the official SCDMV website.

To learn more about obtaining a South Carolina driver's license, check the Driver's Manual. Those interested in a CDL can consult the Commercial Driver's License Manual, while those who wish to obtain a Class G or Class M license can study the Motorcycle and Moped Operator's Manual.

South Carolina Driver's License Renewal

A South Carolina driver's license typically lasts four or eight years. If it is nearing expiration or has expired, prompt renewal is needed to maintain driving privileges. Fortunately, the SCDMV offers multiple renewal methods to accommodate various needs.

Online Renewal

The SCDMV offers online license renewal to those who meet the following criteria:

• Must have a noncommercial driver's license; CDLs are not allowed to be renewed online
• Must be able to pay with a debit or credit card
• Must be a U.S. citizen; non-U.S. citizens cannot renew online
• The license must not have been expired for over nine months
• Legal name, birth date, and social security number must match with the Social Security Administration's records
• Must not have violations on the driving record that count to over five points in the past two years
• The license must not be suspended
• Must not be a violent offender
• The license must not have been renewed online or by mail in the previous renewal
• Must not currently have a special restricted or conditional license
• Must have a Certification of Vision Examination from an SC-licensed eye care professional

Eligible drivers who meet these conditions can proceed to the online renewal portal, where they must follow the steps outlined in the platform and pay a $25 fee.

The SCDMV will utilize the signature and current photograph on file and send the new license to the address recorded in their system within 15 days.

Mail Renewal

The SCDMV extends a renewal by mail option exclusively to U.S. citizens if they meet the following criteria:

• Possession of a non-commercial driver's license; commercial driver's licenses are ineligible for mail renewal
• The expiration of the license should not surpass nine months
• Accumulation of less than five points on the driving record within the previous two years
• Absence of license suspension or potential suspension
• No previous renewal online or by mail during the preceding renewal cycle
• Must not currently have a special restricted or conditional license
• Must undergo a vision examination conducted by a licensed professional to determine if South Carolina's sight standards are satisfied

Upon meeting all stipulated prerequisites, applicants are directed to complete the Renew a Driver's License by Mail Application and mail it along with a $25 money order or check to the following address:

In-Person Renewal

To renew a driver's license in person at an SCDMV branch, applicants must complete several steps. They must provide the name of their vehicle insurance company, pay a $25 license fee, and pass a vision screening.

If the applicant has accumulated over five points on their driving record within the past two years, they must also pass a knowledge test.

South Carolina Driver's License Replacement

If a driver's license in South Carolina is stolen, lost, or damaged, individuals must seek replacement promptly.

The SCDMV facilitates this process by offering an online replacement service accessible through the same portal utilized for license renewal. However, individuals who have recently acquired a duplicate license online within 12 months are ineligible to use the online system for replacement.

In such instances, a physical visit to an SCDMV branch becomes necessary. At the office, individuals must complete a Surrender Agreement and submit either an Application for a Beginner's Permit, Driver's License, Identification Card, or Commercial Driver's License, depending on the type of card necessitating replacement.

A fee of $10 applies for obtaining a replacement license. However, individuals aged 17 and above are eligible to renew their ID card free of charge if it is within one year of its expiration date.