South Carolina Driving Schools

South Carolina has the earliest nighttime driving restriction in the nation for teens. During standard time, the curfew starts at 6 p.m. During daylight saving time, it starts at 8 p.m.

You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit in South Carolina. The permit fee is just $2.50, the lowest permit fee in the nation.

Yes. South Carolina requires driver's education for teens under 18. Courses must be completed in person at a state-approved school; online courses are not allowed for minors.

A South Carolina driver's license costs $12.50 and is valid for 5 years, the second lowest license fee in the nation. The permit fee of $2.50 is the lowest in the country.

South Carolina requires 40 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours at night. A licensed adult aged 21 or older must be present at all times.

South Carolina teen intermediate license holders may carry no more than 2 non-family passengers under 21 at a time. Family members are always exempt.

South Carolina teens can get a full unrestricted license at age 17 after holding the intermediate license with a clean driving record.

Yes. A 15-year-old who has held the permit for 6 months and passed the road test can get an intermediate license and drive alone during allowed hours.

South Carolina's knowledge test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. Many first-time applicants find the road sign section the most challenging part of the test.

No. South Carolina does not have a specific cell phone ban for novice teen drivers beyond the general distracted driving laws that apply to all drivers.