How to Get Your Driver's License in South Carolina
Last verified: 2026-03
Here is how to get your driver's license in South Carolina. South Carolina uses a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system with 3 stages. You can get a full unrestricted license at age 16.5.
GDL Stages in South Carolina
Learner's Permit
Requirements
- Pass written knowledge test
- Pass vision screening
- Parental consent if under 18
Restrictions
- Must be accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older
Conditional License
Requirements
- Hold learner's permit for at least 6 months
- Pass road skills test
Restrictions
- No driving between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. (EST) or 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. (EDT)
- No more than 2 non-family passengers under 21
Full Unrestricted License
Requirements
- Hold conditional license for at least 12 months
- Turn 16 and a half with clean record
Restricted License Rules
- During Eastern Standard Time, conditional drivers may not drive between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. During Eastern Daylight Time, the restriction shifts to 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- No more than 2 non-family passengers under 21 are allowed.
How restrictions lift: Restrictions lift at age 16 and a half with a clean record, or automatically at age 17.
Road Test Overview
What Is Tested
- Vehicle control
- Turning and lane changes
- Parking
- Obeying traffic signals and signs
- Speed management
- Yielding right of way
Adult Licensing Pathway
If you are 17 or older, you do not need to complete the full GDL process. Drivers 17 and older may obtain a regular license without conditional restrictions after passing the road test.
South Carolina-Specific Information
South Carolina is the only state that adjusts its nighttime curfew based on daylight saving time, setting it at 6 p.m. in winter and 8 p.m. in summer. It also allows a conditional license as early as 15 and a half, among the youngest intermediate license ages nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions
You must be at least 16.5 years old to get an unrestricted full driver's license in South Carolina.
South Carolina uses a 3-stage Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system: Learner's Permit, Conditional License, Full Unrestricted License.
- During Eastern Standard Time, conditional drivers may not drive between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. During Eastern Daylight Time, the restriction shifts to 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- No more than 2 non-family passengers under 21 are allowed.
Adults age 17 and older in South Carolina can apply for a license directly without going through the GDL stages. Drivers 17 and older may obtain a regular license without conditional restrictions after passing the road test.
Need your permit first?
Start with the learner's permit before your full license.
South Carolina learner's permit guideCheck drivers ed requirements
Find out if drivers ed is required in South Carolina.
South Carolina drivers ed requirementsPrefer to learn online?
Complete a state-approved driving course from home on your own schedule. Same certifications, same insurance discounts.
View Online CoursesThis information is based on South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles guidelines. Requirements can change. Visit the official South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles website for the most current information.