How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in South Carolina?

You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit in South Carolina. You must hold your permit for at least 6 months before moving to the next stage.

What are the restrictions for an intermediate license in South Carolina?

South Carolina intermediate license holders must be at least 15.5 years old. There is a curfew from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Passenger limits also apply.

When can you get a full unrestricted license in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, you can get a full unrestricted driver's license at age 17.

South Carolina Graduated Driver License (GDL) Laws

Last verified: 2026-03

South Carolina uses a graduated driver license (GDL) system to help new drivers build skills in stages. Here is a breakdown of each stage, the requirements, and the restrictions you need to know.

Stage 1

Learner's Permit

Minimum age

Stage 2

Intermediate License

15.5

Minimum age

Stage 3

Full License

Minimum age

Stage 1: Learner's Permit

Minimum age: 15
Holding period: 6 months
Supervised driving hours: 40 hours
Nighttime driving hours: 10 hours
Supervisor minimum age: 21 years old

Stage 2: Intermediate (Provisional) License

Minimum age: 15.5
Curfew hours: 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Passenger limit: 2
Passenger exceptions: Maximum 2 non-family passengers under 21; family members exempt. Curfew start is 8 PM during daylight saving time.
Cell phone use banned: No

Stage 3: Full Unrestricted License

Minimum age for full license

At this age, all GDL restrictions are removed and you can drive without limits on passengers, curfew, or supervision.

Penalties for GDL Violations

Violations can result in fines and license suspension

South Carolina-Specific Information

South Carolina has the earliest nighttime curfew in the nation (6 PM standard time, 8 PM daylight saving time). Supervision required midnight to 6 AM regardless. Intermediate license available as early as 15.5 years old. No specific novice driver cell phone ban.

Frequently Asked Questions

A graduated driver license (GDL) is a system that lets new drivers in South Carolina gain experience in stages. You start with a learner's permit, move to an intermediate license, and then earn a full unrestricted license. Each stage has its own rules and restrictions.

You can get your learner's permit in South Carolina at age 15. You must hold your permit for at least 6 months before moving to the intermediate license stage.

During the intermediate license stage, South Carolina restricts driving between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM. This curfew is in place until you get your full unrestricted license at age 17.

With an intermediate license in South Carolina, passenger limits apply: 2. Exceptions include: Maximum 2 non-family passengers under 21; family members exempt. Curfew start is 8 PM during daylight saving time..

You can get your full unrestricted driver's license in South Carolina at age 17. At that point, all GDL restrictions on curfew, passengers, and supervision are removed.

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This information is based on nonprofit-research sources. Requirements can change. Visit your state's official DMV website for the most current information.