Get your first driver's license in South Carolina

Online or in person

No, in person · At least two visitsYou take the vision and knowledge tests at an SCDMV branch before 4 p.m., and the Driver's License page says you visit a branch to apply, test and provide documents. Online, SCDMV offers renewal of an existing beginner's permit and booking a 2-4 p.m. road test. One visit for the permit, then the road test after at least 30 days. Road test walk-ins are taken 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (from 9:30 a.m. on Wednesdays); 2-4 p.m. tests are by appointment.

Cost

$2 test + $2.50 permit + $25 licenseKnowledge test $2 each, beginner's permit $2.50, 8-year license $25. No road test fee is listed.

You leave with

Beginner's permit, then a driver's licenseYou get a temporary certificate valid up to 30 days; the license is mailed in seven to 15 business days.

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Proof of US citizenship, identity and date of birth
     Originals only. If your birth certificate shows you were born outside the US, also bring another document from this list.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Certified copy of birth certificate (with file number and registrar's signature, from the county or Vital Records Office)
     • Unexpired US passport or passport card
     • Certificate of US Naturalization (N-550 or N-570)
     • US Consular Report of Birth Abroad
     • Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561)
   • Social Security number · all that apply
     Electronically verified with the SSA; your name, number and date of birth must match its file.
   • Proof of SC address
     One for a card marked "Not for Federal Identification"; two from different organizations, with the same address, for a REAL ID. Must show your name and residential address (not a PO Box) and be no more than 9 months old.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • School records from an SC school (report card with your address, enrollment letter on letterhead, transcript)
     • Utility bill or payment receipt (including cell phone, internet or cable)
     • Bank or credit card statement
     • Current lease agreement
     • Voter registration card or county tax bill
     • State or federal tax records (you must be listed as primary taxpayer or dependent)
     • Postmarked US mail showing your name and address
     • Pay stub or letter of employment
   • Auto insurance · all that apply
     For the license (not the permit): the name of your automobile liability insurer licensed in SC. For the road test, the vehicle needs a valid plate, registration card and insurance card.
     Show accepted documents

     • Name of your SC-licensed auto liability insurance company
   • Payment · all that apply
     Show accepted documents

     • Knowledge test, permit and license fees

2. Study the driver's manual

   The SCDMV links its Driver's Manual and a practice test from the beginner's permit page.

   Beginner's permit on dmv.sc.gov ↗

3. Take a free practice test

   Before the knowledge test, try our South Carolina Permit Practice Test: 30 questions like the real exam, based on the official handbook, with every answer explained.

   Start the South Carolina practice test

4. Pass the vision and knowledge tests

   From age 15, visit an SCDMV branch before 4 p.m. and pass the vision and knowledge tests ($2 per knowledge test). The beginner's permit is $2.50.

5. Practice with a licensed driver

   From 6 a.m. to midnight, drive only with a licensed driver at least 21 with at least one year of experience in the front seat; from midnight to 6 a.m., only with a qualified individual in the front seat.

6. Hold the permit at least 30 days

   If you're 18 or older, you must have the beginner's permit at least 30 days before the road test.

7. Pass the road test

   Take it at any SCDMV branch or with a third-party tester. Walk-ins 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (9:30 a.m. on Wednesdays); 2-4 p.m. tests by appointment. Bring your permit, a licensed driver, and a safe vehicle with a valid plate, registration and insurance card; headlights, brakes, wipers, belts, signals, mirrors, speedometer, defroster and horn must work.

   Regular license road test ↗

8. Get your license

   Most South Carolina licenses are valid for eight years, and all eight-year licenses are $25. You give the name of your SC-licensed auto liability insurer. You leave with a temporary certificate valid up to 30 days; the license is mailed in seven to 15 business days.

   Driver's license on dmv.sc.gov ↗