How do I apply for a SC drivers license if I am younger than 18? South Carolina

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If you are younger than 18, you must abide by the rules of the South Carolina Graduated Driver License (GDL) system for teen drivers.

Beginners Permit for Teen Drivers

Earning a beginners permit, also known as a learners permit, is the first step for teens who want to get a SC drivers license.

To get a Class D beginners permit, you must be at least 15 years old. You will need to have a parent or guardian with you to sign your application and be able to pass both the vision screening and written license test. Permit practice test questions are available in the state's driver handbook.

The purpose of this driving permit is to allow you to gain the behind-the-wheel experience you need to get a full drivers license. With a permit, you can drive from 6 a.m. to midnight if a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and has at least one year of driving experience sits next to you in the front seat. From midnight to 6 a.m., you can only drive when accompanied by a licensed parent or guardian sitting in the front seat of the vehicle.

Applying for a Drivers License

To apply for a drivers license, you must visit a SC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office after holding a permit for at least 180 days.

If you are 15 or 16, you must practice driving for at least 40 hours, including 10 hours of nighttime driving. You will also need to complete a drivers education or driver training course, prove that you have satisfactory school attendance, and provide parental consent for your license.

You will then need to complete the vision screening and on-the-road driving test.

As a 15- or 16-year-old driver, you will be able to drive unaccompanied during daytime hours, but you will still need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian to drive from midnight to 6 a.m. You won't be able to have more than two passengers younger than 21 unless accompanied by an adult or transporting family members to or from school.

If you are 17 years of age, you will be able to apply for an unrestricted drivers license by completing the vision screening and driving test. Completion of a drivers ed class is not required. Parental consent is still needed until you turn 18, however.

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