South Carolina’s Teen Driver’s License and Insurance Requirements

South Carolina uses a graduated license system to promote young drivers to a valid license. The state has multiple youth licenses available depending on the needs and experience of the applicant.

How Do I Get a Beginner's Permit to Start Driving in South Carolina?

All minor drivers must begin with a beginner's permit. Below, we explain how to get a permit and what it allows you to do. (S.C. Code Ann. § 56-1-50 (2024).)

Requirements for a Beginner's Permit

A teen who's at least 15 years old can submit an application, take a vision test, and take a written test covering South Carolina traffic signs and traffic laws to obtain the permit. The application must be signed by a parent or guardian at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and include a birth certificate, a social security card, and proof of residency. The parent or guardian who signs the application will be liable for any negligence or misconduct of the teen. The signing parent can later withdraw this consent and notify the DMV to cancel the teen's permit.

What You Can Do With a Beginner's Permit

A beginner's permit is valid for one year and permits the holder to operate a vehicle under the supervision of a licensed driver who's age 21 or older and has at least one year of driving experience. If the youth is driving from midnight to 6 a.m., the supervisor must be a parent or guardian.

An exception to the permit requirement exists for 15-year-old teens driving under instruction in a driver's education course.

Who Qualifies for a South Carolina Conditional Driver's License?

Teens who are 15 to 16 years old and have held an instructional permit for at least 180 days are eligible to apply for a conditional license. (S.C. Code Ann. § 56-1-175 (2024).)

Prerequisites to Get a Conditional Driver's License

To get a conditional license, the applicant must:

• hold the beginner's permit for at least 180 days
• complete driver's education
• maintain adequate school attendance (or have a diploma)
• certify 40 hours of driving time (including ten nighttime hours) supervised by a parent or guardian, and
• pass the behind-the-wheel driving test.

Conditional License Restrictions

Hours and supervision. A conditional license permits the holder to drive unsupervised from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. (until 8 p.m. during daylight savings time). The teen must be supervised from dusk to midnight by an adult age 21 or older who has at least one year of driving experience. After midnight, the teen must be supervised by a parent or guardian.

Passenger restrictions. The conditional license holder can carry only two passengers who are younger than 21 years old at a time. This requirement is waived for family members, transporting students to school, or if the teen is supervised by a licensed driver who's at least 21 years old and has a minimum one year of driving experience.

How Does South Carolina's Special Restricted Driver's License Work?

A special restricted driver's license is available to 16-year-olds who have held a beginner's permit for at least 180 days. The requirements and restrictions are exactly the same as those for a conditional license, except for a modification for after-dark activities. With proper documentation, special restricted license holders can drive from 6 p.m. to midnight for work, school, or other activities. The documentation must include parental consent for the activity and certification from the principal, employer, or activity leader that the need for transportation exists. (S.C. Code Ann. § 56-1-180 (2024).)

What Are the Penalties for Violations of License and Permit Restrictions?

A violation of any minor license restriction is a misdemeanor, punishable by a $100 fine or up to 30 days in jail. Additionally, the teen's parent can be fined up to $500 for permitting a violation. Any conditional or special restricted license holder who accumulates six traffic violation points faces a six-month license suspension. (S.C. Code Ann. § 56-1-170 (2024).)

When Can I Get a Non-Restricted Driver's License in South Carolina?

After holding a conditional or special restricted license for at least 12 months without any traffic violations or at-fault accidents, a teen can apply for a non-restricted license. Even without holding a restricted license for 12 months, a teen who's at least 17 years old can apply for a non-restricted license. (S.C. Code Ann. § 56-1-185 (2024).)

What Are South Carolina's Car Insurance Requirements?

South Carolina requires all vehicles to be properly insured. Below, we explain the minimum coverage requirements and penalties for driving without insurance.

Minimum Car Insurance Coverage

In South Carolina, the mandatory insurance requirements are at least $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 property damage per accident. (S.C. Code Ann. § 38-77-140 (2024).)

Penalties for Uninsured Driving

Civil penalties. If, at any time, the Department of Revenue receives notification that a vehicle has a lapse in coverage, it will inform the owner and, if the owner doesn't show proof of insurance within five days, suspend the owner's registration and driver's license. The owner can't reinstate the registration and license until he or she shows proof of insurance and pays a reinstatement fee and $5 for each day the insurance lapsed. (S.C. Code Ann. § 56-10-30 (2024).)

Criminal. Drivers who are caught driving without insurance can be convicted of a misdemeanor. A first offense carries a $100 to $200 fine or 30 days in jail. A second offense results in a $200 fine and/or 30 days in jail and a third offense carries 45 days to six months in jail. For purposes of determining whether a violation is a second or subsequent offense, all prior offenses within the last five years are counted. (S.C. Code Ann. § 56-10-520 (2024); S.C. Code Ann. § 56-10-225 (2024).)