South Carolina Online Driver Education and South Carolina Licensing Procedures

So you've taken your first step towards becoming a new driver in South Carolina? Congratulations!

As you probably already know, driving is a valuable skill, but can also be extremely dangerous. Therefore, to help new teen drivers develop safe driving habits during their first few years behind the wheel, the State of South Carolina has implemented a graduated driver license program for South Carolina drivers who are under the age of 18.

We’ve summarized a few things you’ll need to know as you begin the process of becoming a licensed driver in South Carolina.

South Carolina Beginner's Permit (aka--Learners Permit)

You can apply for a beginner permit after you turn 15.

Please take the following paperwork to the local driver's license office with you:

• Birth certificate (original or certified copy)
• Social Security card
• Proof of S.C. residency
• Proof of auto insurance

At the driver's license office, you will be given a vision screening exam, and then a written test. If you pass it, you will be issued a beginner permit to drive.

Beginner Permit--Restrictions:

• You may only drive if there is a licensed 21-year-old driver actively supervising your driving from the front passenger seat.
• Everyone in the car must be buckled-up!

South Carolina Junior Driver License

After you have held your beginner permit for 180 days with a clean driving record, you may apply for your junior license provided you have met the following requirements:

• Completed a state-approved drivers education course
• Completed 40 hours of supervised driving practice (10 of which must be at night)
• Provide proof of satisfactory attendance in school
• Complete Form PDLA (available on the DMV website)

When you're ready to upgrade to a junior license, head back down to your local driver's license office with your beginner permit and the same documents you took with you the last time. You will need to pass a road test before being issued a junior license.

With a junior license, some restrictions still apply:

• No driving between the hours of 6PM (or 8PM during daylight savings time) until 12 midnight unless you have a 21-year-old licensed driver in the car with you supervising your driving (exceptions--driving to and from your job, volunteer fire department, rescue squad, or EMS activity)
• No more than two passengers under 21 unless accompanied by a licensed adult (but you may drive family members who are under 21 to and from school)

Please visit the South Carolina DMV website for information regarding Special Restricted Licenses.

After you turn 17, and have held your junior license for at least 180 days with no traffic violations or at-fault accidents, you may apply for your regular driver's license.

South Carolina Auto Insurance & Financial Responsibility Laws

State law requires that you have at least a certain amount of auto insurance/liability coverage on any vehicle you drive. The minimum amount of liability coverage required in South Carolina is as follows:

• $25,000--personal injury (1 person)
• $50,000--personal injury (2 or more persons)
• $25,000--property damage per accident

Driving without the required amount of auto insurance is a crime. If you are found to be driving while uninsured, you risk losing your license and paying a hefty fine.

South Carolina Drunk Driving Laws

Drinking while under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited in South Carolina, and the law is strictly enforced.

Upon your FIRST South Carolina DUI conviction, you will face the following penalties:

• 48 hours to 30 days in Jail
• 48 hours of community service
• $400 fine
• 6-month license suspension

Further DUI convictions will result in even more severe penalties, including extended jail time, fines, community service, and the revocation of your driver's license.

South Carolina Cell Phone & Text-Messaging Laws

South Carolina currently has no laws prohibiting the use of cell phones while driving. However, that does not mean it's safe to use them while driving! If you cannot wait until you get to your destination to talk to or text somebody, please find a safe place to park and then talk & text all you want.

South Carolina Drivers Education

For more information on approved drivers education courses available to teen-age drivers in South Carolina, please visit the state's DMV website.