Rules and Resources
The graduated driver's license program is designed for people 15 to 17.
A graduated driver's license allows you the opportunity to develop your driving skills. It first restricts nighttime and unsupervised driving, but these restrictions are lifted over time. You will earn full driving privileges at 17 or after keeping your Conditional or Special Restricted license for one year, as long as you received no traffic offenses and were not at fault in collisions.
PROCESS SUMMARY
- Study and pass the written permit test.
- Complete the 8-hour class and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training with our driving school.
- Practice driving with a licensed adult driver for at least 40 hours (10 of which must be at night).
- Have your high school or homeschool administration confirm you meet the state requirements for attendance by filling in their section on the PDLA form you received from us upon completing step 2 above.
- Pass the SCDMV road test with our driving school.
- Take the confirmation email and completed PDLA Form to the DMV.
REQUIREMENT TO GET YOUR DRIVER'S LICENSE
If you're 15 or 16 and applying for your first driver's license, you must bring the PLDA and Consent for Minor forms to the DMV, and all of the following must be true:
- You have held your beginner's permit for more than 181 days.
- You completed a driver's education course (eight hours in the classroom and six hours driving).
- Your high school or homeschool administration confirms you meet the state requirements for attendance by filling in their section on the PDLA form you received from us upon completing your driver education course.
- Practiced driving with a licensed adult driver for at least 40 hours (10 of which must be at night). Consent for Minor (SCDMV 447-CM) Form
DRIVING RESTRICTIONS FOR CONDITIONAL AND SPECIAL RESTRICTED LICENSES
- You cannot have more than two passengers under 21 in the car unless you are with a licensed adult who is at least 21. The only exception is if you are transporting family members or students to and from school.
- You may drive alone from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (8 p.m. during daylight savings time).
- You may drive with a licensed driver, who is at least 21, from 6 p.m. (8 p.m. during daylight savings time) to midnight.
- You may drive with a licensed individual listed on the Consent for Minor (SCDMV 447-CM) Form from midnight to 6 a.m.
If you are under 17 and gain six or more points on your record before holding your license for one year, your license will be suspended for six months.
CONDITIONAL LICENSE FOR A 15-YEAR-OLD DRIVER
If you are at least 15½ but less than 16 and have met the above requirements, you are eligible for a Conditional license. You must pass the vision and road test to receive this license. If you pass the required tests for your Conditional license and hold the license for a year, you may drive at any time as long as you have had no traffic offenses or been at fault in any collisions.
SPECIAL RESTRICTED LICENSE FOR A 16-YEAR-OLD DRIVER
If you are 16, but less than 17, have met the above requirements, and have passed your vision and road test, or if you are 16 and have a Conditional license, you are eligible for a Special Restricted license.
A Special Restricted and a Conditional license have the same nighttime and unsupervised driving restrictions. But, if you have a Special Restricted license and are 16, you may apply for a waiver to drive alone until midnight (more information below).
SPECIAL RESTRICTED LICENSE WITH A WAIVER FOR A 16-YEAR-OLD DRIVER
If you are 16 and have a Special Restricted or Conditional license, you may be eligible for a Special Restricted license with a waiver. The Special Restricted license with a waiver allows you to drive by yourself until midnight if you work or participate in certain extracurricular activities.
To get a Special Restricted license with a waiver, you must do all of the following:
- Complete the Application for Beginner's Permit, Driver's License, or Identification Card (SCDMV Form 447-NC) and Consent for Minor (SCDMV 447-CM) Form
- Bring a letter from your school, vocational training, church, work, or extracurricular activity that says you need this waiver.
- Bring a letter from your parent or legal guardian that says your parent or legal guardian is allowing you to have the waiver and why you need this license.
- Pass a vision test!