A regular license is a Class D beginner's permit or driver's license. Before you can take the road test, you must have held a beginner's permit for at least 180 days, if you are ages 15 to 17, and a minimum of 30 days if you are 18 years of age or older.
Road Tests
You may hear "road tests" and "skills tests" used to describe taking a behind-the-wheel test to get your license.
You must provide a safe vehicle with a valid license plate, registration card, and insurance card for the test. The vehicle must have all of the following in working condition:
- Headlights and brakes
- Windshield wipers
- Safety belts
- Turn signals
- Mirrors
- Speedometer
- Defroster
- Horn
An SCDMV employee will test you. You and the employee are the only people allowed in or around the vehicle. Your test includes all of the following:
- Vision test - If you wear glasses, bring them.
- Showing the basic safety features of the vehicle for the test
- An on-the-road portion.
You should bring all of the following items to your test:
- Old license or beginner's permit (if you have one)
- A licensed driver
- Vehicle liability insurance information from a company licensed to do business in SC
During the test, you will:
- Turn on your headlights and windshield wipers
- Turn on your turn signals (including four-way flashers)
- Test your brake lights
- Make lane changes
- Make right and left turns
- Identify road signs
- Parallel park
- 100 feet backing
- Park on a hill
- Perform a three-point turn around
- Straight line backing
You must show the car is properly insured. If you're using a rental car, your name on the contract must show as insured.
Where can I take the regular road test?
If you are applying for a regular license, you may take the test at any SCDMV branch or with a third-party tester.
All SCDMV branches accept walk-in customers for regular and motorcycle skills tests from 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. every day besides Wednesday. On Wednesdays, all branch offices accept walk-in customers from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Customers must make appointments to take regular and motorcycle skills tests from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.