scdmv Rules and other helpful 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
1 Study and pass the written permit test.
2 Complete the 8-hour class (Online or In-Person) and 6 hours of Behind-the-Wheel training with our driving school.
3 Practice driving with a licensed adult driver for at least 40 hours (10 of which must be at night).
4 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.
5 Pass the SCDMV road test with our driving school.
6 Once you receive a confirmation Email from the DMV, take a completed PDLA Form and your current Permit to the DMV Office.
7 The DMV will either issue your License immediately, or you may be randomly selected to be “RE-TESTED", so be sure to go to the DMV in a vehicle that you are familiar with and feel comfortable doing all the maneuvers.
REQUIREMENTS FOR GETTING YOUR DRIVER'S LICENSE
If you're 15 or 16 and applying for your first driver's license, you must bring:
1.) a completed PLDA Form and
2.) a Consent for Minor Form to the DMV, and
ALL of the following must be true:
-You have held your beginner's permit for a full 180 days. (You may test on day 181)
-You have 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’ll receive from us upon completing your driver education course.
-Your have 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 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!
RESOURCES
We currently do not offer a 4-Point Reduction Class, but the National Safety Council offers virtual and in-person classes.
Alive at 25 focuses on young drivers ages 15-24 who are at the greatest risk of being in a fatal car crash. The course teaches young drivers how to take personal responsibility for their actions, attitudes, and driving behaviors. Lexington One students are required to take Alive at 25 to receive a parking pass.
BRAKES (Be Responsible and Keep Everyone Safe)
BRAKES is a free, hands-on, advanced driver training program taught by professional instructors, including current and former members of law enforcement, professional racers, and stunt drivers. Assist Driver Training is not affiliated with BRAKES. This information is provided here as a helpful resource.
Receive $50 off your Assist Driver Training package when you attend a BRAKES driving class. This offer is only valid for students who purchased both the 8-class and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel lessons. You must submit proof of attendance to receive the discount.
Please let us know if you have any questions.
Thank you,
Marc and Dana Hyman
Assist Driver Training
call 803-881-8686 (voice or text)
