Non-Commercial Driving Schools

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Commercial Driving Schools
Third Party Testers

Application Process for a Non-Commercial Driving School

If you're interested in obtaining a license to operate a non-commercial driver training school, you must download an application and instruction sheet as well as provide all of the following documents:

  • A sample copy of the record of agreement or contract to be used between student(s) and school;
  • An outline of the services to be performed by the school;
  • Samples of forms or receipts used by the school;
  • A schedule of fees for instruction;
  • A complete list of manuals of instruction, course outlines, and other teaching materials used by the school;
  • A complete list of all owners and managers. Complete National Criminal Background check on all managers.
    Any changes in ownership of 25 percent or more requires a new application to be filed with the SCDMV within 15 days. Any changes in managers must be reported to the SCDMV within 15 days with the required application and complete nationwide criminal background check;
  • Copies of all applicable business licenses;
  • Vehicle registration in school's name;
  • Insurance information;
  • Surety bond; and
  • Check or money order of $200 for the school license (valid for four years)

Mail the completed documents, along with a check or money order for the full amount to:

SCDMV
Office of Inspector General
Business License Unit
PO Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016-0015

Application Process for a Non-Commercial Driving School Instructor

For each new driver training school instructor permit, each applicant must provide all of the following documents:

Mail the completed documents, along with a check or money order for the full amount to:

SCDMV
Office of Inspector General
Business License Unit
PO Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016-0015

Finding Non-Commercial Driver Training

The Certification of School Attendance, Driver's Education and Driving Practice (SCDMV Form PDLA) is available at all driver training schools in South Carolina. It is also available at all public high schools in the state. Please do not download any copies of this form you may find online. The SCDMV will only accept completed forms from authorized issuers. For more information, please contact the SCDMV Office of Inspector General at 803-896-9606. 

Customers can search the Driver Training Schools List to find SCDMV authorized schools, along with a list of what each school is certified to provide.

Driver training schools that are certified as "Third Party Testers" are able to provide knowledge and/or road tests to customers. These driver training schools can give the knowledge and/or road tests to customers applying for a first-time regular (Class D) beginner's permit, driver's license, or motorcycle (Class M) license.

SC Code Section 56-23-10