A motorcycle is a vehicle that has no more than two wheels in contact with the ground and has a saddle for the rider.

If you're under 21, you must wear a helmet and eye protection while driving a motorcycle.

Motorcycle Knowledge Tests

You must first have a motorcycle beginner's permit for 180 days before trying for a motorcycle license. You must pass the motorcycle knowledge test to obtain a motorcycle beginner's permit.

If you have a motorcycle beginner's permit and want to renew it, you must attempt the road test first.

Read the Motorcycle and Moped Operator's Manual before you hit the road on a motorcycle.

Motorcycle Road Test

You may hear a "road test" referred to as a "skills test."

If you're applying for a motorcycle license, you must take your skills test at a designated SCDMV branch Monday through Friday except for the Allendale and McCormick offices which are only open on Wednesdays. To ensure the branch you want to visit can provide a test, make an appointment.

 Schedule a road test

Failing the Motorcycle Road Test

In order to change your motorcycle beginner's permit to a regular motorcycle license, you must pass the road test.

You can attempt the motorcycle road test no more than three times with the SCDMV. If you attempt and fail the motorcycle road test three times with the agency, you may not take the test at the SCDMV again. You must take an SCDMV-authorized motorcycle safety course and pass the test as part of that course to receive your license.

Once you complete the safety course, you can receive a motorcycle license if you provide the SCDMV with proof of completing the course and documentation showing you passed an exam equivalent to the SCDMV's motorcycle skills test.

One-stop Motorcycle Training and Testing Programs

The SCDMV contracts with public and private entities to provide motorcycle training and testing.

Lowcountry

Lowcountry Harley Davidson
4707 Dorchester Rd.
North Charleston, SC 29405
843-554-1847

Technical College of the Lowcountry
921 Ribaut Rd.
Beaufort, SC 29902
843-525-8205

Trident Technical College
700 Rivers Ave.
North Charleston, SC 29406
843-574-6683

Midlands

Aiken Technical College
276 Jefferson Davis Pkwy.
Graniteville, SC 29820
803-508-7455              

Midlands Technical College
316 South Beltline Blvd.
Columbia, SC 29205
803-732-0432

Thunder-Tower Harley Davidson of Columbia
190 Pontiac Business Center Dr.
Elgin, SC 29045
803-461-1121 Extension 1100

Pee Dee/Grand Strand

Black Jack Harley-Davidson
2691 Alex Lee Blvd
Florence, SC  29506
843-669-9961

Horry-Georgetown Technical College
950 Crabtree Lane
Market Common Bldg. 600
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-477-2191

Myrtle Beach Harley Davidson
4710 S. Kings Hwy.
Myrtle Beach, SC 29575
843-369-5555

Horry-Georgetown Technical College
743 Hemlock Ave.
Room 108
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-477-2191

Upstate

BMW Performance Center
1155 SC 101
Greer, SC 29651
888-345-4269

Cox’s Harley Davidson
1178 Galleria Blvd.
Rock Hill, SC 29730
803-927-1183

Harley Davidson of Greenville
30 Crome Dr
Greenville, SC 29615
864-234-1340

Spartanburg Community College
107 Community College Dr.
Spartanburg, SC 29305
864-592-4279
864-592-4919

Tri-County Technical College
7900 US-76
Pendleton, SC 29670
864-646-1729

Upstate Rider Training
185 Simuel Road
Spartanburg, SC  29303
864-881-2031