Alert
The federal Real ID enforcement date is May 7. Learn more about Real ID and the documents required to get one.
Real IDRegular License Testing
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.
Weather Conditions for Road Tests
You may take a regular driver's license road test in the rain as long as you can see using an intermittent or low windshield wiper speed.
Failing the Road Test
If you fail the road test on the first attempt, you must wait two business days to return for a retest. For example, if you are unsuccessful on your first attempt on Monday, you may return after two full business days which is Thursday.
If you fail on the second attempt, you must wait seven calendar days to retest.
If you fail on the third or subsequent attempts, you must wait 30 calendar days to retest.