Most new drivers in South Carolina are required to successfully complete a State-approved driver's education program in order to obtain a South Carolina driver's license. In fact, for many applicants, the driver's education certificate of completion is part of the actual driver's license application.

WHO MUST TAKE DRIVER'S EDUCATION

• South Carolina residents under the age of 16 must hold a beginner's permit for a minimum of six months, and also complete a State-approved driver's education program before applying for a conditional license.
• South Carolina residents between 16 and 17 must hold a learner's permit for a minimum of 180 days and complete a State-approved driver's education program before applying for a special restricted license.

WHERE TO TAKE DRIVER'S EDUCATION

Driver's education courses are offered through both public and private school programs, all of which must be approved by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. Driving schools, licensed by the Department of Motor Vehicles, cover the same course content.

WHAT'S COVERED IN A DRIVER'S EDUCATION COURSE

While driver's education courses vary from one school to another, all licensed programs must include the following components:

• Thirty-four classroom periods, focusing on issues including alcohol safety and drug abuse awareness, defensive driving, signs and signals, basic operating procedures, motorcycle awareness and organ and tissue donation.
• In-car instruction sessions, divided into six hours of actual driving and periods of observation time.

After the successful completion of the driver's education course, your driving school will a send a copy of the completion certificate to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, after which you may be issued a permanent driver's license. Drivers under the age of 18 must have their certificate signed and authorized by a parent or legal guardian, who must certify that the student has had at least 40 hours of driving practice, including at least 10 evening or nighttime hours.

OPTIONAL PROGRAMS

In addition to the core requirements of a driver's education course, many driving schools in South Carolina offer optional programs that focus on particular aspects of driver education. Specialized courses include Auto Insurance Discount Courses or Defensive Driving courses, either of which may qualify students for a discount on auto insurance. These and other courses may also enable students to reduce points on their license, and/or get their license back sooner after a suspension. See our section on South Carolina driving schools for more information.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• See also Learner's Permits and Driver's Handbook.
• See also Commercial Driver's Education.