South Carolina Drivers License Restrictions
In order to keep you safe, the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles may place a restriction onto your drivers license. Driver license restrictions usually denote a limitation of your driving skill or a health condition that may affect your driving performance. For example, people with poor eye sight are required to wear glasses or contact lenses at all times while operating a vehicle. Teenagers should be mindful of the restrictions that apply to their conditional drivers license and the special restricted drivers license.
Driver License Restriction Codes
In most cases, a list of driver license restriction codes is available in the drivers handbook or the DMV website, however we were not able to locate such a list for South Carolina. If you need help figuring out what the certain code means, your best bet is to contact the DMV directly.
Conditional Drivers License
Under the South Carolina graduated drivers license program, a number of different licenses are available to teenagers who have passed their South Carolina driving test. A conditional drivers license can be issued to those who satisfy all gdl requirements and are between 15 and 16 years of age.
The following conditional driver's license restrictions need to be observed by everyone who holds this type of driver license:
- Curfew. No driving alone from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Between 6 p.m. and midnight, you may drive if you are accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years of age. Between midnight and 6 a.m., you may drive only when accompanied by a licensed parent or legal guardian.
- Passenger restrictions. You cannot transport more than two passengers under the age of 21 years unless a licensed adult at least 21 years of age is present in the vehicle.
Conditional license restrictions must be observed for at least one year. If you kept a clean driving record for a year and are at least 16 years of age, these restrictions are lifted and you can obtain a full unrestricted South Carolina driver license.
Special Restricted License
This type of driver license is available to those who have passed the South Carolina permit test, have held their beginner's permit for at least six months, are no younger than 16 years of age and have taken the road skills exam (if you are preparing for the permit exam, make sure to check out these free South Carolina practice driving tests). The special restricted driver license is available only to applicants between 16 and 17 years of age.
The following special restricted license rules are currently active in South Carolina:
- Curfew. No driving alone from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Between 6 p.m. and midnight, you may drive if you are accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years of age. Between midnight and 6 a.m., you may drive only when accompanied by a licensed parent or legal guardian.
- Passenger restrictions. You cannot transport more than two passengers under the age of 21 years unless a licensed adult at least 21 years of age is present in the vehicle.
The main difference between he conditional license and the special restricted license is that you can obtain a waiver of time restriction for the special restriction license. In order to be eligible for the waiver, you must prove that these time restrictions are interfering with your school or employment commitment.
Additional Requirements
Keep in mind that regardless of what type of driver license you are applying for, the state requires you to complete a DMV-approved South Carolina drivers education form and to receive at least 40 hours of driving practice with parents before you can be issued with a license. These requirements must be met after you receive your South Carolina drivers permit. A completed PDLA form serves as proof that you fulfilled these requirements. Remember that while operating under a permit, you must observe all South Carolina permit restrictions or your driving privileges may be withdrawn.
