What You Should Know About the South Carolina Graduated Driver’s License Program
The aim of the GDL is to reduce the number of fatal traffic crashes involving teens, and the program has proved to be very effective. It works by simply allowing new drivers more time to develop the skills they need to be safe on the road.
The program starts at age 15 when you are eligible to complete the vision and knowledge tests for your learner’s permit. While driving on the permit, you must be supervised by someone over the age of 21 who has been licensed for at least one year. But be aware that you can only drive after midnight and before 6:00 a.m. if your parent or legal guardian is in the front passenger seat.
You will be required to complete a driver’s education course prior to the next step, and you will need to accumulate at least 40 hours of supervised practice driving with 10 hours being driven at night.
If you are at least age 15 years and six months but are under age 16, and you have had your permit for at least three months or 180 days, you can apply for a conditional license.
If you are 16 years or older but are under age 17, and you held a permit for three months or more or have already obtained your conditional license, you can apply for your special restricted license.
While you have a conditional or intermediate license, you may drive unsupervised from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or 8:00 p.m. during Daylight Savings Time.
In the evening from 6:00 p.m. to midnight, you must have a licensed driver who is at least age 21 with you when you drive.
You are only allowed to drive after midnight and before 6:00 a.m. if your parent or legal guardian is with you.
You cannot have more than two minor passengers who are under the age of 21 unless they are your siblings or you are taking them to or from school.
Any driver who is under the age of 17 must be enrolled in school with no history of truancy to be eligible for a conditional or special restricted license.
Drivers who are age 17 or older and who have held a permit for at least three months are eligible for an unrestricted license with full privileges.