Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of the more commonly asked questions.

About the driving test

Do you offer the DMV road test?

Yes, we offer the DMV road test but you must make an appointment 48 hours in advance. These spots fill quickly.

Do you pick me up from home, school, or work to perform the road test?

Yes, we can pick up for the road test (Please note the fee will be adjusted for pick up service for testing)

How does the DMV road test with the driving school work?

After testing with the driving school, you will be issued some paper work when you pass, then you take that paper work to the DMV to get your picture made, take the eye test and get your new license.

Do I have to make an appointment to go to the DMV after testing with the driving school?

No, an appointment is not required. But don't go in a hurry, the DMV reserves the right to re-test any of our students, and they do so randomly.

Does the DMV re-test students who have already tested with a driving school?

They do not re-test regularly, but they do reserve the right to re-test any students and will do so randomly.

How do we make an appointment to take the behind the wheel training?

Each student is assigned an instructor the day of the classroom training. Your instructor will call your parent to schedule your behind the wheel training.

I play sports and work, how will I get my behind the wheel training?

We will work around any schedule.

About Licensing

What does the state of SC require of it's drivers?

All 15 & 16 year old drivers are required to take a SC State Certified drivers education course, that includes 8 hours classroom instruction, 6 hours behind the wheel instruction with a SC Certified driving instructor. The 15 & 16 year old students must also have their permit for 6 months, and log 40 hours of behind the wheel practice time with a licensed driver 21 years or older.

What is the minimum age to get a drivers license?

SC Issues a drivers "permit". The minimum age is 15.

Is the student required to have a valid permit to take the drivers education course.

No. The student is not required to have a valid permit to take the classroom or behind the wheel lessons with a certified driving school, but they must have a valid permit to practice their driving with anyone else.

Does the student have to re-take the permit test when it expires and I need to renew it?

No you just go to the DMV and renew the permit.

How long does the learners permit last?

One year after issue date

What age can the student get a regular drivers license?

You must have a beginners permit for 6 months no matter what age you are. At 15 you will have a beginners permit also known as the provisional conditional license. If the student remains at a "no fault accident free", the license will automatically become a graduated license. No need to go back to the DMV until you have taken your road test.

Do I have to go back to the DMV to switch my permit to a regular license?

No, you only have to go to the DMV 2 times in the licensing process. One time to take your permit test, and then again to get your regular license.

Is there a driving test when I take my permit test?

The permit test is the ONLY written test at the DMV.

About The Drivers Education Program

What is involved in the drivers education program?

One Beginners/teen course is 8 hours of classroom instruction, normally completed in one day on Saturdays. Check website calendar for updates to classroom dates. Then the behind the wheel instruction is scheduled in hourly lessons, broken down in to two or three hour sessions.

My student is EXTREMELY ANXIOUS/NERVOUS.

Not to worry! Our instructors are patient and understanding of new drivers. They will teach the students step by step maneuvers to be successful.

Does the drivers ed car have a special brake on the passenger side?

YES, all properly equipped drivers education vehicles are required to have an "instructor brake" on the passenger side of the vehicle.

Do you pick me up from school, work or home for my behind the wheel training?

Yes, as long as the location is within our service area.

How do we make an appointment to take the behind the wheel training?

After the class, you will be emailed scheduling instructions for our online scheduling system.

I play sports and work, how will I get my behind the wheel training completed?

We will work around any schedule.

Permit Test Q&A and Content

What is the minimum age I can get my drivers permit?

You can get your drivers permit at age 15.

What do I have to do to get my permit?

Study the DMV Drivers handbook, and call Safe Driving School to make an appointment to take the test with us OR go to the DMV to take the permit test.

How much does it cost to take the permit test?

  • If you take the beginners drivers education course with Safe Driving School, the cost is ZERO!
  • If you take the permit test with Safe Driving School the cost is $25.00
  • If you take the permit test with the DMV the cost is $2.50

What can I do with a permit?

You can drive a licensed vehicle as long as a licensed driver, who is 21 years or older is in the front passenger seat with you.

How long is my permit valid?

Permits are valid for one year from the issue date.

What if my permit expires?

You will have to go to the DMV to renew your permit.

Am I allowed to drive out of state with my SC Permit?

State laws vary. Please contact the police department in the state where you will be traveling/driving to make sure it is legal for you to drive with a SC permit.

My permit was lost or stolen. How do I get a replacement?

You will have to visit the DMV to get your permit replaced.