Watching your teenager take their first steps toward becoming a licensed driver can be exciting and a little nerve-wracking. In South Carolina, the process of getting a driver’s license begins with a learner’s permit, followed by a restricted license, before moving to a full license. If you’re a parent or guardian of a teen, understanding the difference between a learner’s permit and a restricted license is key to helping your child stay safe and follow the law.
At Harbin & Burnett, we help families across South Carolina navigate legal matters with confidence, including those involving young drivers.
Step 1: South Carolina Learner’s Permit
A learner’s permit is the first step in the state’s graduated licensing system. It is designed to help new drivers build skills behind the wheel in a supervised setting.
Requirements:
- Your teen must be at least 15 years old
- Pass a vision test and a written knowledge exam at the SCDMV
- Show proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency
- Complete the application with parental or legal guardian consent
Rules for Driving with a Learner’s Permit:
- Must be accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years old with at least one year of driving experience
- The supervising driver must be in the front passenger seat
- Cannot drive alone under any circumstances
This phase typically lasts at least 180 days before a teen can apply for a restricted license.
Step 2: South Carolina Conditional or Restricted License
After holding a learner’s permit for the required time and gaining driving experience, your teen may be eligible for a conditional license (also called a restricted license), which allows limited unsupervised driving.
Requirements:
- Must be at least 15 years and 180 days old
- Must have held a learner’s permit for at least 6 months
- Complete a driver’s education course
- Log at least 40 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night
- Pass a road skills test
Restrictions on a Restricted License:
- No driving after 6:00 PM or before 6:00 AM, unless supervised or traveling to/from work, school, or church
- From December 1 to February 28, evening driving must end at 4:00 PM
- No more than two non-family passengers under age 21 in the vehicle without supervision
- Must be free of traffic violations or accidents to advance to the next stage
After 12 months without any at-fault collisions or violations, a restricted license can typically be upgraded to a full driver’s license at age 16 and a half.
Why This Matters for Parents
Understanding the rules of each stage can help you keep your teen safe and out of legal trouble. Driving without the proper supervision, breaking curfew rules, or transporting too many passengers can result in fines, license suspension, or worse—an accident that could lead to injury and legal liability.
As parents, you can:
- Review the laws and expectations regularly with your teen
- Set clear rules and model safe driving habits
- Monitor their driving progress and log practice hours accurately
- Encourage open conversations about distractions, speeding, and peer pressure
Legal Support When You Need It
Accidents can happen, even to cautious teens. If your child is involved in a traffic incident while holding a permit or restricted license, it’s important to understand their legal rights and obligations. At Harbin & Burnett, we’re here to help families across Anderson and the Upstate navigate the legal system with clarity and compassion. If you have questions about how a traffic violation, accident, or injury could impact your teen’s driving status or legal standing, reach out to our experienced legal team. We’re here to help protect your family’s future.