How many practice hours do you need in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, a learner driver must log 40 hours of supervised driving practice—including 10 at night—before applying for a license.
South Carolina learner permit requirements
- Minimum permit age: 15
- Supervised practice required: 40 hours total, 10 at night
- Permit hold period: 180 days
- License eligibility age: 15½
- How hours are certified: 40-hour driving certification signed by a parent or guardian.
South Carolina requires 40 hours of supervised driving with at least 10 at night. Applicants under 17 must also complete an approved driver-education course.
Requirements change and have exceptions. Always confirm the current rules with the South Carolina DMV before applying.
South Carolina's graduated licensing stages
Drive with a licensed adult 21+; log 40 hours (10 at night) over 180 days.
Daylight driving only without supervision; passenger limits apply.
Restrictions are removed after a clean conditional period.
Driving restrictions for new South Carolina drivers
Restricted license holders may drive alone only until 6 p.m. (8 p.m. during daylight saving time); after that a licensed adult 21+ must be present.
Restricted and conditional license holders may carry no more than two passengers under 21 unless they're family or traveling to or from school.
Texting while driving is banned for all South Carolina drivers.
Log every South Carolina practice hour automatically
DriveMint tracks each supervised drive with GPS, separates day and night hours, and generates a DMV-ready report—so you can prove all 40 hours without a paper logbook.
South Carolina driving practice FAQs
How many driving hours do you need in South Carolina?+
South Carolina requires 40 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours at night, before a teen can apply for a license.
How many hours does South Carolina require?+
40 hours of supervised driving including at least 10 at night, logged during the 180-day beginner's permit period.
Can you get a license at 15 in South Carolina?+
A restricted license is available at 15½ after holding a beginner's permit for 180 days and completing the 40 required practice hours.
Requirements in other states
Compare practice hours in all 50 states side by side, or read what actually counts as a night driving hour.