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Driver Skills Tests in DMV Offices
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SCDMV branch offices do not offer road tests for any type of driver license during inclement weather. Rainy streets can make maneuvering a vehicle more difficult for new drivers and ice on the roads can be hazardous for all drivers.
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Where to Take the Test
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You may take the knowledge test, vision, and driving test at any DMV office that provides full driver license services for classes D, G, and M. Driving tests for classes A, B, C, E, and F are only administered at the 35 CDL test sites.
Knowledge, skills and vision tests are required when you apply for an original license or upgrade to a different class of license. The South Carolina Driver’s Handbook or other testing aids cannot be used while taking the knowledge test. Tests will be treated as a failure if a handbook or other types of testing aids are used during the test. If you are caught using a cell phone, using a camera device or found talking to others during the test, you will also fail the test.
You may schedule your road test by appointment for a Class D passenger and Class M motorcycle license. Appointments are available Monday through Friday, 2:00-4:30 p.m. in all DMV offices. To make an appointment, call the office and leave a voice-mail message with your name and phone number. DMV staff will return their call within one business day. DMV accepts walk-in customers from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. However, during the afternoon hours, 2:00-4:30 p.m., DMV will not accept walk-in road test applicants unless the office has a cancellation. Customers who arrive late 10 minutes or more for an appointment could lose their scheduled appointment time to a walk-in customer.
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One Stop Driver Training and Testing Program
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SCDMV is partnering with persons, corporations, or governmental subdivisions, including public, parochial and private high schools to administer class D road/skills tests. This program allows DMV authorized trainers/testers to administer the knowledge and skills tests to persons applying for a first time Class D passenger vehicle beginner permit or driver license.
Applicants who successfully complete the one stop driver training & testing program with a third party tester may be subject to re-testing. When they arrive at the DMV office to obtain a beginner permit or driver license, they must also pay all required fees.
For a current list of participants in the one stop driver training & testing program, click here.
Those who are interested in becoming a trainer and tester and would like to enroll in this program must meet the qualifications outlined in the Class D Third Party Tester Safety Officer Manual. Interested parties must submit the following documents to SCDMV, Driver Improvement, Post Office Box 1498, Blythewood, SC 29016-0016.
· Completed Part II of Form DL-304E Class D Third Party Tester Agreement, and
· Completed Form DL-304F Class D Third Party Tester Safety Officer and/or Designated Responsible Person Application, and
· Official SLED criminal background check, for each safety officer, dated within 30 days of application
Once authorized participants attend the mandatory three-day DMV Training Certification they are able to administer the class D knowledge and/or skills tests to applicants applying for a class D beginner permit or driver license. Until DMV completes the development of the automated online knowledge test, certified testers will administer a paper knowledge test.
Direct all questions regarding this program to Driver Improvement at (803) 896-9925.
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Taking the Road Skills Test
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You will need to take a road skills test if you do not hold a valid driver’s license. You must provide a vehicle for the road test. The vehicle must be in safe driving condition, including working brakes, safety belts, horn, turn signals, mirrors and working speedometer. The vehicle must also have a valid license plate, registration card, and insurance card. The driving test will be postponed if the vehicle is deemed unsafe and it is an automatic failure if you refuse to use your seat belt.
The road skills test will be administered by a DMV representative. Only the applicant and the DMV representative are allowed in or around the vehicle during the road skills test.
Your driver license examination includes:
- A vision Test. (Bring your glasses if applicable.)
- A test of traffic laws, road signs, and driving safety rules.
- A driving test, if required. Bring the following items for a driving test:
- your old license or instruction permit, if you have one.
- a licensed driver.
- vehicle liability insurance information from a company licensed to do business in S.C.
- a vehicle that is safe to drive including working brakes, horn, turn signals, mirrors, windshield, working speedometer and displays a proper license plate.
You will be asked to locate the controls for the vehicle’s headlights, windshield wipers, turn signals, including four-way flashers and brake lights. You must show the car is properly insured. If you use a rental car for the driving test, the driver’s name must show on the contract as the insured.
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If You Fail the Road Skills Test
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An applicant with no previous driving experience who fails a skills test must wait two (2) weeks to re-test regardless of age. An applicant who has had previous driving experience (held a former drivers license) who fails a skills test, must wait one (1) week to retest regardless of age. Holding a beginner’s permit does not count as former driving experience. If the applicant has failed the skills test on the third (3rd) or subsequent attempt he must wait sixty (60) days before being re-tested.
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Type of Credential Held by Customer |
Skills Test |
Wait Time
Before Returning for Next Test |
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Beginner’s Permit only –
no other previous driving experience
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Fails 1st or 2nd attempt |
Must wait two (2) weeks
NOTE: If customer also holds a driver’s license in a different class than the beginner’s permit they would only have to wait one week to re-test (see below). |
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Driver’s License
(class D, E, F, A, B, C, M, or Out-of-state) |
Fails 1st or 2nd attempt |
Must wait one(1) week |
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Beginner’s Permit or
Driver’s License
(class D, E, F, A, B, C, M, or Out-of-state) |
Fails 3rd attempt or subsequent attempts |
Must wait sixty (60) days |
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