My SC Permit
How do I get a replacement permit?
You will have to visit the DMV to get your permit replaced.
Am I allowed to drive out of state with my SC Permit?
State laws vary. Please get in touch with the police department in the state where you will be traveling/driving to make sure it is legal for you to drive with an SC permit.
What can I do with a permit?
You can drive a licensed vehicle as long as a driver, 21 years or older, is in the front passenger seat.
How much does it cost to take the permit test?
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If you take the permit prep class and test with Aiken Driving School, the cost is $50.00
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If you take the permit test with the DMV, the cost is $2.50 (No Prep Class)
What do I have to do to get my permit?
Study the DMV Driver's Handbook, register for our SC Permit prep class, or take the permit test at the DMV.
What is the minimum age I can get my drivers permit?
You can get your driver permit at age 15.
About the Driving Test
Does the DMV re-test students who have already tested with a driving school?
They do not re-test regularly but reserve the right to re-test any students and will do so randomly.
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.
How does the DMV road test with the driving school work?
After testing with the driving school, you will be issued some paperwork when you pass. Then, you take that paperwork to the DMV to get your picture taken, take the eye test, and get your new license.
Do the parents need to be there on test day?
Yes, if your teen is 15, 16, or 17. The parent must be in attendance. Don't drop your student off and leave.
Do you pick me up from home, school, or work to perform the road test?
No, we pick up and drop off for the driving sessions only. We don't pick you up on test day.
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.
About Licensing
Is there a driving test when I take my permit test?
The permit test is the ONLY written test at the DMV. (Some call it a knowledge test as well)
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 twice during the licensing process: once to take your permit test and again to get your regular license.
What age can the student get a regular drivers license?
You must have a beginner's permit for 180 days, regardless of age. At 15, you will have a beginner permit, also known as the provisional conditional license. If the student remains "no-fault accident-free," the license will automatically become a graduated license. There is no need to go back to the DMV until you have taken your road test or take the road test with Aiken Driving School.
How long does the learners permit last?
One year after the issue date.
Does the student have to re-take the permit test when it expires and I need to renew it?
No, you go to the DMV and renew the permit. The cost is $2.50 at the SCDMV.
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 portion of the training. However, they must have a valid permit to practice the behind-the-wheel lessons.
What is the minimum age to get a drivers license?
South Carolina issues a driver's permit, and the minimum age is 15. Click on our Rules & Resources tab for more information.
What does the state of South Carolina require of it's drivers?
All 15- and 16-year-old drivers are required to take an SC State Certified Drivers Education course that includes 8 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction with an SC-certified driving instructor. The students must also have their permit for 180 days and log 40 hours of behind-the-wheel practice time with a licensed driver 21 years or older.
Our Driver Education Program
How long does the Driver Education course take to complete?
The classroom portion, 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training, and the test take between 45 and 60 days to complete. If you choose only after school or on weekends, it will take your teen longer.
(This is dependent on your availability and the availability of the instructors)
Can I make payments for the course?
Yes, we do accept payments for payment plans. Give us a call or email us: info@aikendrivingschool.com
I play sports and work, how will I get my behind the wheel training?
We have very flexible drive times to work with any schedule!
How do we make an appointment to take the behind the wheel training?
If you are enrolled in the Driver Education course, you can schedule your behind-the-wheel as soon as you have completed the course. If you buy only behind-the-wheel, you can schedule it right away.
Is there a registration fee to sign up for the course?
Yes, the fee is due at the time of registration.
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.
Does the drivers ed car have a special brake on the passenger side?
Yes, all properly equipped driver education vehicles are required to have an "instructor brake" on the passenger side.
My student is extremely anxious/nervous. What do I do?
Not to worry! Our instructors are patient and understanding of new drivers. They will teach the students step-by-step maneuvers to be successful.
What is involved in the drivers education program?
Our Driver Education program includes 8 hours of classroom instruction, typically completed in one day on a Saturday. Check the website for updates to classroom dates. Then, behind-the-wheel instruction is scheduled as three 2-hour sessions, followed by the SC Road test, which is usually on a Sunday.
What do I do first to get my permit/license?
1. Learner's permit
Take a written test, hold your permit for at least six months (180 days), and complete a South Carolina DMV-approved driver training course. (Aiken Driving School is a South Carolina DMV-approved driver training school)
2. Conditional license
If you are 15/16, you must pass the driver's education course, complete at least 40 hours of driving practice, with at least 10 hours during darkness, and be supervised by your licensed parent or guardian
3. Full unrestricted license
Drive with your conditional license for a year, and you'll receive your full unrestricted license