License classes and the beginner's permit

Key points

1. Class D covers non commercial passenger vehicles, such as cars and trucks, up to 26,000 pounds.

   Source: Handbook p. 1-1

   “Class D: Allows you to drive non-commercial passenger vehicles, such as cars and trucks, which do not exceed 26,000 pounds GVW.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 1-1

2. Class E covers non commercial single unit vehicles over 26,000 pounds, such as motor homes.

   Source: Handbook p. 1-2

   “Class E: Allows you to operate noncommercial, single unit vehicles that exceed 26,000 pounds GVW.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 1-2

3. Class G is a moped license, with a minimum age of 15.

   Source: Handbook p. 1-2

   “Class G: Allows you to operate a moped. If you have a valid driver's license or permit in any of the other four classifications, you are not required to obtain a license to drive a moped. (Minimum age 15).”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 1-2

4. You must carry a valid license, registration and insurance card when driving.

   Source: Handbook p. 1-3

   “When driving you must have a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and valid insurance card in your possession for the class of vehicle you are operating.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 1-3

5. For a beginner's permit you must be at least 15 and pass the vision and knowledge tests.

   Source: Handbook p. 1-4

   “You must be at least 15 years old. You must pass the vision and knowledge test.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 1-4

6. Permit holders may drive from 6 a.m. to midnight with a licensed driver at least 21 with one year of experience beside them.

   Source: Handbook p. 1-4

   “You may drive from 6 a.m. to midnight if a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and has at least one year of driving experience is in the front seat with you.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 1-4

7. At 17 and under, hold the permit at least 180 days before applying for a license.

   Source: Handbook p. 1-4

   “You must hold your beginner's permit for at least 180 days, if you are 17 years old and under,”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 1-4

8. At 18 and older, hold the permit at least 30 days.

   Source: Handbook p. 1-5

   “If you are 18 years and older, you must hold your beginner's permit for at least 30 days before you may apply for your driver's license.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 1-5

9. At 15 or 16, practice at least 40 hours, including ten hours of night driving.

   Source: Handbook p. 1-5

   “If you are 15 or 16, you must practice driving for at least 40 hours, including ten hours of night driving”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 1-5

10. A teen's first license also requires driver's education: eight classroom hours and six driving hours.

    Source: Handbook p. 1-6

    “You completed a driver's education course (eight hours in the classroom and six hours driving).”
    South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 1-6

Numbers to know

3 questions from the South Carolina practice test

1. 1. What does a South Carolina Class D license allow you to drive?

   1. Any vehicle including tractor trailers
   2. Motorcycles of any size
   3. Non commercial passenger vehicles such as cars and trucks not exceeding 26,000 pounds GVW, plus a moped or three wheel vehicle
   4. Only vehicles under 10,000 pounds
   Show answer

   Non commercial passenger vehicles such as cars and trucks not exceeding 26,000 pounds GVW, plus a moped or three wheel vehicle. A Class D license allows you to drive non commercial passenger vehicles such as cars and trucks that do not exceed 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight, and you may also operate a moped or a three wheel vehicle other than a two wheel motorcycle with a detachable sidecar. Class E covers non commercial single unit vehicles over 26,000 pounds, and Class F covers non commercial combinations over that weight.

2. 2. Which South Carolina license class covers a non commercial single unit vehicle over 26,000 pounds, such as a large motor home?

   1. Class D
   2. Class M
   3. Class A
   4. Class E
   Show answer

   Class E. Class E allows you to operate non commercial single unit vehicles that exceed 26,000 pounds GVW, such as large trucks and motor homes, and the holder may also operate a moped or three wheel vehicle. Class F is for non commercial combination vehicles over 26,000 pounds, and Class D covers ordinary cars and trucks up to that weight. Commercial vehicles need a CDL class.

3. 3. What is the minimum age for a South Carolina Class G moped license?

   1. 15 years old
   2. 14 years old
   3. 16 years old
   4. 18 years old
   Show answer

   15 years old. The Class G classification is for operating a moped, and the manual sets its minimum age at 15. The age 14 choice is one year too early, while 16 and 18 describe older thresholds that are not the Class G minimum. The manual also explains that a person with another valid license or permit classification may not need a separate moped license. Remember the pairing: Class G means moped, with a minimum age of 15.

Source: the South Carolina Driver's Manual, Section 1: The Driver's License. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.