If you already have an out-of-state motorcycle license, you can transfer your credentials within 90 days of moving to South Carolina. Otherwise, you will need to submit a new application for a motorcycle permit or license.
Make Sure You’re Eligible
Getting your motorcycle license can often be a daunting and intimidating task, but it is much simpler than you may think. Obtaining a motorcycle license in South Carolina is not much different than in many other states of the United States. The first thing that you want to ensure is that you are eligible to apply for either your permit or your license. To qualify for either a motorcycle permit or motorcycle license, in South Carolina, you must:
- Be at least 15 years old
- You will need proof of consent from your legal guardian if you are under the age of 18
- You will also need to show a certificate of school attendance and driver’s education if you are under the age of 17
- Pass a vision screening test
- Provide proof of your identity, social security number, and South Carolina residency
- Complete an application for either your license or permit
- Pay the required fees
Apply for the Motorcycle Permit
A motorcycle permit enables you to ride a motorcycle, between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. These hours extend if someone with a class M license accompanies you.
To apply for a South Carolina motorcycle, you will need to do a few things:
- Be at least 15 years old
- You will need proof of consent from your legal guardian if you are under the age of 18
- You will also need to show a certificate of school attendance and driver’s education if you are under the age of 17
- Show valid South Carolina motorcycle insurance
- Pass a vision screening test
- Pass a written motorcycle knowledge test
- Provide proof of your identity, social security number, and South Carolina residency
- Complete an application for your permit
- Pay the $2 fee for your motorcycle knowledge exam and the $2.50 fee for your motorcycle permit
In South Carolina, you MUST hold your motorcycle permit for a minimum of 180 days before applying for your motorcycle license
Apply for the License
You can obtain your motorcycle license in two ways; either through completing a road skills exam or by participating in a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course. The course teaches the essentials of riding a motorcycle over a short time span. Aside from the safety course or road skills exam, before applying for your motorcycle license, you will need to do a few things:
- Be at least 15 years old
- You will need proof of consent from your legal guardian if you are under the age of 18
- You will also need to show a certificate of school attendance and driver’s education if you are under the age of 17
- Pass a vision screening test
- Pass a written motorcycle knowledge test
- Pass the motorcycle road skills exam or complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course
- Provide proof of your identity, social security number, and South Carolina residency
- Complete an application for your license
- Pay the $25 class M licensing fee
Though applying for a motorcycle permit and license takes some effort, it’s all worth it once you can strap on your helmet and hit the open road (see our favorite road trips here). For questions about South Carolina motorcycle insurance, contact Upside Insurance Greenville. We have SC insurance agents serving the greater Greenville metro area, as well as the rest of the Palmetto State.