We have previously read in various sources that South Carolina does not recognize out of state beginner or learner licenses as a license to operate a vehicle on their roadways so we contacted the SC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) directly to find out for certain if you can drive in their state with an out of state graduated license.

The SC DMV representative we contacted stated that any person holding an out-of-state beginner's permit or provisional license may not operate a motor vehicle in the state of South Carolina. In order to operate a motor vehicle in the state of South Carolina, you must either possess:

• a state-issued driver's license, with full privileges;
• SCDMV-approved and recognized credential with appropriate privileges; or
• an active SC Beginner's Permit.

This follows SC Code of Laws Section 56-1-30 where it states:

A nonresident who is at least sixteen years of age and who has in his immediate possession a valid operator's or chauffeur's license issued to him in his home state or country may operate a motor vehicle, but a person may not claim nonresidence exemption under this provision who does not maintain a permanent residence address in the state or country of which he holds a valid and current operator's or chauffeur's license at which he regularly receives his mail and which address is on file with the motor vehicle authorities of that state or country; also, a person may not claim nonresidence exemption under this provision who for all other intents and purposes has or may remove his residence into this State.

So no you cannot drive in the state of South Carolina with your North Carolina provisional license since they require a full driver’s license in order to drive in their state. From what we have read regarding this manner the state believes that since requirements vary so much from state to state on how a person obtains and maintains a learner’s permit they do not allow other state learner’s permit to drive on SC roads.

If you plan to drive out of state with your North Carolina provisional license there are other states that will allow you to operate a car with restrictions. So before driving into another state first check with NC DOT to make sure you can drive out of state, and with what restrictions and conditions, and then check with the DMV of the state in which you plan to drive in.

Also check with your insurance company to make sure you are covered to drive out of state with your graduated driver's license (GDL) from NC. Get your young driver insurance needs meet here with us.