A stage available from 15½ that lets you drive alone during daylight hours. Most states go straight from permit to a restricted licence at 16, so this earlier daytime-only credential is unusual.

Because the rule is written around daylight rather than a fixed time. You may drive alone until 6 p.m. in standard time and until 8 p.m. during daylight saving time, so the window shifts when the clocks change.

More than 180 days before applying for any type of licence. You may apply on the 181st day or any time after. This applies regardless of your age if you have never been licensed.

The Certification of School Attendance, Driver’s Education, and Driving Practice. It bundles your driver education, school attendance and 40 practice hours into one certification you bring to the SCDMV.

Yes. You must be enrolled in public, private or home school, not suspended or expelled, with satisfactory attendance. Attendance is a licensing requirement here, not just a school matter.

No more than two passengers under 21, unless a licensed adult aged 21 or older is with you. Transporting family members, or students to and from school, is excepted.

A version for 16 year olds that permits driving alone until midnight for work, school, church or certain extracurricular activities. It requires letters from the organisation and from your parent or guardian.

At 17, or after holding a Conditional or Special Restricted licence for a year with no traffic offences or at-fault collisions. No branch visit is needed — the SCDMV mails a sleeve, and your licence must stay in it.