South Carolina License & Test Fees
What it costs to apply for a learner permit, take the knowledge and skills tests, and get your first license.
- Learner permit fee
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The beginner's permit costs $2.50, paid after you pass the knowledge test.
Source: SC DMV, Beginner Permits ("It is $2.00 for a knowledge test and $2.50 for the beginner's permit after you pass the knowledge test"); SC DMV, Fees ("Beginner's Permit (original, renewal, duplicate, and modified) $2.50") Verified Sep 2026
- Knowledge test fee
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The knowledge test costs $2 for each attempt, paid before you test.
Source: SC DMV, Beginner Permits ("It is $2.00 for a knowledge test and $2.50 for the beginner's permit after you pass the knowledge test"); SC DMV, Fees ("Knowledge Test $2 each") Verified Sep 2026
- First-time license fee
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A driver's license is issued for eight years and costs $25.
Source: SC DMV, Fees ("8-year License $25") Verified Sep 2026
- Renewal fee
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$25
Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual, Section 1: The Driver's License, p. 1-16 to 1-17
- Retake fee
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The SCDMV charges $2.00 each time you take the knowledge test; the $2.50 beginner's permit fee is paid only after you pass. SC Code 56-1-130(A) directs the department to charge a fee for each examination or reexamination.
Source: SCDMV web page 'Beginner's Permit' (dmv.sc.gov, accessed 2026-08-22): "It is $2.00 for a knowledge test and $2.50 for the beginner's permit after you pass the knowledge test." Verified Aug 2026
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