How to Get Your South Carolina Motorcycle License in 4 Steps

Motorcycles operate and handle much differently than cars, so South Carolina requires all riders to obtain a separate South Carolina motorcycle license to demonstrate their riding skill and competence. Riding without a license is a crime that can result in fines and jail time, so you need to know the steps to get a valid license before riding. 

Operating a Motorcycle in South Carolina

To legally ride a motorcycle in South Carolina, you need to:

• Be at least 15 years old.
• Get a South Carolina motorcycle license, starting with a beginner’s permit.
• Register your motorcycle as required by the state.
• Secure motorcycle insurance that complies with state guidelines.

Steps to Get Your South Carolina Motorcycle License

In South Carolina, you do not get a motorcycle endorsement on your typical Class D driver’s license and instead must acquire a completely separate Class M motorcycle license. 

1. Get Your Permit (If You’re Under 18)

If you are between 15 and 18, you’ll first need to get a motorcycle permit before you can get a full Class M license. You can get your permit if you have held another beginner class permit for at least 180 days, and you have to hold your permit for at least 180 days before you can get your motorcycle license. Riders over the age of 18 do not have to get a permit and can just directly apply for their Class M license. 

2. Apply for a License

After getting a permit, the next step is to apply for your license. When you apply, you will have to bring a birth certificate, social security card, and proof of state residency. If you are under 18 years old, you must also provide your parent or legal guardian’s consent and provide proof of school attendance. Under 19-year-olds must also have at least 40 hours of driving practice, ten of which must be at night.

3. Pass the Vision and Road Skills Test

After applying, you will have to pass a vision and road skills test before you can get your Class M license. The DMV offers walk-in road tests every day except Wednesday between 8:30 AM and 1:30 PM. 

You only get three attempts to pass the road skills test. If you fail three times, you will have to complete an authorized motorcycle safety course first and pass a separate safety test to get your Class M license. 

4. Start Riding!

After you get your Class M license, you can hit the road on your bike! The attorneys at Law Tigers will remind you that riders under 21 in South Carolina must wear a DOT-approved helmet and that lane splitting and lane filtering are illegal across the entire state. 

Exceptions to South Carolina Motorcycle License Laws

There is one notable exception to South Carolina’s motorcycle license laws. Riders don’t need a Class M license to operate a three-wheel bike and can use any type of motor vehicle license except for a Class G moped license. 

South Carolina Motorcycle Insurance Requirements

In South Carolina, all motorcycle riders are required to carry insurance that meets the state’s minimum coverage standards. These include:

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person.
• $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident.
• $25,000 for property damage per accident.

It’s essential to have the right insurance to ride legally and protect yourself in the event of an accident.

If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident after getting your South Carolina license, don’t hesitate to reach out to South Carolina Law Tigers. Our team specializes in motorcycle accident law and is ready to support you through the legal process. Plus, ask about our free Rider Benefit Kit, designed to provide you with additional resources and benefits to support you on the road. Contact Law Tigers today for expert legal assistance and claim your free Rider Benefit Kit!