South Carolina Drivers License Guide

Transcription

1 South Carolina Drivers License Guide Page 1 Drivers-Licenses.org

2 Bonus Features Congratulations on your 60 day membership to our Roadside Assistance. When out on the road, you will know that you are covered and protected by an organization that cares about the safety of you and your family. Our customer service representatives respond quickly to provide you the best service and protection available anywhere. 24-Hour Emergency Roadside Assistance Benefits Customers are covered for emergency road service throughout the U.S. and Canada. 24-Hour Towing Service Customers are entitled to emergency towing service at no out-of-pocket cost for any tow up to 75 dollars. One service per seven days, two services per contract. Extended distance will be an additional expense covered by the customer. 24-Hour Mechanical First Aid Customers are entitled to any service requiring minor adjustments (exclusive of parts) to enable a disabled vehicle to proceed under its own power, where available. 24-Hour Tire Change Service Customers may have their tire changed with their inflated and functional spare tire. Page 2 Drivers-Licenses.org

3 24-Hour Emergency Delivery A service truck will deliver emergency supplies of gasoline, water, oil or other necessary supplies. Customers pay only for the cost of the supplies. 24-Hour Emergency Battery Service Customers are covered for battery boosts and minor adjustments to alternators, starters, etc. while on the road. 24-Hour Lost Key Service If keys are locked inside a customer s vehicle, the customer will be assisted in gaining entry to the vehicle s passenger compartment only. Locksmith services may be dispatched as needed at the customer s expense for labor and key making. Rental Car Discounts Customers are entitled to take advantage of our rental car discount codes and pre-negotiated group rates, which are honored at thousands of locations throughout the U.S. and abroad. Map Routing Service We will, at no charge, provide customers with a four-color mapping and travel route information to destinations they specify. Theft And Hit & Run Protection A $500 reward is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for Hit & Run damages or stealing customers vehicles. Whenever you travel, you will like the secure and confident feeling of knowing that you are protected by NSD s Roadside Assistance. Fast response and excellent service are just two reasons why millions of motorists rely on NSD s Roadside Assistance for on-the-road protection. Page 3 Drivers-Licenses.org

4 Keeping You Safe Mile After Mile Once your purchase is processed, you will receive an with the information you need to start your 60-day Roadside Assistance membership. Congratulations! Redeem Your $25 Gas Card Online Follow the link in your confirmation to start redeeming your $25 Gas Coupon. *PLEASE SAVE ALL THE INFORMATION FOR YOUR RECORDS. You will use your log in information throughout the course of your complimentary gas membership. Page 4 Drivers-Licenses.org

5 Tablet of Contents Starting the the Journey Getting Your First First South Arizona Carolina License Renewing Your Your License Updating Your License Information Replacing Your Your License Reinstating Your Your License License Getting a Your South Arizona Carolina ID Card Vehicle Safety Tips Tips Official Forms MVD DMV Hours and and Locations Page 5 Drivers-Licenses.org

6 Starting the Journey Welcome to the world of driving in South Carolina. Obtaining your license is one of the most gratifying moments in your life. Our purpose through this guide is to make sure you get to that moment with as little stress or complications as possible. Getting your driver s license in South Carolina is a smooth-sailing process, which only requires you to prepare slightly before embarking on the adventure. That is where we come in; we are here to help you learn exactly what it is you need to prepare, and how to prepare properly. This is a process that will only take a small amount of your time; in fact, our guide is specifically organized to ensure that you are able to get through things as quickly as possible. Our handy ebook is jam-packed with information regarding everything from obtaining your learner s permit, driver s license or ID card, all the way to how to renew, replace or update these items. Page 6 Drivers-Licenses.org

7 We will make getting ready to drive on the friendly South Carolina roads fast and easy. So, sit back and review our comprehensive guide, as we make life a bit less complicated. Teen Drivers As a teenager in South Carolina, obtaining your first-ever credential to drive can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Fortunately, we are here to guide you seamlessly through the process. In each step leading toward obtaining your license, we will outline and help you to better understand each procedure you must complete. As a new driver, it is important that you carefully read through each step and fully understand how everything operates. This is to ensure that you avoid any complications, but also to confirm that you are well-prepared to handle your on-the-road responsibilities. By completing these steps and obtaining your license, you will take those first steps toward proving you are ready to drive. Beginner s Permit The beginner s permit allows you to practice driving while supervised by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and sitting next to you. You are required to hold it at least for 180 days before continuing with the process. To apply, you have to: Take your parent or legal guardian to sign your applications. Restrictions When you are granted your beginner s permit, you will have the following restrictions: You may not drive from 6 a.m. to midnight, unless you are accompanied in the front seat by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and has driving experience of at least one year. You must drive accompanied by your licensed parent or legal guardian from midnight to 6 a.m. Conditional Driver s License The conditional driver s license is your second step in the process of becoming an independent driver; you may obtain it once you have held your beginner s permit for a minimum of 180 days and after fulfilling the following requirements: Be at least 15 years of age, but less than 16 Be at least 15 years of age. Have satisfactory school attendance Have satisfactory school attendance. Provide a birth certificate, Social Security card or equivalent, one proof of residency and insurance information; find a checklist here, or here if you are a foreigner. Pass the vision and knowledge tests. Your parent or legal guardian must accompany you to sign the application Provide a PDLA form certifying that you completed a driver s education course and practiced driving with your licensed parent or guardian for 40 hours, including 10 hours of driving practice at night (This form is available at your high school or driver school. Page 7 Drivers-Licenses.org

8 Pass the vision and road skills tests. Provide a birth certificate, Social Security card or equivalent, one proof of residency and insurance information; find a checklist here, or here if you are a foreigner Restrictions While holding your conditional driver s license, you: You must keep this license for one year before obtaining a full license, and you must not have traffic offenses or get involved in any at-fault accidents. Special Restricted Driver s License A special restricted driver s license in South Carolina allows you to drive by yourself until midnight if you must attend work or other qualified extracurricular activities. To apply for a special restricted driver s license, you must: May drive alone during from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m., and 8 p.m. while daylight savings time. Be at least 16 years of age but less than 17. Must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 while driving from 6 p.m. (or 8 p.m. during) until midnight. Must be accompanied by a licensed parent or legal guardian if you are driving between midnight and 6 a.m. You cannot carry more than two passengers under 21 unless there is a licensed adult in the vehicle. There is an exception if the passengers are family members or students, and you are taking them to or from school. Have satisfactory school attendance. Have held the beginner s permit for 180 days and have passed the vision and skills test, or have a conditional driver s license. Bring your parent or legal guardian to sign the application. Provide a PDLA form certifying that you completed a driver s education course and practiced driving with your licensed parent or guardian for 40 hours, including 10 hours of driving practice at night. This form is available at your high school or driver school. Pass the vision and road tests. Provide a birth certificate, Social Security card or equivalent, one proof of residency and insurance information; find a checklist here, or here if you are a foreigner. Page 8 Drivers-Licenses.org

9 Restrictions The special restricted driver s license has the same restrictions of the conditional license; however, it gives you the possibility of requesting a waiver of the time restrictions if it causes problems at your job, church, school or sports activity. To request a waiver you must: Complete the Application for a Driver s License, Beginner s Permit, or ID (SCDMV Form 447-NC). Submit a statement explaining why you need the waiver. It must be done by your parent or legal guardian. Submit a statement from your employer, school, church or sport official on letterhead. Pay the waiver fee of $ Driver s Education If you are under 17 years of age, you are required to take and complete a driving education course before you are allowed to apply for your regular driver s license. The aim of this course is to provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to help you become a safe and responsible driver in order to reduce the amount of accidents on the road. You may find a list of approved driver training schools here. All Drivers You must remember that the roads aren t always safe; therefore, it is in your best interest to fully prepare for whatever may come your way before you begin driving. When you begin driving, you not only take on the responsibility of your own safety, but you also take on the responsibility of the safety of your passengers, and all passengers in the vehicles around you. So, in order to best prepare yourself for that huge responsibility, you must first hold a beginner s permit to practice and enhance your driving skills, regardless of your age. You must hold the permit for 180 days before applying for a regular driver license. In addition, every applicant interested in getting a driver license must pass the vision, knowledge and skills tests before a regular SC driver s license is issued. Tip: Remember that if you are under 17 and accumulate six or more points on your driving record before you have held your license for one year, it will be suspended for six months. Vision Exam To pass your vision exam, you must have a minimum visual acuity (with or without corrective lenses) of 20/70 or better in at least one eye. If your weaker eye is worse than 20/200, your stronger eye must be 20/40 or better. Your acuity may be worse than 20/70 in each eye, but it has to be 20/70 or more when you use both eyes. You must provide a statement from an eye care professional that explains that your vision cannot be improved anymore. Written Exam You will also need to take and pass the knowledge test which evaluates your ability to recognize traffic signs and marks. It will also determine your knowledge on SC Page 9 Drivers-Licenses.org

10 traffic laws and safety rules. It is recommended that you use the free online practice exam before taking the test, so you can sharpen your knowledge. The test works on computers and mobile devices with ios and Android. All the questions in the online practice and in the actual test are taken from the South Carolina Driver Manual, which you may find here. Driving Exam The last step of your driver license examination before getting your driver license is the road skills test. The road skills test will evaluate you driving skills and test your knowledge of car controls like the headlights, windshield wipers and turn signals, among others. The day of the test, you bring your permit or conditional/ special driver s license, and provide proof of the car s insurance. If you need to use a rental car, your name must be on the contract as the insured driver. The vehicle must be in safe driving condition, and have a valid registration card and license plate. One Stop Driver Training and Testing Programs The SC DMV has partnered with third-party providers in order to ease the testing process. Now, you have the option to take all the tests through your driver training program. These are referred to as One Stop Driver Training and Testing Programs. Find all the authorized providers here. If you fail the test, you have different options depending on your situation. Fees: If you are at a DMV office, you may pay with cash, check, credit or debit card. By mail, you must send a check, and online, you must use a debit or credit card to pay. Beginner s permit Special Restricted License Knowledge Exam $2.50 $12.50 $2 Page 10 Drivers-Licenses.org

11 Getting Your First South Carolina License Congratulations! If you have gone through the steps of getting your beginner s permit in South Carolina, you are now only one step away from obtaining your driver s license. All that is required at this point is that you follow the steps below that best fit your situation to officially take hold of your brand-new license to drive. Current South Carolina Residents If you are under 17 years old and have held your conditional or special restricted license for one year, the DMV will mail you a driver s license sleeve that you must insert your license into, which will allow you to drive without restrictions until you are able to apply for a regular license. If you are 17 years of age or older and want to learn how to get an SC driver license, you have come to the right place. Getting a license for the first time through the state of South Carolina is a very simple process if you follow these steps: Visit a DMV office with all the required documentation and the necessary fees. New South Carolina Residents New to South Carolina? If you already hold an outof-state license and just moved to South Carolina, you have to obtain an SC license. It is very important to make sure that you obtain a valid driver s license if you want to drive on state roads and highways. Applying is very easy if you follow the simple steps outlined below. When you move to South Carolina, you are allowed to drive with your out-of-state license for up to 90 days. To convert your out-of-state license to an SC license you must: Visit a DMV office. Hold a beginner s permit for 180 before applying Take and pass the vision, knowledge and road skills tests Your parent or legal guardian must accompany you to sign the application, if you are under 18 years of age Provide a birth certificate, Social Security card or equivalent, one proof of residency and insurance information; find a checklist here, or here if you are a foreigner. Surrender your out-of-state license. If you lost it, you must complete an Affidavit for Lost/ Surrendered Driver s License, Beginner s Permit, or Identification Card. Provide a birth certificate, Social Security card or equivalent, one proof of residency and insurance information; find a checklist here, or here if you are a foreigner. Pass the vision test. Page 11 Drivers-Licenses.org

12 If your driver license has been expired for more than nine months, you must pass the knowledge and road tests again. Fees: If you are at a DMV office, you may pay with cash, check, credit or debit card. By mail, you must send a check and online, you must use a debit or credit card to pay. Pay the licensing fee. Beginner s permit $2.50 If you do not have an out-of-state license, you have to follow the same procedure of current South Carolina residents. If you are Military Personnel or a dependent, or a student temporarily in South Carolina, you are not required to obtain a SC driver license, as long as you have a valid, out-of-state license. Knowledge exam Driver license: (10 years) Driver s manual $2 $25 $5 + tax Page 12 Drivers-Licenses.org

13 Renewing Your License If your license is set to expire, it is vital to take the steps to renew your driving credential as soon as possible. Without a valid license, you will lose your freedom to drive, and will risk getting a ticket that can affect your future privileges. So, it is best to renew your license as soon as you notice the expiration date approaching. But, before you renew your license, it is best that you thoroughly comprehend the process so that you can avoid any errors or issues that may occur. A South Carolina driver s license expires every 10 years on your birthday. If you previously renewed online and you have a five-year term license, it will expire five years from the issuance date. If you do not renew your license within nine months of expiration, you Page 13 Drivers-Licenses.org

14 need to take and pass the knowledge and road tests, again. Under certain circumstances, drivers may be asked to retake their vision exams (or provide supporting documentation from an eye specialist) prior to renewal. There are three renewing methods: online, by mail or in person; however, not all license holders are available to renew by mail. Renew Online You can renew your South Carolina driver s license online; however, it will only be valid for five years, instead of 10. In order to do so, you must: Be a U.S. citizen. Have a valid license that is eligible for renewal (without suspensions or reinstatement requirements). Have no more than five points recorded against your license within the past two years. Not have a license that has been expired for more than nine months. Prepare your driver s license number or your customer number, your Social Security Number and your date of birth in order to utilize the SCDMV online renewal system. Renew by Mail You may renew your driver license by mail if: You are a U.S. citizen. Your driver license hasn t been expired more than nine months. Page 14 Drivers-Licenses.org

15 You have don t have violations that total more than five points in the last two years. Your license is not suspended or scheduled to be suspended. You didn t renew your license by mail or online during the previous renewal period. You don t have a commercial license. You are not identified as a Convicted Violent Offender in the SCDMV system. You do not have a conditional or a special restricted license. If you meet the above requirements, you may request a renewal by mail for a five-year license. To do so, mail the following: The Driver s License Renewal by Mail Form Prepare a check or a money order made payable to SCDMV for the corresponding fee. Sent the documentation and money to: SCDMV Alternative Media P.O. Box 1498 Blythewood, SC Tip Ten-year licenses are not sent by mail. If you need a ten-year license, apply in person. Page 15 Drivers-Licenses.org

16 Renew in Person You may renew in person at any DMV office if you are a U.S citizen. If you are between 17 and 65, you will be issued a 10-year license. If you are 65 or older, you are only eligible for a five-year license. You must: Provide your vehicle insurance information. If you have more than five points in your driving record for the last two years, you must pass a knowledge test. Pay the fee(s). International Customers If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must renew your license at one of the DMV offices that processes international customer applications. As an international customer you must meet all of the above requirements, and bring the proper documentation, found here. Fees: Driver s license (five-year) in person Driver s license (ten-year) in person Driver s license (Veteran) by mail Driver s license by mail Driver s license (fiveyear) non-u.s. citizen Knowledge Exam $12.50 $25 $12.50 $12.50 $12.50 $2 If you are at a DMV office, you may pay with cash, check, credit or debit card. By mail, you must send a check and online, you must use a debit or credit card to pay. Page 16 Drivers-Licenses.org

17 Updating Your License Information New life milestones are accompanied by factors such as permanently changing your name to moving neighborhoods. Either way, this information is essential to your identification, which includes your driver s license. So, how can you ensure that these changes are made to your driver s license when necessary? Simply inform the South Carolina DMV within 10 days of the occurrence. To better understand the procedures, follow the steps below that best fit your situation. Changing your Name Changing your legal name is not only a big personal decision, but it will also greatly affect your documents and general information in regard to your identity. If you have officially changed your name, then, you will surely be required to change your name on all of your identification documents and cards, including your driver s license. You can only process a name change at a DMV agency. Before making the trip: Page 17 Drivers-Licenses.org

18 Complete the Application for Name and/or Address Change form. Complete the Application for a Driver s License, Beginner s Permit, or Identification Card. corrected information. If you are at a DMV office, you may pay with cash, check, credit or debit card. By mail, you must send a check and online, you must use a debit or credit card to pay. Provide documentation to legally support your name change, such as: A marriage license. A divorce decree. A court order. Pay the fee (if you want a duplicate). Changing your Address In the case that you may have recently moved to a new address, you must notify the DMV, as well. All you must do is follow the steps below that outline the process. And, once you have completed every step properly, your address will be updated in the system. You may update your address online, by mail or in person. To update it online, go to the Change Your Address page on the SCMDV website. If you prefer to change it in person, just visit a DMV office. To request it by mail, you must fill out the Application for Name and/or Address Change form and send it with the appropriate fee to: SCDMV Alternative Media Office P.O. Box 1498 Blythewood, SC Fees: Tip You are not required to get a corrected license when you update your address or name; however, if you want to get one, you may visit a DMV office or request it by mail. Changing your name and address is free; however, you must pay $10 if you want to get a replacement with the Page 18 Drivers-Licenses.org

19 Replacing Your License Incidents involving the loss or destruction of your license can happen, but the South Carolina DMV is ready to help you obtain a new driver s license as soon as possible. In any case, you can effortlessly replace your driver s license with a new duplicate license in just a few easy steps. How to Replace Your License Whenever you lose your license or something happens to it, the first thing you must do is to report it to the local police authorities to avoid identity theft. Once you report it, you may get a replacement at your local DMV office or online. The easiest way to obtain a replacement is to use the online service. To use the online services, your license must be valid, and you must not have outstanding reinstatement requirements. In addition, you must be a U.S. citizen and have a valid Visa, MasterCard or Discover card. Page 19 Drivers-Licenses.org

20 To replace it in person, visit a DMV office and take with you an Affidavit for a Lost/Surrendered Driver s License form, the Application for a Driver s License, Beginner s Permit, or Identification Card and the applicable fee. Fees: Duplicate Driver s License $10 If you are at a DMV office, you may pay with cash, check, credit or debit card. By mail, you must send a check and online, you must use a debit or credit card to pay. Page 20 Drivers-Licenses.org

21 Reinstating Your License The suspension or revocation of your driver license is the consequence of traffic violations or numerous offenses on your driving record. If your license is suspended or revoked, your driving privilege is removed, and you are not authorized to drive it is illegal. To be able to drive again, you are required to reinstate your license if you are entitled to do so. Try not to stress yourself out about the small things, though that s why we re here. Instead, just take your time going through the process and information necessary to begin reinstating your South Carolina license. Now, what s the difference between suspended and revoked licenses? A suspension is a temporary removal of your driving privileges, while revocation is the termination of it. If your license is suspended, you must wait for the suspension period to expire, Page 21 Drivers-Licenses.org

22 and then request a reinstatement. If it is revoked, you will have to apply for a new license as if you never had one. Your license may also be cancelled or withdrawn. A cancellation is due to falsification or concealing of information or documents. A withdrawal happens when the DMV realizes that you are not qualified to hold a license, and you cannot get it back until the reason is corrected. When your license is revoked, suspended or cancelled, you will receive a letter from the DMV asking you to surrender it. Reinstating your license will depend on the type of suspension you have. Most likely, you have to pay a reinstatement fee, which you can do online, and wait for the suspension period to finish. Find the fees and other requirements, depending on the type of suspension, here. Driving Under the Influence (DUI) If you are caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of.15 or more, or you are under 21 years of age and register a BAC of.02 or more, your license will be suspended for a DUI. The suspension periods are as follows: Fees: Have a South Carolina driver s license Have no other pending suspensions Be enrolled in an Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program Have an SR22 filed with the DMV Pay the provisional driver license fee Reinstatement Fee $100 First offense: Six-month suspension Provisional License $100 Second offense: One-year suspension Third offense: Two-year suspension You may need to pay additional fees, depending on your suspension. If you are at a DMV office, you may pay with cash, check, credit or debit card. By mail, you must send a check and online, you must use a debit or credit card to pay. Fourth offense: Permanent suspension Provisional Driver License While your driver license is suspended for a DUI, you may be eligible to get a provisional license. To apply you must meet the following requirements: Tip If you don t know the status of your license, you may buy a copy of your driver record online. Page 22 Drivers-Licenses.org

23 Getting a South Carolina ID Card If you are not interested in taking up driving and obtaining your driver s license, it is important that you consider getting an ID card, instead. An ID card is essential, because it is the easiest manner in which someone else can identify you whenever necessary, whether it be by law enforcement, or if you need to provide proof of your identity when traveling outside of South Carolina. When it comes time to obtaining your ID card, the process is identical to that of obtaining your driver s license, except for the fees associated.in addition, SC ID cards expire every five years, and any resident who is at least 5 years of age may apply for one. If you would like to take a look at the steps to take in order to obtain your ID card, please go to the Getting Your First South Carolina License section. Page 23 Drivers-Licenses.org

24 Real ID Cards The available ID cards in South Carolina are currently transitioning to REAL ID cards in These identification credentials will allow you to pass through airport security, go into federal buildings, visit military bases and more. If you are interested in obtaining a REAL ID, you will be able to do so in person at a DMV office or online. REAL IDs will be available to applicants some time during the first quarter of Requirements for a REAL ID Card To obtain your REAL ID card online, you must: Provide proof of identity. Give proof of Social Security Number. Show two proofs of current address. Provide proof of name change, if applicable. Once the online system becomes available, applicants can order their REAL IDs online. Fees: If you are at a DMV office, you may pay with cash, check, credit or debit card. By mail, you must send a check and online, you must use a debit or credit card to pay. Regular ID card, ages 5 to 16 REAL ID card $5 TBD Tip Use the REAL ID Document Check to ensure you have everything you need to upgrade your ID. Page 24 Drivers-Licenses.org

25 Vehicle Safety Tips Before getting behind the wheel, it s important that your vehicle is prepared for any trip. This means checking the safety features and making any needed changes to your vehicle to guarantee a safe drive. Emergency Kit One of the essentials to safe driving is having a basic emergency kit available in your vehicle at all times. This kit should include items such as water, extra batteries, rope, a First-Aid kit, matches and a whistle. During the winter months, it is also important to carry items such as blankets, non-perishable foods, extra gloves and socks and a shovel. Page 25 Drivers-Licenses.org

26 Winter Driving One of the most dangerous times to drive is during the winter months, especially if you live in an area where it snows and is prone to icy roads. Consider these tips below to drive safely during the winter: Don t rush! Roads are often covered in snow and ice after it snows. Instead of driving fast and risking an accident as you hurry to get to your destination, try leaving a few minutes earlier than usual. This will allow you to drive slower and to avoid other dangerous drivers without being late for wherever you need to be. Don t panic if you skid or slip In the event that your vehicle does skid or slip while driving, make sure you do not panic or slam down on your brakes. Instead, apply slow and even pressure on your brakes until you stop. This will prevent you from spinning further out of control. Check your vehicle Before you leave your house, make sure your vehicle s controls, brakes, tank, tires, antifreeze and exhaust are all in working order. It is also important that you remove any ice and snow from your car before you begin driving; this prevents the snow from blocking your view while you drive, or worse, flying off and hitting someone while in motion! Page 26 Drivers-Licenses.org

27 Drinking and Driving Every year, thousands are killed as a result of drinking and driving. These events can be prevented; it only requires that you plan ahead of time by taking certain steps. Before you begin drinking, arrange for someone else to be the designated driver. If he or she also becomes intoxicated, it is important that you take a taxi. Never allow someone drunk to drive; instead, take away the keys, and call for alternative transportation. If you see someone who you suspect is drunk and showing signs of intoxication while driving such as making wide turns, weaving, swerving, braking erratically or turning abruptly call and contact authorities immediately. Also, make sure to avoid that driver on the road to ensure your own safety. This could mean you pulling over until that driver is at a safe distance from your car. Page 27 Drivers-Licenses.org

28 Using your Phone Driving while using your phone is one of the most dangerous things you can do. During those few seconds that your attention is diverted to your phone, a major accident could occur. Make sure you don t text, use the internet on your phone or receive calls while you drive to prevent accidents as best as possible. Things to Avoid Driving isn t always a relaxing experience. There are certain actions that can be both an annoyance and dangerous to you while driving on the road. These things are often avoidable if you make sure to take the necessary steps toward preventing them, as well as stopping them after you make the discovery. Aggressive Driving Aggressive driving and drivers are both things that should be avoided to prevent on-road aggression or accidents. Aggressive driving is categorized as exhibiting behaviors such as aggressive tailgating, verbal or physical harassment toward another driver or preventing another driver from merging or passing on the road. If you are an aggressive driver, you are putting others at risk every time you perform any of the above behaviors. When you encounter a frustrating situation on the road, instead of becoming aggressive, take a moment, breathe, and then continue moving. Car Accidents One way to avoid car accidents is to ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive, and will not cause you any problems. To do this, regularly check that your brakes are functioning properly, your tires are inflated and not worn out, and that the steering and suspensions are checked by a mechanic. Wasting Gas If you drive often, start looking for ways to save on those expensive trips to the pump. Saving on gas is something that is possible if you take a few steps toward ensuring you hold on to some money in the long run. Some of the ways that you can start saving gas are by turning off the air conditioning, not leaving your engine running or speeding above 60 mph. These things are preventable and are not necessary in order for you to drive; therefore, you can quickly reduce the amount of gas you waste. Another way to save on gas is to make sure that your vehicle is functioning properly. You can do this by checking that your tires are properly inflated, your engine is welltuned and that your octane level is the correct amount for your vehicle. Page 28 Drivers-Licenses.org

29 Official Forms Application for a Driver s License, Beginner s Permit, or ID (SCDMV Form 447-NC) Affidavit for Lost/Surrendered Driver s License, Beginner s Permit, or Identification Card Driver s License Renewal by Mail Form Application for Name and/or Address Change Form Application for a Driver s License, Beginner s Permit, or Identification Card Page 29 Drivers-Licenses.org

30 DMV Hours and Locations There are several options available for you in case you need to visit or contact a DMV in South Carolina. You may find the locations here. The DMV office generator will display all the locations, addresses, hours and available services. In addition, the screen will tell you if the office is currently closed, due to a holiday or business needs. Note that only 21 of the DMV offices in South Carolina currently cater to international customers. You should also browse the SC DMV website to review the available online services prior to visiting your local DMV, so you can save valuable time and money. If you need to contact the DMV driver services for any other purposes, you can visit the main office. Mailing Address: SCDMV P.O. Box 1498 Blythewood, South Carolina Street Address: Wilson Boulevard Building C Blythewood, South Carolina You may also direct phone calls to: For questions or concerns you would prefer to send via , write to: help@scdmvonline.com Page 30 Drivers-Licenses.org

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