South Carolina

Driver licensing agency
contact information		 South Carolina Department of Public Safety
Department of Motor Vehicles
PO Box 1993
Blythewood, SC 29016
www.scdps.org
www.dmv.state.ri.us 		803 737-4000
Licensing Requirements
Visual acuity











Visual fields


Color vision requirement
Restricted licenses
 Each eye with/without correction
Both eyes with/without correction
If one eye blind—other without correction
If one eye blind—other with correction
Absolute visual acuity minimum




Are bioptic telescopes allowed?


Minimum field requirement

Visual field testing device
None
Restrictions include mandatory corrective lens, mandatory outside mirrors, daylight driving only, neighborhood driving only, and speed and time restrictions.		 20/40
20/40
20/40
20/40; must have outside mirror.
20/40 in better eye for unrestricted license; 20/70 in better eye if other eye is 20/200 or better; 20/40 in better eye if other eye is worse than 20/200.
Not permitted for meeting acuity standards; however, they are permitted for driving.
If total angle <140˚, the individual is referred to the MAB.
Not specified.
Licensing Renewal Procedures
Standard










Age-based renewal procedures		 Length of license validation
Renewal options and conditions




Vision testing required at time of renewal?
Written test required?


Road test required?
None		 5 years
In-person. Renewal by mail is permitted if there have been no violations in the past 2 years, and no suspensions, revocations, or cancellations.
Yes
Only if the client has 5+ points on his/her record or if there appears to be a need.
Only if there appears to be a need.
Reporting Procedures
Physician/medical reporting
Immunity
Legal protection
DMV follow-up
Other reporting
Anonymity		 Permitted but not required.
No
N/A
License is suspended upon referral and further examination is conducted.
Will accept information from courts, other DMVs, and police.
N/A
Medical Advisory Board
Role of the MAB


MAB contact information		 The MAB determines the mental or physical fitness of license applicants through a medical evaluation process, and makes recommendations to the department’s director or designee on the handling of impaired drivers.
South Carolina Driver Improvement Office
PO Box 1498
Columbia, SC 29216


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