South Carolina Motorcycle Endorsement Guide

What Is a Motorcycle Endorsement?

In South Carolina the motorcycle privilege is its own Class M license, not just an endorsement code. A Class M license lets you operate a two-wheel motorcycle, a motorcycle with a sidecar, or a three-wheel motorcycle, and also a moped.

You earn it by passing the motorcycle knowledge test and an on-cycle skills test (a vision test may also apply). Most new riders first get a Class M beginner's permit, then upgrade to the full license by passing the skills test.

Endorsement vs. Motorcycle-Only License

How to Add the Endorsement — Steps

1. Get a Class M beginner's permit by passing the knowledge test (and vision test, if applicable); under-18 applicants need consent, and 15-16 year-olds need driver education.
2. Practice under permit restrictions — daylight unaccompanied, or accompanied at night by a motorcycle-licensed rider 21+ with a year of experience.
3. Study the SC Motorcycle and Moped Operator Manual and prepare for the on-cycle skills test.
4. Pass the SCDMV on-cycle skills test, or present an MSF skills-test certificate from an SCDMV-approved third-party tester taken within 30 days.
5. Receive your Class M license. (Taking the skills test on a sidecar rig adds an S3 sidecar restriction.)

MSF Course Waiver

South Carolina accepts a Motorcycle Safety Foundation skills-test certificate in place of the SCDMV skills test, as long as you were tested by an SCDMV-approved, contracted third-party tester within 30 days of applying. You still pass the written knowledge test. Rider training is otherwise optional — unless you fail the SCDMV skills test three or more times, after which an SCDMV-authorized course is required.

Cost & Renewal

The SCDMV sets the current permit, license, and test fees; confirm the exact amounts and renewal cycle on scdmv.net before you apply, as they can change. A Class M beginner's permit is valid for 12 months and cannot be renewed without a bona fide attempt at the skills test.

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