Can you ever be legally too old to drive in SC? Here’s what the law says

Can you be too old to drive in South Carolina?

Technically no.

There’s no state law that sets an age limit for holding a drivers license, said Lauren Phillips, director of driver services for the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles.

“There are no differences in adult driver licenses assuming your driving privileges are typical,” she said. “Before the state switched to an eight-year license (with the onset of REAL ID which we became compliant with in February 2018), 65+ had a five-year license while under 65 had a 10 year.”

Now, it’s eight years for nearly all license types outside of specific situations such as lawfully present non-US citizens; CDLs with hazmat; special licenses like payment plan licenses and beginner permits, she said.

Drivers license applications have a series of questions regarding health that apply to all drivers such as whether the applicant has had a recent head injury, heart attack or stroke.

If the applicant answers yes they are given a medical packet to complete with a medical provider.

DMV can place restrictions on interstate driving, not to exceed 50 mph, and day driving only. These restrictions are also at the discretion of a physician and apply to drivers of any age.

Interestingly, drivers 65 to 74 are among the safest drivers, according to the National Safety Council. The distinction of being the worst goes to teen drivers.

What can you do if you think a family member’s age is affecting driving?

You can contact the DMV but South Carolina does not have a formal procedure for family members or friends to report unsafe driving. That distinction is left up to the courts, police officers, and DMV personnel.

South Carolina is in the minority among states when it comes to family reporting.

One aspect of the law that may affect the elderly is when and how to get a handicapped placard, which are also called hangars, or a license plate designating the driver as handicapped.

A licensed medical practitioner must certify the need.

The law says among the factors to be taken into consideration are whether the person can walk 100 feet without aggravating an existing medical condition or being in pain, cannot walk without the use of, or assistance from, a brace, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive device and have a serious lung or cardiac condition.

To obtain a placard or license plate, fill out a DMV form, attach the medical professional’s statement and mail it to the address on the form. The fee is $36 for a disabled plate; $1 for a disabled parking placard.

This story was originally published April 29, 2025 at 6:00 AM.