Governor Executive Director State of South Carolina - SC DMV

Nikki R. Haley Kevin A. Shwedo
Governor Executive Director

State of South Carolina

Department of Motor Vehicles

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Strategic Communications and Community Affairs

803-896-8198
[email protected]

DMV REQUIRES ATTEMPT TO PASS MOTORCYCLE SKILLS TEST

Blythewood, S.C. – May 31, 2013 - The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
(DMV), supported by the South Carolina Motorcycle Task Force, announced today new
motorcycle beginner permit renewal procedures designed to increase motorcycle rider
safety. Before renewing a motorcycle beginner’s permit, each applicant must now make
an effort to pass the motorcycle skills test.

DMV changed the procedure to prevent motorcyclists from continuously renewing
their beginner permits rather than applying for a motorcycle license. Now applicants are
required to take the motorcycle skills test first. If they pass, they will receive a
motorcycle license or endorsement. If they fail, they will be allowed to renew the
beginner’s permit.

“The bottom line is that too many of South Carolina’s motorcyclists are riding around
with beginner permits instead of licenses. If they don’t have a motorcycle license, we
don’t know if they are truly capable of operating the motorcycle,” said DMV Executive
Director Kevin Shwedo. “Let’s face it. The motorcycle I had 20 years ago can’t compare
to the monsters on the road today. It takes know-how and a lot of skill to control these
bikes.”

Motorcycle beginner permits are valid for a 12-month period, but can be renewed
without limit. Unlike a driver license permit that requires supervision, a motorcycle
permit allows an individual to ride the vehicle alone. The only limitation is that the
motorcycle may only be operated during daylight hours. The law, however, also gives
DMV the option to refuse to issue a renewal if the Examiner does not believe the
applicant has made a bona fide attempt to pass the skills test.

DMV research indicates that 17 percent of the state’s current motorcycle operators
have beginner permits. With nearly 112,000 motorcycles on South Carolina roads, 30
percent may be operated by beginner permit holders, not licensed motorcycle riders. The
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics also tell a much grimmer story.
In 2011, motorcycle fatalities made up 15 percent of all vehicle fatalities in the state. The
number of motorcycle fatalities also increased by 18 percent from the previous year.

In a recent study, the Governors Highway Safety Association released preliminary
data for the first nine months of 2012. The data indicates an increase of 11 more
motorcycle fatalities in 2012 than during the same period in 2011.

Post Office Box 1498, Blythewood, South Carolina 29016

“The numbers are disturbing and we don’t even have all the data from 2012,” said
Shwedo. “We have found motorcycle riders who have renewed their beginner permits
five, ten and even 13 times. If they can’t operate their bike after a year or two of practice,
they don’t need to be on the road at all.”

The Motorcycle Safety Task Force, which includes representatives from several state
and county agencies and motorcycle groups, recommended the change in procedure to
DMV. Many motorcycle groups support the change and DMV’s efforts to improve
motorcycle safety.

“The riders with beginner permits aren’t doing anything criminal or unethical,” said
Shwedo. “Our goal is simply to ensure that we have the most qualified drivers on the
road.”

In addition to the beginner permit procedure changes, SCDMV also expanded its One
Stop Driver Training and Testing Program to include motorcycle licenses. The program
allows individuals, corporations and government subdivisions, including public schools,
to administer the knowledge and skills tests to persons applying for a first time
motorcycle beginner permit or driver license.

To join the program, instructors must meet all DMV requirements and attain agency
certification and approval for skills test sites. DMV monitors the instructors or businesses
with random testing and audits. Some student drivers who successfully complete the
program may be subject to re-testing once they arrive at a DMV office. Any school that
does not meet the requirements of South Carolina law or regulations will be suspended
from certification.

“This program makes good business sense,” said Shwedo. “It creates business
competition, one-stop shopping for customers and shorter wait times at DMV offices. It’s
a win-win opportunity—especially for those motorcycle riders that need to get their
license.”

To learn more about the DMV motorcycle beginner permit procedure changes and the
One Stop Driving Training and Testing program, visit the DMV website at
www.scdmvonline.com.

#####

South Carolina Basic Motorcycle Skills Test Maneuvers

The test consists of several exercises designed to measure your ability to perform basic vehicle controls and hazard response skills. Most of the
exercises involve speed of approximately 15 m.p.h. You will be scored on time and distance standards as well as path and foot violations. The
test may be ended for point accumulation, falling or dropping the motorcycle, committing an unsafe act, or failure to follow directions. The
following diagrams illustrate the maneuvers you will be asked to perform.

Sharp Turns and U-Turns Sharp Turns and U-Turns
to the Right
to the Left
You will be asked to
You will be asked to accelerate straight ahead and
accelerate straight ahead make a right sharp turn,
and make a left sharp turn staying inside the boundaries
staying inside the marked by the yellow “L”
boundaries marked by the lines. Do not put a foot down
yellow “L” lines. You must or cross the lines.
not put a foot down or
cross the lines. Once you complete the
sharp turn, continue around
Once you complete the to the far side of the course
sharp turn, continue and ride back toward the start
around to the far side of of the course. Then you will
the course and ride back make a right U-Turn, staying
toward the start of the inside the boundaries marked
course. Then, make a left by the yellow solid lines or
U-Turn, staying inside the (yellow solid entry line and
boundaries marked by the dashed exit line).
yellow solid lines or (yellow
dashed entry line and solid Do not put a foot down or
exit line). cross the lines. Stop in a
straight line after completing
You must not put a foot the U-Turn and wait for
down or cross the lines. further directions.
Stop in a straight line after
completing the U-Turn and You will lose points for
wait for further directions.
putting your foot down or
You will lose points for
path violations.
putting your foot down or

path violations.

South Carolina Basic Motorcycle Skills Test Maneuvers

Cone Weave - Regular Stop Sudden Stops

You will ride to the right of You will accelerate straight
the first cone, to the left of the toward the braking area.
second, and so on. Weave
past all five cones without Stabilize your speed
touching or skipping a cone, between 12-20 mph by the
or putting your foot down. time you reach the first red
line. Maintain a steady speed
After rounding the last from the first red line until you
cone, continue around to the reach the second red line.
far side of the course. Ride When your front tire passes
down the perimeter toward the second red line, stop as
the start of the course. Make quickly and as you safely can.
a smooth, non-skidding stop
with your front tire inside that Remain stopped until
white box. instructed to move. You will
not be assessed points for
Once stopped in the box, skidding.
your front tire cannot be
You will lose points for
touching any painted lines.
You will lose points for hitting failing to stop in a specified
or skipping a cone, putting a
foot down, or stopping distance, failing to use both

before, after, or with your brakes or failing to obtain
front tire touching the box.
proper speed or anticipate the

stop.

South Carolina Basic Motorcycle Skills Test Maneuvers

Cone Weave - Regular Stop Sudden Stops

You will ride to the right of You will accelerate straight
the first cone, to the left of the toward the braking area.
second, and so on. Weave
past all five cones without Stabilize your speed
touching or skipping a cone, between 12-20 mph by the
or putting your foot down. time you reach the first red
line. Maintain a steady speed
After rounding the last from the first red line until you
cone, continue around to the reach the second red line.
far side of the course. Ride When your front tire passes
down the perimeter toward the second red line, stop as
the start of the course. Make quickly and as you safely can.
a smooth, non-skidding stop
with your front tire inside that Remain stopped until
white box. instructed to move. You will
not be assessed points for
Once stopped in the box, skidding.
your front tire cannot be
You will lose points for
touching any painted lines.
You will lose points for hitting failing to stop in a specified
or skipping a cone, putting a
foot down, or stopping distance, failing to use both

before, after, or with your brakes or failing to obtain
front tire touching the box.
proper speed or anticipate the

stop.

South Carolina Basic Motorcycle Skills Test Maneuvers

Cornering Obstacle Avoidance

You will ride through the You will accelerate toward
multiple curves marked by the path marked by the red
the white lines at a speed lines. Stabilize your speed
between 10 to 15 mph. between 12-18 mph by the time
you reach the first red line.
You must stay within the
boundaries marked by the Maintain a steady speed
curved white lines while from the first red line until you
slightly accelerating through reach the second red line. When
the curve. your front tire passes the
second red line, swerve to avoid
After exiting the curved the obstacle box marked by the
lines you may slow down yellow lines.
and then turn in either
direction to return to the end Avoid crossing the yellow
of the course. obstacle box while staying
inside of the yellow sideline.
You will lose points for Once past the sideline, stop and
wait for further instructions.
path violations, decelerating
You will lose points for
or failing to obtain the
hitting obstacle box or sideline,
proper speed.
failure to obtain proper speed or

braking during the swerve.

SCDMV Motorcycle Test Sites (51)

All offices are open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. except for Allendale and on Wednesdays all offices open at 9:30

a.m. after in-house training. Road tests are only administered by appointment between 2:00-4:30 p.m in all offices. Union

only administers tests by appointment only on Wednesdays. When scheduling an appointment call anytime during

business hours and leave a voice mail message. DMV should return your call within 24 hours.

Abbeville DMV Blythewood DMV Georgetown DMV
1331 Haigler Street Ext 10311 Wilson Blvd. 214 Ridge Street
Abbeville , SC 29260 Blythewood , SC 29016 Georgetown , SC 29440
Phone: 864-459-2147 Phone: 803-896-9983 Phone: 843-527-8730

Aiken DMV Camden DMV Greenville DMV
1755 Richland Avenue, East 1056 Ehrenclou Drive 15 Saluda Dam Road
Aiken , SC 29801 Camden , SC 29020 Greenville , SC 29611
Phone: 803-641-7752 Phone: 803-432-4340 Phone: 864-241-1147

Allendale DMV Charleston DMV Greenwood DMV
3657 Allendale Fairfax Road 3790 Leeds Avenue 510 W. Alexander Ext.
Fairfax , SC 29827 North Charleston , SC 29405 Greenwood , SC 29646
Phone: 803-584-2694 Phone: 843-740-6168 Phone: 864-227-6434
Open Tuesdays & Thursdays Only
Chester DMV Greer DMV
Anderson DMV 508 Belt Road 610 Arlington Road
331 Highway 29 By-Pass North Chester , SC 29706 Greer , SC 29651
Anderson , SC 29621 Phone: 803-385-6082 Phone: 864-801-9375
Phone: 864-260-2205
Columbia DMV Hampton DMV
Barnwell DMV 1630 Shop Road 115 Cemetary Road
1270 Main Street Columbia , SC 29201 Varnville , SC 29944
Barnwell , SC 29812 Phone: 803-737-8350 Phone: 803-943-3482
Phone: 803-259-3335
Conway DMV Irmo/Ballentine DMV
Batesburg DMV 4103 Highway 701 North 1016 Broadstone Road
509 Liberty Street Conway , SC 29526 Irmo , SC 29063
Batesburg , SC 29006 Phone: 843-365-4781 Phone: 803-749-9041
Phone: 803-532-5285
Dillon DMV Kingstree DMV
Beaufort DMV 1705 Highway 301 S. 785 Eastland Avenue
28 Munch Drive Dillon , SC 29536-1705 Kingstree , SC 29556
Beaufort , SC 29906 Phone: 843-774-4712 Phone: 843-354-9217
Phone: 843-379-8822
Florence DMV Ladson DMV
Bennettsville DMV 3102 E. Palmetto Street 135 Wimberly Drive
337 Highway 9 West Florence , SC 29506 Ladson , SC 29456
Bennettsville , SC 29512 Phone: 843-317-4007 Phone: 843-572-7854
Phone: 843-479-0785
Fountain Inn DMV Lake City DMV
Bishopville DMV 1310 North Main Street 728 S. Ron McNair Blvd.
508 South Lee Street Fountain Inn , SC 29644 Lake City, SC 29560
Bishopville , SC 29010 Phone: 864-967-4013 Phone: 843-394-7902
Phone: 803-484-4573
Gaffney DMV Lancaster DMV
Bluffton DMV 451 Hyatt Street 1694 Pageland Hwy
15 Sheridan Park Gaffney , SC 29341 Lancaster , SC 29720
Bluffton , SC 29910 Phone: 864-488-1386 Phone: 803-286-4859
Phone: 843-815-6981

SCDMV Motorcycle Test Sites (51)

All offices are open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. except for Allendale and on Wednesdays all offices open at 9:30

a.m. after in-house training. Road tests are only administered by appointment between 2:00-4:30 p.m in all offices. Union

only administers tests by appointment only on Wednesdays. When scheduling an appointment call anytime during

business hours and leave a voice mail message. DMV should return your call within 24 hours.

Laurens DMV Ridgeland DMV Union DMV
390 Fairgrounds Road 407 Live Oak Drive 1000 North Pickney Street
Laurens , SC 29360 Ridgeland , SC 29936 Union , SC 29379
Phone: 864-682-3213 Phone: 843-726-6934 Phone: 864-427-9278
By appointment only on
Lexington DMV Rock Hill DMV Wednesdays
122 Park Road 305 Hands Mill Road
Lexington , SC 29072 Rock Hill, SC 29732 Walterboro DMV
Phone: 803-356-8537 Phone: 803-329-6332 102 Mable T. Willis Blvd.
Walterboro , SC 29488-4500
Manning DMV Saluda DMV Phone: 843-538-7248
3721 Alex Harvin Highway 400 West Wheeler Circle
Manning , SC 29102 Saluda , SC 29138
Phone: 803-473-3432 Phone: 864-445-2571

Marion DMV Seneca DMV
2757 East Highway 76 13009 South Radio Station Road
Mullins , SC 29574 Seneca , SC 29678
Phone: 843-431-1148 Phone: 864-882-8698

McCormick DMV Spartanburg DMV
504 Airport Road 8794 Fairforest Road, Suite B
McCormick , SC 29835 Spartanburg , SC 29303-4722
Phone: 864-465-3229 Phone: 864-587-4713

Moncks Corner DMV Spartanburg DMV
445 N. Highway 52 1625 Southport Road
Moncks Corner, SC 29461 Spartanburg, SC 29306
Phone: 843-761-5385 Phone: 864-594-4940

Myrtle Beach DMV St. George DMV
1200 21st Avenue North 5315 E. Jim Bilton Blvd.
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 St. George , SC 29477
Phone: 843-448-9957 Phone: 843-563-6130

North Augusta DMV St. Matthews DMV
1913 Ascauga Lake Road 415 Chestnut Street
North Augusta , SC 29841 St. Matthews , SC 29135-0406
Phone: 803-279-6659 Phone: 803-874-1950

Orangeburg DMV Sumter DMV
1720 Charleston Hwy. 430 South Pike Street
Orangeburg , SC 29115 Sumter , SC 29150
Phone: 803-531-6866 Phone: 803-775-8559

Pickens DMV
2133 Gentry Memorial Hwy
Pickens , SC 29671
Phone: 864-878-1396