Test Needed to Renew South Carolina Biker Beginner Permit

People who want to renew a motorcycle beginner permit in South Carolina now must take a skills test.

The Island Packet of Hilton Head reports that until this week, bikers could renew their permits as many times as they wanted without taking such a test.

Those who fail will be able to renew a beginner permit, but officials say the test should make the roads safer.

The Department of Motor Vehicles estimates as many as 30 percent of South Carolina motorcyclists don’t have a motorcycle license, but simply use a beginner permit that only allows daytime driving.

DMV executive director Kevin Shwedo says without a license, officials are not sure if people are capable of riding a motorcycle. He says some riders have renewed beginner permits 13 times.