South Carolina CDL Test Requirements and Endorsements
- Discover what type of CDL you need
- Become familiar with different skills needed to succeed
- Learn about the fees you'll have to pay
Do You Want a Commercial Driver's License?
If you want to operate a commercial vehicle in the State of South Carolina, then you better obtain a South Carolina commercial driver's license. Keep reading this page to view important and insightful information on how to achieve this task. Before this license can be obtained, you'll have to pass knowledge and skills tests.
The CDL Courses
Individual Courses:
- General Knowledge
- Air Brakes
- Combination Vehicles
- Doubles/Triples
- Hazardous Materials
- School Bus
- Passenger Transport
- Pre-trip Inspection
- Tankers
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You May Need a CDL
To legally operate a Class A, B, or C commercial vehicle in the State of South Carolina, you will need a South Carolina commercial driver's license. Further endorsements will need to be earned for double/triple trailers, tanker vehicles, passenger vehicles, and vehicles placarded for hazardous materials.
- Class A License - This license will allow you to operate combination vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) exceeding 26,000 pounds, as long as the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is more than 10,000 pounds.
- Class B License - This license will allow you to operate a single or combination vehicle where the GVWR of the single vehicle exceeds 26,000 pounds. The vehicle being towed cannot weigh more than 10,000 pounds.
- Class C License - This license will allow you to operate a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, as well as vehicles placarded for hazardous materials that don't fit into the above sections.
The Skills Test
Once you successfully complete a knowledge test, you will be allowed to take the skills test. During this section, you skills in the following areas will be observed: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. You must take these tests in the vehicle in which you want to become licensed to drive.
- Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection - You will be tested to see if you know whether or not your vehicle is safe to drive. You must conduct an inspection and thoroughly explain your findings.
- Basic Vehicle Control - You will be tested to see if you can control your vehicle. You must be able to move the vehicle forward, backward, and turn it within a defined area.
- On-Road Test - You will be tested to see if you can safely drive your vehicle in a range of traffic situations, such as: up and down grades, streets, highways, and more.
More CDL Requirements
To secure a CDL, you must meet more requirements. You must be 18 years old to drive within the state and 21 years old for interstate driving. You will also need to pass a physical exam every two years. This exam will test your hearing and vision. Drivers must not be colorblind.
At the DMV
Ensure your first trip to the DMV is your only one by taking the following items: a current driver's license, a Department of Transportation Physical Examination Form, and your social security card.
South Carolina ID and Required Documents
The Various Fees
The CDL application fee is $15.00 However, fees may alter, depending on the specific county you reside in. For a current price list, visit the South Carolina DMV.
Driver's License Info on South Carolina's Official DMV website
Get More Information
South Carolina CDL Manual:
South Carolina CDL Driver's Handbook
For Federal Requirements for a CDL: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration-licensing/cdl/cdl.htm
For Medical Requirements for a CDL: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/medical.htm
