South Carolina (SC) CDL Practice Tests

South Carolina (SC) CDL applicants can use this 5-question practice set to sharpen key concepts before taking the Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) knowledge exam.

South Carolina CDL Practice Tests: General Knowledge, Combination Vehicle & Air Brakes

Drivers preparing for a South Carolina Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) should focus on three core CDL practice tests. These align with the written knowledge exams required by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV).

• General Knowledge CDL Practice Test
• Combination Vehicle CDL Practice Test
• Air Brakes CDL Practice Test

These practice tests, used with the official South Carolina CDL manual, help you study the topics covered on the state CDL knowledge exams and build confidence before testing.

Preparing for the South Carolina CDL Exam

Commercial driver licensing standards are established nationally by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), but each state administers its own knowledge and skills exams.

In South Carolina, CDL licensing and testing are overseen by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV). The official South Carolina Commercial Driver’s License Manual provides the foundation for written and skills testing:

• South Carolina Commercial Driver’s License Manual (PDF)

The South Carolina CDL manual applies to all commercial license classes, including:

• Class A CDL
• Class B CDL
• Class C CDL

South Carolina CDL Eligibility Requirements

Age Requirements:
You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a CDL for intrastate (within South Carolina) driving.
You must be at least 21 years old to operate interstate or transport hazardous materials.

Valid South Carolina Driver’s License

You must hold a valid South Carolina non-commercial driver’s license before applying for a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) or CDL. If you are new to South Carolina with an out-of-state CDL or CLP, you must satisfy application and testing requirements for a South Carolina CDL. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Medical Certification

All CDL applicants in South Carolina must provide proof of medical qualification per FMCSA standards, and complete the required SCDMV medical certification form. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

FMCSA medical certification requirements

CDL Knowledge Tests and Endorsements

Applicants must pass written knowledge tests covering general CDL topics, air brakes (if applicable), and any endorsements required for their intended type of driving. Each test attempted costs a separate fee. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Common CDL endorsements include:

• Hazardous Materials (H)
• Tank Vehicles (N)
• Passenger (P)
• School Bus (S)

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

Federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements apply to many South Carolina CDL applicants who are obtaining certain CDL classes or endorsements for the first time. ELDT includes both classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training with an FMCSA-registered provider. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

FMCSA Training Provider Registry

Background Checks and Documentation

Certain endorsements, including Hazardous Materials (H), require additional federal background checks with TSA. South Carolina also requires applicants to present proof of identity, residency, and lawful presence as part of the CDL application. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

South Carolina CDL Application Process

To apply for a CDL in South Carolina, you must complete the Application for a Commercial Driver’s License or Learner’s Permit (Form 447-CDL), pass all required knowledge tests, hold a CLP for at least 14 days, and then pass the CDL skills test, which includes vehicle inspection, basic control skills, and on-road driving. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

South Carolina CDL application and testing information

South Carolina CDL Fees

South Carolina CDL fees are published by the SCDMV. Fees vary by transaction (permit vs license) and by knowledge test attempts. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

• CDL Application Fee: $15 (applies to CLP and CDL) :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
• Knowledge Test Fee: $2 per test attempt :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
• Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP): $2.50 (1-year permit) :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
• Commercial Driver License Fee: $2.50 per year (e.g., $20 for an 8-year license) :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
• Hazardous Materials (H) Endorsement: additional knowledge test fees + TSA background check fees (federal) :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
• Skills Test Retest Fee: $25 for another skills test attempt if a portion is not passed :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Because South Carolina CDL license fees vary by duration and testing requirements, applicants should always confirm current fees directly with the SCDMV before applying.

View the official South Carolina DMV fee schedule