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SC CDL License Guide

Commercial Driver's License

Ready to drive commercial vehicles in South Carolina? This guide covers everything you need to know about getting your CDL - from choosing the right class to passing your skills test.

Minimum Age
18 or 21
Interstate requires 21
CLP Fee
$15
Commercial Learner's Permit
CDL Fee
$25
License issuance fee
Skills Test Fee
$5
Each attempt

In This Guide

CDL Classes Explained Basic Requirements Getting Your CLP ELDT Training Requirements Skills Test Breakdown Endorsements & Restrictions Medical Certification Step-by-Step Process

CDL Classes Explained

There are three classes of CDL, based on the type and weight of vehicles you want to drive. Here's what each one covers:

Class A CDL

Combination Vehicles

For: Tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, truck and trailer combos, tanker vehicles, livestock carriers, flatbeds

Vehicle Requirements:

  • Combined GVWR over 26,001 lbs
  • Towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs

A Class A CDL also allows you to drive Class B and Class C vehicles (with proper endorsements).

Class B CDL

Heavy Straight Vehicles

For: Straight trucks, large buses, box trucks, dump trucks with small trailers, delivery trucks

Vehicle Requirements:

  • Single vehicle GVWR over 26,001 lbs
  • Can tow a vehicle under 10,000 lbs

A Class B CDL also allows you to drive Class C vehicles (with proper endorsements).

Class C CDL

Small HAZMAT & Passenger Vehicles

For: Small HAZMAT vehicles, passenger vans (16+ passengers), small buses, combination vehicles not covered by Class A or B

Vehicle Requirements:

  • Designed for 16+ passengers (including driver), OR
  • Placarded for hazardous materials
  • Does not meet Class A or B weight requirements

Not Sure Which Class You Need?

Most trucking jobs require a Class A CDL. If you're planning to drive 18-wheelers or tractor-trailers, go with Class A. Bus drivers typically need Class B with a Passenger endorsement.

Basic Requirements

Age Requirements

18 Years Old

Intrastate driving only (within South Carolina)

21 Years Old

Interstate driving (crossing state lines) and HAZMAT

You Must Have

  • Valid South Carolina driver's license (Class D or higher)
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency
  • Proof of South Carolina residency
  • Social Security card
  • Valid DOT medical certificate (more on this below)

Disqualifications

You cannot get a CDL if you have:

  • A suspended or revoked license in any state
  • A CDL from another state (must surrender it first)
  • Certain criminal convictions (varies by endorsement)
  • Medical conditions that disqualify you from driving commercially

Getting Your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)

Before you can get your CDL, you need a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP). Think of it like a regular learner's permit, but for commercial vehicles.

CLP Written Tests

To get your CLP, you'll take written knowledge tests at the DMV. The tests you take depend on the CDL class and endorsements you want:

General Knowledge Test (Required for all)

Covers safe driving rules, cargo securement, vehicle inspection, and emergency procedures.

Combination Vehicles Test (Class A only)

Covers coupling/uncoupling, jackknifing prevention, and combination vehicle operation.

Air Brakes Test (If applicable)

Required if you'll drive vehicles with air brakes. Covers air brake systems and inspection.

Endorsement Tests (As needed)

Additional tests for HAZMAT, Passenger, Tanker, School Bus, etc.

Study Resources

The SCDMV provides a free CDL manual that covers everything on the written tests:

Download the SC CDL Manual

CLP Rules

  • 1 Must hold CLP for at least 14 days before taking skills test
  • 2 CLP is valid for 180 days (can renew once)
  • 3 Must be accompanied by a CDL holder in the passenger seat when driving
  • 4 Cannot carry passengers or hazardous materials

ELDT Training Requirements

Federal Requirement Since February 2022

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) is now required by the FMCSA for anyone getting a Class A or B CDL for the first time, upgrading their CDL, or adding certain endorsements.

Who Needs ELDT?

ELDT Required:

  • - First-time Class A CDL
  • - First-time Class B CDL
  • - Upgrading from Class B to Class A
  • - Adding Hazmat (H) endorsement
  • - Adding Passenger (P) endorsement
  • - Adding School Bus (S) endorsement

ELDT NOT Required:

  • - Class C CDL only
  • - Renewals (if you already have CDL)
  • - Adding Tanker (N) endorsement
  • - Adding Doubles/Triples (T) endorsement
  • - Military exemptions

What ELDT Involves

ELDT must be completed through an FMCSA-registered training provider. It includes:

  • Theory (Classroom) Training

    Can be online or in-person. Covers regulations, safety, and vehicle operation concepts.

  • Behind-the-Wheel Training

    Must be on a range and public roads. Your trainer certifies you're proficient.

Find a training provider: Use the FMCSA Training Provider Registry at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov

CDL Skills Test Breakdown

After holding your CLP for at least 14 days and completing ELDT (if required), you can schedule your skills test. The test has three parts:

1

Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection

You'll walk around the vehicle and explain to the examiner what you're checking and why. This tests your knowledge of vehicle components and safety systems.

What You'll Inspect:

- Engine compartment
- Cab/cab area
- Lights and reflectors
- Steering components
- Brakes and air system
- Tires and wheels
- Coupling system (Class A)
- Suspension components

Tip: Use a memorization pattern (front to back, top to bottom) and explain what you're looking for AND why it matters.

2

Basic Vehicle Control

Performed in a controlled area (parking lot or course). You'll demonstrate your ability to control the vehicle in tight spaces.

Common Maneuvers:

  • Straight Line Backing: Back in a straight line within a lane for 100 feet
  • Offset Back/Right: Back into a lane to your left or right
  • Offset Back/Left: Back into a lane to your left
  • Parallel Parking (Conventional): Park parallel along a curb
  • Parallel Parking (Sight-Side): Park with trailer visible
  • Alley Dock: Back into a 90-degree loading dock

Tip: Use your mirrors constantly. Get out and look (GOAL) if you're unsure - it's better than hitting something.

3

On-Road Driving Test

You'll drive on public roads with the examiner. They're evaluating your ability to safely operate the vehicle in real traffic conditions.

What They're Watching:

- Turns (left and right)
- Lane changes
- Merging onto highways
- Traffic signs and signals
- Speed management
- Space management
- Railroad crossings
- General driving behavior

Tip: Drive defensively, check mirrors every 5-8 seconds, and always signal your intentions.

Where to Take the Skills Test

In South Carolina, CDL skills tests are administered at specific SCDMV locations. You'll need to schedule an appointment in advance.

Important: You must bring a properly registered and insured commercial vehicle to your skills test. Many people use their employer's vehicle or rent from a CDL school.

Endorsements & Restrictions

Endorsements allow you to drive specific types of vehicles or cargo. Each endorsement requires an additional knowledge test (and sometimes skills test).

Code Endorsement Required For Requirements
H Hazardous Materials Placarded hazmat loads Written test + TSA background check
N Tank Vehicle Liquid bulk tanks Written test
P Passenger Buses (16+ passengers) Written test + skills test in bus
S School Bus School buses Written test + skills test in school bus + background check
T Doubles/Triples Double or triple trailers Written test (Class A only)
X Tanker + Hazmat Hazmat tank vehicles Combination of H and N requirements

Common Restrictions

Restrictions limit what you can drive based on how you tested or your qualifications:

E No Manual Transmission: If you test in an automatic, you can only drive automatics
L No Air Brakes: If you don't pass air brakes test or test without them
M Passenger Restriction: Limited to Class B or C bus operation
N CDL Intrastate Only: Can only drive commercially within South Carolina
O No Tractor-Trailer: Can't drive Class A combination vehicles (Class A without full trailer)
Z No Full Air Brake: Can only drive vehicles with air over hydraulic brakes

Medical Certification

All CDL holders must maintain a valid medical certificate from a DOT-certified medical examiner. This ensures you're physically qualified to safely operate commercial vehicles.

Certificate Duration

  • - 2 years for most drivers
  • - 1 year if you have certain conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.)
  • - Must renew before expiration to maintain CDL

Where to Get It

Physical exams must be performed by a medical examiner listed in the FMCSA National Registry.

Find a certified medical examiner →

What's Checked in a DOT Physical?

  • - Vision (20/40 with or without correction)
  • - Hearing (whisper test or audiometry)
  • - Blood pressure
  • - Urinalysis
  • - Heart and lung function
  • - Neurological function
  • - Diabetes screening
  • - Overall physical ability

Self-Certification Categories

When you get your CDL, you must self-certify which type of commercial driving you'll do:

  • Interstate Non-Excepted: Cross state lines, full DOT medical required
  • Interstate Excepted: Cross state lines, exempt from DOT medical (federal government, etc.)
  • Intrastate Non-Excepted: SC only, full DOT medical required
  • Intrastate Excepted: SC only, exempt from DOT medical (farm vehicles, etc.)

Step-by-Step: Getting Your SC CDL

1

Get Your DOT Medical Certificate

Schedule a physical with a DOT-certified medical examiner. Bring the medical examiner's certificate to the DMV.

2

Study for Written Tests

Download the SC CDL Manual and study for the general knowledge test, plus any endorsement tests you need.

3

Visit DMV for CLP

Bring your documents (license, Social Security card, proof of residency, medical certificate). Take written tests. Pay $15 for CLP.

4

Complete ELDT Training

Enroll in and complete Entry-Level Driver Training with an FMCSA-registered provider. This includes classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction.

5

Practice, Practice, Practice

Use your CLP to practice with a licensed CDL driver. Focus on pre-trip inspection, backing maneuvers, and road driving.

6

Schedule & Pass Skills Test

After holding CLP for 14+ days, schedule your skills test at an SCDMV location. Bring a properly registered/insured commercial vehicle. Pass all three parts.

7

Get Your CDL!

Once you pass, pay the $25 CDL fee and you'll receive your new license. Congratulations - you're a commercial driver!

Fee Summary

Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) $15
CDL Skills Test (per attempt) $5
CDL License Issuance $25
Endorsement Fee (each) $2
HAZMAT TSA Background Check ~$87
DOT Physical (varies by provider) $50-150

Note: ELDT training costs vary significantly by provider and program (typically $3,000-$10,000 for full programs).

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a CDL?
It varies based on your training program. Intensive "truck driving schools" can be completed in 3-8 weeks. Part-time programs might take 3-6 months. You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before testing.
Can my employer pay for CDL training?
Yes! Many trucking companies offer "company-sponsored CDL training" where they pay for your school in exchange for a commitment to work for them afterward (usually 1-2 years). Some also offer tuition reimbursement.
What if I fail the skills test?
You can retake the test. Each attempt costs $5. If you fail a section, you typically only need to retake that section (not the whole test). Your CLP must still be valid when you retest.
Can I drive with an out-of-state CDL in South Carolina?
If you're visiting or passing through, yes. But if you become a SC resident, you must transfer your CDL within 30 days. You'll need to pass the written tests again, but may not need to retake the skills test.
Do I need to provide my own truck for the skills test?
Yes. The SCDMV does not provide vehicles for CDL skills tests. Most people use their employer's truck, rent from their CDL school, or use a third-party testing service that provides a vehicle.
What's the difference between ELDT and CDL school?
ELDT is the federally-required minimum training. CDL schools often provide more extensive training beyond the minimum requirements. Many CDL schools are registered as ELDT providers, so you get both in one program.

Official Resources

SCDMV CDL Information

Official SC DMV page with CDL requirements and forms.

Visit SCDMV →

FMCSA Training Provider Registry

Find ELDT-certified training providers near you.

Find Providers →

Find a Medical Examiner

Locate DOT-certified medical examiners for your physical.

Search Registry →

FMCSA CDL Overview

Federal CDL regulations and requirements.

Learn More →

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