South Carolina CDL practice tests
South Carolina requires FMCSA-approved entry-level driver training to be finished between the knowledge test and the skills test, and it hands the actual skills testing over to SCDMV-authorized private Third-Party Examiners statewide.
The written exams themselves are federal. South Carolina decides the permit rules, the fees and who runs the skills test, but the knowledge you are tested on comes from 49 CFR Part 383 and is the same in every state, which is why the 145 questions here work wherever you apply.
What changes in this state
Commercial learner permit
A commercial learner's permit must be held for at least 14 calendar days before the skills test can be taken, and the permit carries a one-year expiration date.
SCDMV, Getting Your First CDL, checked 2026-08-28
Fees
First-time CDL applicants pay a $15 application fee, $2 per knowledge test, $2.50 for the commercial learner's permit, and $25 for an eight-year license.
SCDMV, Getting Your First CDL, checked 2026-08-28
Where you test
Knowledge tests can be taken at any SCDMV branch, while the three-part skills test is given by SCDMV-approved Third-Party Examiners rather than SCDMV staff.
SCDMV, CDL Testing, checked 2026-08-28
Every knowledge area
General Knowledge
Required of every applicant: inspection, control, space and speed management, hazard perception, emergencies and hours of service.
Air Brakes
Fail this and an L restriction bars you from any vehicle with air brakes, which is most of them.
Combination Vehicles
Coupling, the fifth wheel, off tracking and trailer swing. Needed for Class A.
Hazardous Materials
Placards, shipping papers, segregation and the security threat assessment.
Tank Vehicles
Liquid surge, baffles, outage and why a tanker rolls over so readily.
Doubles and Triples
Rearward amplification, converter dollies and coupling a second or third trailer.
Passenger Transport
Bus inspection, standee lines, passenger supervision and railroad crossings.
School Bus
Danger zones, loading and unloading, student crossing and evacuation.