South Carolina CDL Requirements
Table of Contents
- What You Need to Get a CDL in South Carolina
- Age Requirements: Intrastate vs. Interstate
- How to Get Your South Carolina CDL Permit (CLP)
- ELDT Training Requirements
- DOT Physical and Medical Card Requirements
- Required Documents Checklist
- Written Tests and Skills Tests
- Class A vs. Class B CDL Requirements
- How Long Does It Take to Get a CDL in South Carolina?
- Where to Get CDL Training in South Carolina
- Frequently Asked Questions
What You Need to Get a CDL in South Carolina
To get a CDL in South Carolina, you must be at least 18 years old, hold a valid SC driver’s license, pass the CDL general knowledge test to earn your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), complete ELDT training from a federally approved provider, pass a DOT physical, and pass the CDL skills test. Most students are ready to drive commercially within four to six weeks.
Age Requirements: Intrastate vs. Interstate
South Carolina follows the same federal age standards as the rest of the country:
- 18 years old — minimum age to drive commercially within South Carolina (intrastate)
- 21 years old — minimum age to drive across state lines (interstate) or transport hazardous materials
Drivers ages 18 to 20 are eligible for a full South Carolina CDL and can begin their trucking career immediately within the state. Once you turn 21, you can upgrade to unrestricted interstate operations with no additional testing required — your operating category simply changes through SCDMV.
How to Get Your South Carolina CDL Permit (CLP)
Before you can take the CDL skills test in South Carolina, you must earn a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and hold it for a minimum of 14 calendar days.
Steps to get your SC CLP:
- Study the South Carolina Commercial Driver License Manual (available at dmv.sc.gov)
- Complete the Application for a Commercial Learner’s Permit and CDL (SCDMV Form 447-CDL)
- Gather all required identity documents (reference SCDMV Form MV-93 for the full checklist)
- Visit an SCDMV office and pass the vision test
- Pass the CDL General Knowledge test and any applicable endorsement knowledge tests
- Pay the $15 application fee plus $2 per knowledge test and $2.50 for the CLP
- Receive your CLP — valid for one year from the date of issue
While holding your CLP, you may practice driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) only under the direct supervision of a licensed CDL holder of the same class or higher, seated in the front passenger seat.
Important: South Carolina does not accept out-of-state CLPs. If you hold a CLP from another state and move to South Carolina, you must pass the SC general knowledge test before SCDMV will issue a new CLP.
At TransTech, students earn their CLP during the first week of training. No CLP is required to enroll.
ELDT Training Requirements
Federal law requires all first-time CDL applicants to complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) through a school listed on the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR) before they are eligible to take the CDL skills test. This requirement has applied to all South Carolina CDL applicants since February 7, 2022.
Training from an unapproved provider does not satisfy this requirement — always verify your school is listed on the TPR at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov before enrolling.
What ELDT covers:
- Basic vehicle control and shifting
- Backing and docking maneuvers
- Pre-trip vehicle inspection procedures
- On-road driving skills and hazard perception
- Federal safety regulations and compliance
TransTech’s CDL programs in South Carolina are fully ELDT-compliant and registered on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry.
Learn more about ELDT training requirements →
DOT Physical and Medical Card Requirements
All South Carolina CDL applicants must obtain a valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate before operating a commercial motor vehicle. The exam must be performed by a medical examiner listed on FMCSA’s National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.
What the DOT physical evaluates:
- Vision (minimum 20/40 acuity in each eye, with or without correction)
- Hearing and balance
- Blood pressure and cardiovascular health
- Neurological and musculoskeletal function
- Urinalysis for underlying health conditions
Your Medical Examiner’s Certificate must be submitted electronically to SCDMV directly from your medical provider. You are required to maintain a current medical certificate at all times — proof of medical qualification is required every time you apply for or renew a CLP or CDL, upgrade your CDL class, or change your address with SCDMV.
Full guide of what to expect during a DOT Physical →
At TransTech, the DOT is handled during the first week of training, so there is no need to schedule a prior appointment.
Required Documents Checklist
Bring the following to your SCDMV visit when applying for your South Carolina CLP or CDL:
- Valid, unexpired South Carolina driver’s license
- Completed SCDMV Form 447-CDL (Application for CLP/CDL)
- Proof of identity (per SCDMV Form MV-93 or MV-94 for international applicants)
- Social Security documentation
- Proof of automobile liability insurance from a company licensed in South Carolina
- Valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate (submitted electronically by your provider)
- SCDMV Form DL-405A (CDL Holders Medical Certification) if not already on file
- Application fee ($15) plus $2 per knowledge test
Note: Credit and debit card transactions at SCDMV carry a $1 + 1.7% service fee. Paying in cash avoids this charge.
CDL Written Tests and Skills Tests in South Carolina
Written (Knowledge) Tests
All CDL applicants must pass the CDL General Knowledge test at an SCDMV office. Knowledge tests are taken electronically and cannot be completed online. A passing score of 80% or higher is required on all knowledge tests. If you fail, you must wait until the following day before retesting.
Additional knowledge tests are required depending on your CDL class and endorsements:
- Combination Vehicles (required for Class A)
- Air Brakes (if the vehicle has air brakes)
- Passenger (P), School Bus (S), HazMat (H), Tanker (N), Doubles/Triples (T) — endorsement-specific
Endorsement knowledge tests may be taken the same day as the general knowledge test or at a later date.
Skills Tests
After holding your CLP for at least 14 calendar days and completing ELDT training, you can schedule your CDL skills test at a designated SCDMV testing location. Not all SCDMV offices offer skills testing — check dmv.sc.gov or contact your local office to confirm availability. Appointments are strongly recommended.
The skills test must be completed in this order:
- Vehicle Inspection Test — demonstrate your ability to identify safety defects before driving
- Basic Control Skills Test — straight-line backing, offset backing, and alley docking
- On-Road Driving Test — intersections, lane changes, turning, stopping, and general traffic handling
You must provide a commercial motor vehicle that matches the class of CDL you are testing for, and it must pass a safety check before the test begins. Third-party CDL skills testing is also available in South Carolina through SCDMV-approved third-party testers — TransTech campuses offer on-site testing at select locations.
Retesting: If you fail the skills test a second time, South Carolina requires you to wait at least 7 calendar days before retesting.
Check out CDL Testing Options →
Class A vs. Class B CDL Requirements in South Carolina
Both Class A and Class B CDLs follow the same process in South Carolina — CLP, ELDT, DOT physical, knowledge tests, and skills test — but they qualify you for different vehicles.
Class A CDL
- Required for combination vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 lbs or more, where the towed unit has a GVWR greater than 10,000 lbs
- Covers tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, flatbeds, and long-haul freight vehicles
- With the appropriate endorsements, a Class A CDL also permits you to operate Class B and C vehicles
Class B CDL
- Required for single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more, towing a unit no greater than 10,000 lbs GVWR
- Covers straight trucks, large buses, dump trucks, and commercial delivery vehicles
Not sure which class fits your goals? Compare Class A and Class B CDL programs
How Long Does it Take to Get a CDL in South Carolina?
Most students complete the South Carolina CDL process in four to six weeks. Here’s a general timeline:
| Step | Estimated Time |
| Study and pass CLP knowledge tests | 1–2 weeks |
| Hold CLP (minimum required wait) | 14 days |
| Complete ELDT training | 4 weeks (full-time) |
| Schedule and pass skills test | 1–3 days after training |
| CDL issued | Same day upon passing skills test |
One notable advantage of South Carolina: unlike some states, SCDMV issues your CDL on the same day you pass your skills test — no waiting for mail delivery. At TransTech, full-time students complete ELDT training in four weeks. Part-time weekend programs take approximately eight weekends. Because the CLP holding period and ELDT training can run concurrently, most students are road-ready in right around a month.
Where to Get CDL Training in South Carolina
TransTech operates CDL training campuses across South Carolina — all fully ELDT-compliant and registered on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. Our programs feature small class sizes, certified instructors, modern equipment, and on-site third-party CDL testing at select locations.
TransTech SC Campus Locations:
- Columbia, SC — serving Richland County and the greater Columbia area
- Spartanburg, SC — serving the Upstate SC region including Greenville-Spartanburg
- Charleston, SC — coming soon
Whether you’re in the Midlands, Upstate, or Lowcountry, TransTech has a campus built to get you trained and road-ready fast.
Frequently Asked Questions: South Carolina CDL Requirements
How much does it cost to get a CDL in South Carolina?
State fees include a $15 application fee, $2 per knowledge test, and $2.50 for the CLP. South Carolina CDLs are valid for eight years, which makes the state’s renewal cost among the lowest in the nation. CDL school tuition costs vary by program — contact a TransTech campus near you for current tuition and financial assistance options.
How long is a South Carolina CDL valid?
South Carolina CDLs are valid for eight years — one of the longest validity periods in the country. The exception is CDLs with a HazMat endorsement, which expire five years from the pass date of your TSA Security Threat Assessment rather than the standard eight-year cycle.
Can I transfer my out-of-state CLP to South Carolina?
No. South Carolina does not accept out-of-state CLPs. If you move to SC while holding a CLP from another state, you must pass the South Carolina general knowledge test before SCDMV will issue a new SC CLP. You must then hold that CLP for at least 14 calendar days before taking the skills test.
What endorsements can I add to my South Carolina CDL?
South Carolina CDL holders can add endorsements for Hazardous Materials (H), Passengers (P), School Bus (S), Tanker Vehicles (N), Doubles/Triples (T), and a combined Tank/HazMat (X) endorsement. Each requires passing an additional knowledge test. The HazMat endorsement also requires fingerprinting and a TSA Security Threat Assessment ($85.25), which must be completed before SCDMV will issue the endorsement.
Does South Carolina require ELDT training?
Yes. Since February 7, 2022, all first-time CDL applicants in South Carolina must complete ELDT training from a school on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry before they are eligible to take the CDL skills test. This is a federal requirement that applies in every state, including South Carolina.
Can military veterans waive the CDL skills test in South Carolina?
Yes, in some cases. Veterans with documented CMV experience from their military service may qualify for the FMCSA military skills test waiver. Bring your discharge paperwork and service records to SCDMV to determine your eligibility.
How do I renew my South Carolina CDL?
To renew your SC CDL, visit an SCDMV branch in person, complete SCDMV Form 447-CDL, pass a vision test, provide current insurance information, and submit your medical certification if required. If you have accumulated 5 or more points within two years of your renewal date, you must also retake the CDL general knowledge test. HazMat endorsement holders must pass the HazMat knowledge test and complete a new TSA background check at renewal.
What happens if I fail the South Carolina CDL skills test?
You can retake the skills test, but if you fail on your second attempt, South Carolina requires you to wait at least seven calendar days before trying again. Make sure you arrive prepared — TransTech’s hands-on training program is specifically designed to prepare students for all three components of the skills test.
Where can I take the CDL skills test in South Carolina?
CDL skills tests are conducted at designated SCDMV testing locations and through SCDMV-approved third-party testers. Not every SCDMV office offers skills testing, so confirm availability before scheduling. TransTech campuses with on-site third-party testing provide the vehicle as part of the program — contact your campus for details.
Ready to Start Your CDL Training in South Carolina?
Getting your South Carolina CDL starts with enrolling in the right program. TransTech offers ELDT-compliant CDL training at campuses in Columbia and Spartanburg, with a Charleston location coming soon. Full-time programs get you road-ready in just four weeks. Small class sizes, certified instructors, modern equipment, and on-site CDL testing make TransTech the clear choice for new truck drivers across the Palmetto State.
Requirements and fees are subject to change. Always verify current information with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) at dmv.sc.gov before beginning your application.