A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) opens the door to numerous career paths in the logistics and transportation industries in South Carolina. Obtaining this professional license requires navigating a multi-step process governed by federal regulations and the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV). Aspiring commercial drivers must satisfy sequential requirements, beginning with basic eligibility and culminating in practical skills examinations. This guide outlines the steps involved in securing a CDL within South Carolina.
Initial Requirements and Eligibility
Meeting fundamental eligibility criteria established by state and federal governments is the first step. An applicant must be a permanent resident of South Carolina and possess a valid, unexpired standard South Carolina driver’s license. A clean driving history is also required, as unresolved suspensions or disqualifying violations prevent the application from moving forward.
Age requirements differ based on the intended scope of operation. You must be at least 18 years old to drive a commercial vehicle solely within South Carolina borders (intrastate commerce). Operating across state lines (interstate commerce) requires the driver to be at least 21 years of age. This higher age threshold also applies if you plan to transport hazardous materials.
Obtaining the Commercial Learner’s Permit
Once basic eligibility is confirmed, the next step is obtaining a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) from the SCDMV. Securing a CLP requires passing a series of knowledge tests covering general commercial driving regulations and vehicle specifics. All applicants must pass the General Knowledge test. Additional tests, such as Air Brakes and Combination Vehicle tests, are required for specific vehicle types like those seeking a Class A license.
To pass each knowledge exam section, you must correctly answer at least 80% of the questions. The permit is valid for one year but comes with strict operating restrictions. A CLP holder is only permitted to drive a commercial vehicle while accompanied by a fully licensed CDL holder occupying the seat next to them. A mandatory waiting period of 14 calendar days must pass after the CLP is issued before the driver is eligible to take the practical CDL skills tests.
Meeting Federal Medical Certification Standards
A federal requirement involves demonstrating physical fitness to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle. This requires undergoing a mandatory Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination conducted by a Certified Medical Examiner. The examiner must be listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.
The comprehensive exam includes a review of medical history, vision and hearing tests, a blood pressure check, and a urinalysis. Upon passing the examination, the driver receives a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC). This certificate must be submitted to the SCDMV, along with a self-certification form indicating the type of commerce intended. The MEC must be kept current throughout the driver’s career.
Completing Required Entry-Level Driver Training
All new commercial drivers must complete the federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) mandate. This training must be finished before an applicant is allowed to take the CDL skills test. It applies to those obtaining a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time, upgrading an existing CDL, or obtaining a Passenger (P), School Bus (S), or Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement.
The training must be provided by a certified entity listed on the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR). The ELDT curriculum is divided into two components: theory instruction and behind-the-wheel (BTW) proficiency training. Theory instruction covers basic operation, safe operating procedures, vehicle systems, and non-driving activities like cargo handling.
The behind-the-wheel portion ensures the driver achieves proficiency in vehicle maneuvers and on-road driving skills. This training must be completed in a vehicle representative of the CDL class being sought. After the student completes both the theory and BTW portions, the training provider electronically submits the certification to the TPR, making the driver eligible for the skills test.
Scheduling and Passing the CDL Skills Tests
After holding the CLP for 14 days and satisfying ELDT requirements, the final step is scheduling and passing the CDL skills tests. These practical examinations can be scheduled through the SCDMV at a designated testing site or with an authorized third-party tester. Applicants must bring a test vehicle of the same class as the CDL sought, which must have valid registration and insurance.
The skills test consists of three separate parts that must be passed sequentially on the same day. First is the Vehicle Inspection Test, where the applicant demonstrates a thorough pre-trip inspection. Next is the Basic Vehicle Control Skills Test, which assesses the driver’s ability to perform off-road maneuvers like backing and parking. The final portion is the On-Road Driving Test, which evaluates safe operation on public roads while adhering to traffic laws. Failing any one of these three parts terminates the entire skills test for that day.
Understanding CDL Classes and Endorsements
The type of commercial vehicle determines the CDL classification required. A Class A CDL is required for any combination of vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the towed unit weighs more than 10,000 pounds. A Class B CDL covers a single vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, or such a vehicle towing a unit that weighs less than 10,000 pounds.
A Class C CDL is for vehicles not meeting Class A or B weight criteria, but are designed to transport 16 or more passengers or carry placarded hazardous materials. Endorsements are added qualifications that permit the driver to operate specialized vehicles or cargo. Common endorsements include P for Passenger, N for Tanker, and H for Hazmat. Obtaining an endorsement requires passing an additional knowledge test, and the Hazmat endorsement mandates a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check.
Fees and Validity
The administrative costs associated with obtaining a CDL are collected by the SCDMV at various stages. There is a $15 application fee charged each time an application for a CDL or CLP is made. Each knowledge test attempt, including those for endorsements, costs $2. The Commercial Learner’s Permit fee is $2.50 and is valid for one year.
Once all requirements are met, the full CDL is typically issued for eight years at a cost of $25. A CDL with a Hazmat endorsement is an exception, expiring five years from the date the driver passes the TSA threat assessment, costing $15 plus the standard application fee. These state-collected fees are separate from the costs associated with the mandatory ELDT training program or the DOT physical examination.