Commercial Driver's Licenses have one of the following classes:

Note: Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is defined in South Carolina Code of Law, Section 56-1-2030, item 16 as the weight or the value specified by the manufacturer as the maximum loaded weight of a single or a combination vehicle. The gross vehicle weight rating of a combination vehicle (commonly referred to as the "gross combination weight rating") is the gross vehicle weight rating of the power unit plus the gross vehicle weight rating of a towed unit.

Commercial licenses expire every five years on the driver's birthday and may not be renewed by mail.

Each time you make application for a CDL permit, CDL license, upgrade of CDL license, renewal of CDL license, change of address, or request a duplicate CDL, you will be required to provide proof that you are medically qualified pursuant to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation 49 CFR, Part 391. You must complete Form DL-405A to self-certify the type of commerce for which you intend to operate. You must also provide medical certification for any type of commerce that requires it. (See Frequently Asked Questions regarding form DL-405A.) SCDMV will collect the driver’s certification information and add it to the national Commercial Driver License Information System (CDLIS) record. All commercial driver’s license and beginner permit holders must self-certify by January 30, 2014 or risk losing his or her commercial credential. Commercial driver’s license and beginner permit holders must comply each time they apply for a new credential, renew or upgrade their credential. If a medical certificate is required, you must also show your valid DOT long form or valid DOT medical pocket card.

If you upgrade or downgrade your commercial license endorsement or class, you must complete Form DL-402 and provide information regarding any previous out-of-state drivers' licenses.

The following endorsements can be applied to a CDL:

The following CDL restrictions can be assigned:

I	Intrastate Only (Under 21)
K	May not operate air brake equipped vehicles (requires knowledge and road test to remove restriction)
M	Except Class A Bus
N	Except Class A and B Bus
P	Excepted Interstate
V	Medical Variance
Z	Except tractor trailer

For information about Jacob's Law, click here.

Effective January 5, 2004 DMV will use an online Social Security Verification System to check your name, date of birth, and social security number against your Social Security Administration (SSA) record.

If the information you provide to DMV does not match your SSA Record, you must correct or verify the information with SSA before being issued a commercial vehicle credential.

The new process will affect the following persons seeking credentials:

• First time applicants for a commercial vehicle Class A, B, C, E or F beginner’s permit or license.
• New residents exchanging their out-of-state commercial permit or license for a South Carolina credential.
• Persons applying for a change in license class (i.e. going from a Class B to a Class A license).

To get a beginner’s permit in the state of South Carolina to operate a commercial motor vehicle you must meet the same requirements listed below for an initial CDL minus item #10 (passing the road test). You are not required to take the road test until you are prepared to successfully pass the pre-trip inspection, off-road and on-road driving for a commercial driver’s license.

A CDL beginner's permit can only be renewed once within a two-year period according to SC Code of Law § 56-1-2080 (C) (3).  See requirements below for renewing a CDL, which are the same requirements for renewing a CDL BP.

To obtain a Commercial Driver's License for the first time in the state of South Carolina, the following are required:

1. You must be at least 18 years of age to drive within the State of South Carolina and 21 years of age for interstate driving.
2. Certify that you have read and understand, and meet the qualification requirements under 49 CFR, Part 391 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
3. Complete Form DL-405A to self-certify the type of commerce for which you intend to use your CDL. You must also provide medical certification for any type of commerce that requires it. (See Frequently Asked Questions regarding form DL-405A.) SCDMV will collect the driver’s certification information and add it to the national Commercial Driver License Information System (CDLIS) record. All commercial driver’s license and beginner permit holders must self-certify by January 30, 2014 or risk losing his or her commercial credential. Commercial driver’s license and beginner permit holders must comply each time they apply for a new credential, renew or upgrade their credential.
4. If required, show your valid DOT long form or valid DOT medical pocket card to meet the requirement of providing proof that you are medically qualified pursuant to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation 49 CFR, part 391. South Carolina requires that you maintain a valid medical Examiner's Certificate to obtain and/or retain a commercial driver instruction permit or commercial driver's license.
5. Provide proof of identity using Accepted Forms of Identification.
6. Complete the DMV Form 447 Application for S.C. Credential. There is a $15.00 application fee.
7. Complete Form DL-402 Affidavit of Previous Driver's License and provide information regarding any previous out-of-state drivers' licenses.
8. Pass a vision test.
9. Pass all required knowledge tests for license or permit in the classification you intend to operate. There is a $2.00 fee for each knowledge test taken.
10. Pass the road test, which includes the pre-trip inspection, off-road and on-road driving.
11. Pay $12.50 license fee.
12. Provide Automobile liability insurance information (SC Code Section 56-1-80(C).  Insurance company must be licensed to do business in the state of South Carolina.

When you apply for a commercial driver's license, SCDMV will run automatic checks against the Problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS) and the Commercial Driver License Information System (CDLIS) databases to check your prior driving history in other states. The checks are performed when a customer applies for an original credential, renews a credential, is reexamined or moves from a beginner permit to a license. They are designed to insure drivers have only one valid license at a time.

After establishing residency in South Carolina, you must apply to transfer your CDL license within 30 days.

When you apply for a commercial driver's license, SCDMV will run automatic checks against the Problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS) and the Commercial Driver License Information System (CDLIS) databases to check your prior driving history in other states. The checks are performed when a customer applies for an original credential, renews a credential, is reexamined or moves from a beginner permit to a license. They are designed to insure drivers have only one valid license at a time.

You will be required to surrender your out-of-state license before a South Carolina commercial driver's license can be issued.

To transfer a CDL from another state to South Carolina, the following are required:

1. You must be 21 years of age for interstate driving.
2. Certify that you have read and understand, and meet the qualification requirements under 49 CFR, Part 391 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
3. Complete Form DL-405A to self-certify the type of commerce for which you intend to operate. You must also provide medical certification for any type of commerce that requires it. (See Frequently Asked Questions regarding form DL-405A.) SCDMV will collect the driver’s certification information and add it to the national Commercial Driver License Information System (CDLIS) record. All commercial driver’s license and beginner permit holders must self-certify by January 30, 2014 or risk losing his or her commercial credential. Commercial driver’s license and beginner permit holders must comply each time they apply for a new credential, renew or upgrade their credential
4. If required, show your valid DOT long form or valid DOT medical pocket card to meet the requirement of providing proof that you are medically qualified pursuant to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation 49 CFR, part 391. South Carolina requires that you maintain a valid medical Examiner's Certificate to obtain and/or retain a commercial driver instruction permit or commercial driver's license. 
5. Provide proof of identity using Accepted Forms of Identification.
6. Complete DMV Form 447 Application for S.C. Credential (there is a $15.00 application fee).
7. Complete Form DL-402 Affidavit of Previous Driver's License and provide information regarding any previous out-of-state drivers' licenses and disqualifying offenses.
8. Pass a vision test.
9. Surrender the actual commercial driver's license you have in your possession at the time you apply.
10. Applicants with hazardous materials (Hazmat) endorsement must also pass the hazardous materials knowledge test to maintain the endorsement (each knowledge test is $2.00) and complete TSA fingerprinting and background check ($75.50 fee)..
11. Pay the $12.50 license fee.
12. Provide Automobile liability insurance information (SC Code Section 56-1-80(C).  Insurance company must be licensed to do business in the state of South Carolina.

Note that Section 23-3-460 of the SC Code of Laws states that a person who has been convicted anywhere of an offense listed in 23-3-430 must register with the county sheriff within 10 days of establishing residency in South Carolina.  A copy of the Sex Offender Registry Law is available upon request.

To view Threat Assessment Requirements (LiveScan), click here. 

Each time your renew your South Carolina Commercial Driver's License you must provide proof that you are medically qualified for the CDL.  To renew your CDL the following are required:

1. Complete Form DL-405A to self-certify the type of commerce for which you intend to operate. You must also provide medical certification for any type of commerce that requires it. (See Frequently Asked Questions regarding form DL-405A.) SCDMV will collect the driver’s certification information and add it to the national Commercial Driver License Information System (CDLIS) record. All commercial driver’s license and beginner permit holders must self-certify by January 30, 2014 or risk losing his or her commercial credential. Commercial driver’s license and beginner permit holders must comply each time they apply for a new credential, renew or upgrade their credential.
2. If required, show your valid DOT long form or valid DOT medical pocket card to meet the requirement of providing proof that you are medically qualified pursuant to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation 49 CFR, Part 391. South Carolina requires that you maintain a valid medical Examiner's Certificate to obtain and/or retain a commercial driver instruction permit or commercial driver's license. Complete the CDL application. There is a $15.00 application fee.
3. Pass a vision test. 
4. Complete DMV Form 447 Application for S.C. Credential. There is a $15.00 application fee.
5. If there has been more than five points assessed against your driver's license within the two years prior to renewal, the general knowledge test will be required.  There is a $2.00 test fee for each test taken.
6. Applicants with hazardous material (Hazmat) endorsement must also pass the hazardous materials knowledge test to maintain that endorsement ($2.00 for each test taken) and complete TSA fingerprinting and background check ($75.50 fee).
7. The fee for renewal is $12.50.
8. Provide Automobile liability insurance information (SC Code Section 56-1-80(C).  Insurance company must be licensed to do business in the state of South Carolina.

Beginning January 1, 2009, employers are required to report to SCDMV the names of all commercial driver employees or applicants who:

• refuse to provide a specimen for a drug or alcohol test,
• test positive for drugs or alcohol, or
• submit an altered, diluted or substituted specimen.

The employer must report the employee using SCDMV Form CDL-18 within three business days. For more information, click here.

You will take one or more knowledge tests, depending on what class of license and what endorsements you may need. The CDL knowledge tests include:

• General Knowledge Test, taken by all applicants.
• Combination Vehicles Test, which is required if you want to drive Class A combination vehicles.
• Air Brakes Test, which you must take if your vehicle has air brakes. Drivers not taking this test will be restricted to driving vehicles without air brakes ("K" restriction).
• Passenger Transport Test, taken by all bus driver applicants.
• Hazardous Materials Test, required if you want to haul hazardous materials or waste requiring placarding.
• School Bus Test, required to transport pre-primary, primary, or secondary school students from home to school, from school to home, or to and from school-sponsored events.
• Tanker Test, required if you want to haul liquids or gaseous materials in bulk (1,000 gallon capacity or more).
• Doubles/Triples Test, required if you want to pull double or triple trailers.

The type of CDL written knowledge tests you need to pass depends on the type of commercial motor vehicle you drive and the cargo you haul.   Illustrations of typical vehicle configurations are shown below.

If you pass the required knowledge tests, you can then take the CDL skills test. Only the applicant and DMV Examiner are allowed in or around the vehicle during the skills test. There are three parts to the CDL skills test: the pre-trip inspection test, the basic control skills test, and the on-road test. You must take these tests in the type of vehicle for which you wish to be licensed. To be eligible for a CDL, all three parts of the CDL skills test must be passed at one time.

• Pre-trip Inspection. The purpose of the pre-trip inspection is to see whether the vehicle is safe to drive. You will be required to do a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle and to explain to the examiner what you are inspecting and why. The examiner will mark on a scoring form each item that you correctly inspect and explain. This information can be located in Section 10 of the CDL Manual.
  
  
• Basic Control Skills Test. The purpose of the basic control skills test is to evaluate your basic skills in controlling the vehicle. You will be asked to perform four maneuvers: The Stop Line, Straight Line Backing, Forward Serpentine, and the Alley Dock. This information can be located in Section 11 of the CDL Manual.
  
• Road Test. The purpose of the road test is to evaluate your ability to drive safely in a variety of on-road situations. You will drive a test route following the instructions given by the examiner. The test route will include left and right turns, intersections, railroad crossing, curves, up and down grades, interstate, city and rural roads. The examiner will score specific areas of the test route. The examiner will not ask you to do anything dangerous or illegal. This information can be located in Section 12 of the CDL Manual. 

Knowledge, skills and vision tests are required when you apply for an original commercial driver license (CDL) or upgrade to a different class of license. You may take the CDL knowledge test and vision test at any DMV office that provides full driver license services.  The South Carolina Driver’s Handbook, CDL Manual, or other testing aids cannot be used while taking the knowledge test. Tests will be treated as a failure if a hand book or other types of testing aids are used during the test. If you are caught using a cell phone, using a camera device or found talking to others during the test, you will also fail the test. You must make an appointment to take a CDL driving skills test at any of the 35 DMV offices listed below:

Valid Inspection Sticker

Unless exempt from FMCSA regulations 396.17, the DMV examiner will verify that every commercial motor vehicle (vehicles used in commerce in excess of 10,000 lbs.) has a valid inspection sticker.  If a commercial vehicle does not have a valid inspection sticker, it does not meet qualifications and the examiner will not allow you to take the test.  

Retaking the Entire Skills Test

Applicants who take the CDL examination will be required to pass all portions of the skills test on the same day. A failure of any portion of the test will require the applicant to retake the test in its entirety. 

1.  If the applicant fails any portion of the skills test (pre-trip, basic skills, or on-road test), the $25.00 fee is required for subsequent skills tests. 

2.  If an applicant cannot complete any portion of the pre-trip or basic skills tests after its been started for reasons beyond their control, such as inclement weather or the examiner gets sick, the $25.00 fee will not be charged when the applicant returns. 

Return Times if you Fail the Road Skills Test
a) An applicant with no previous driving experience who fails a skills test must wait two (2) weeks to re-test regardless of age.
b) An applicant who has had previous driving experience (held a former driver's license) who fails a skills test, must wait one (1) week to retest regardless of age. Holding a beginner’s permit does not count as former driving experience.
c) If the applicant has failed the skills test on the third (3rd) or subsequent attempt he/she must wait sixty (60) days before being re-tested.

Type of Credential Held by Customer	Skills Test	Wait Time Before Returning for Next Test
Beginner’s Permit only –   no other previous driving experience	Fails 1st  or 2nd attempt	Must wait two (2) weeks   NOTE:  If customer also holds a driver’s license in a different class than the beginner’s permit they would only have to wait one week to re-test (see below).
Driver’s License (class D, E, F, A, B, C, M, or Out-of-state)	Fails 1st or 2nd attempt	Must wait one (1) week
Beginner’s Permit or Driver’s License (class D, E, F, A, B, C, M, or Out-of-state)	Fails 3rd attempt or subsequent attempts	Must wait sixty (60) days

The type of CDL written knowledge tests you need to pass depends on the type of commercial motor vehicle you drive and the cargo you haul.  Some examples follow.

Vehicle Type Test Topics Straight Truck For example, Concrete Mixer, Dump Truck, Trash Disposal, or Stake Beds. For these types of vehicles, you are required to take the following tests: General Knowledge Test Air Brakes Test if the vehicle is equipped with air brakes Straight Truck For this type vehicle, you are required to take the following tests: General Knowledge Test Air Brakes Test if the vehicle is equipped with air brakes Hazardous Materials Tests if placards are required Straight (Van) Truck with Cargo Tank Trailer For this type vehicle, you are required to take the following tests: General Knowledge Test Combination Vehicles Test Tank Vehicles Test Air Brakes Test if the vehicle is equipped with air brakes Hazardous Materials Tests if placards are required Straight Truck with Portable Tank A tank not permanently attached to vehicle is classed as a portable tank. For this type vehicle, you are required to take the following tests: General Knowledge Test Air Brakes Test if the vehicle is equipped with air brakes Hazardous Materials Tests if placards are required Tank Vehicles Test if tank is designed to hold 1,000 gallons or more Straight Truck with Trailer For this type vehicle, you are required to take the following tests: General Knowledge Test Air Brakes Test if the vehicle is equipped with air brakes Combination Vehicles Test Hazardous Materials Tests if placards are required Straight Tanker For this type vehicle, you are required to take the following tests: General Knowledge Test Tank Vehicles Test (if the tank is designed to hold 1,000 gallons or more) Air Brakes Test if the vehicle is equipped with air brakes Hazardous Materials Tests if placards are required Double Trailers For this type vehicle, you are required to take the following tests: General Knowledge Test Combination Vehicles Test Doubles/Triples Test Air Brakes Test if the vehicle is equipped with air brakes Hazardous Materials Tests if placards are required Tractor-Semitrailer Tanker For this type vehicle, you are required to take the following tests: General Knowledge Test Combination Vehicles Test Tank Vehicles Test (if the tank is designed to hold 1,000 gallons or more) Air Brakes Test if the vehicle is equipped with air brakes Hazardous Materials Tests if placards are required Tractor-SemiTrailer For this type vehicle, you are required to take the following tests: General Knowledge Test Combination Vehicles Test Air Brakes Test if the vehicle is equipped with air brakes Hazardous Materials Tests if placards are required Double Tank Trailers For this type vehicle, you are required to take the following tests: General Knowledge Test Combination Vehicles Test Tank Vehicles Test (if the tank is designed to hold 1,000 gallons or more) Doubles/Triples Test Air Brakes Test if the vehicle is equipped with air brakes Hazardous Materials Tests if placards are required Triple Trailers For this type vehicle, you are required to take the following tests: General Knowledge Test Combination Vehicles Test Doubles/Triples Test Air Brakes Test if the vehicle is equipped with air brakes Hazardous Materials Tests if placards are required Straight Tank Truck with Cargo Tank Trailer For this type vehicle, you are required to take the following tests: General Knowledge Test Combination Vehicles Test Tank Vehicles Test (if the tank is designed to hold 1,000 gallons or more) Air Brakes Test if the vehicle is equipped with air brakes Hazardous Materials Tests if placards are required Tow Truck with Heavy Vehicle in Tow For this type vehicle, you are required to take the following tests: General Knowledge Test Combination Vehicles Test Air Brakes Test if the vehicle is equipped with air brakes Truck with Cargo Tank Trailer A tank permanently attached to vehicle is classed as a cargo tank. For this type vehicle, you are required to take the following tests: General Knowledge Test Tank Vehicles Test (if the tank is designed to hold 1,000 gallons or more) Hazardous Materials Tests if placards are required Passenger Bus For this type vehicle, you are required to take the following tests: General Knowledge Test Passenger Test Air Brakes Test if the vehicle is equipped with air brakes