BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR A COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S PERMIT/LICENSE

• You must be at least 18 years of age for intrastate driving and 21 years and above for interstate driving. You must be 21 years of age to receive a hazardous materials endorsement.
• Must meet requirements for a South Carolina driver's license.
• Certify that you are in agreement with state motor carrier safety regulations. See Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or call (800) 442-1368 for more information.
• Provide a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate. You can obtain one by having a licensed medical professional fill out the appropriate Medical Examination Report for Commercial Driver Fitness reports. The medical examiner should provide you with a Medical Examiner's Report.
• Provide proof of identity and legal presence and South Carolina residency
• Provide your Social security number.

STEPS TO APPLY FOR A CDL PERMIT/LICENSE

1. You must meet the requirements for a South Carolina driver's license.
2. Fill out the CDL application form making sure to check the right option and hand in in-person to a DMV office. For more information see Instruction Permit section below.
3. Pay the $15 application fee.
4. Complete Form DL-402 and provide information regarding any out of state driver licenses.
5. Pass the CDL knowledge exams. See the CDL Manual for the required information. The exam can be taken at any DMV location. You will need to answer 80% of the questions correctly in order to pass.
6. Pass a vision screening test.
7. Take road test at your local DMV office.
8. Pay license and endorsement fees.

When you apply for a CDL, the SC DMV will automatically run a background check against the Problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS) and the Commercial Driver License Information System (CDLIS) databases to check your driving history in other states.

INSTRUCTION PERMIT

In order to be eligible for a South Carolina CDL, you must first obtain a CDL instruction permit. First, you must fill out the CDL application form making sure to check option #3 ‘Commercial Beginner's Permit'. Then show proof of legal presence and US residency. Next, pay the permit fee. Lastly, pass the CDL general knowledge exam and vision screening test. Also, you must have your instruction permit for 30 days before obtaining a CDL. South Carolina Instruction Permits expire in 1 year and are non-renewable.

FEES

A South Carolina Commercial Driver's License will be valid for 5 years. The cost is $12.50 for a standard CDL license. Please see the list of fees below for more information.

* $15 application fee
* $2 fee for each knowledge test you take    

• $12.50 license fee, after all tests are passed

You do not have to pay any fees when you first sit for your CDL driving tests. However, you will have to pay a $25 fee if you have to retake them.

CDL ENDORSEMENTS

The following is a list of endorsements you can get on your CDL:

• Hazardous Material (Class H.
• Tank Vehicles (Class N).
• Passenger-Carrying Vehicle (Class P).
• School Bus (Class S).
• Towing a Double or Triple Trailer (Class T).

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (HAZMAT)

This is an endorsement required if you are driving a commercial motor vehicle that transports hazardous materials. There are specific background checks (including finger printing) and knowledge exams that you need to pass in order to receive this endorsement on your CDL. Please see the HAZMAT endorsement article for more detailed information.

FEDERAL GUIDELINES FOR INTERSTATE DRIVERS

The following is a list of federal requirements for interstate drivers.

• Certify that you are in agreement with state motor carrier safety regulations. See Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or call (800) 442-1368 for more information.
• Have the correct class of license. See Classes of CDLs, Restrictions and Endorsements for more details.
• See South Carolina's Commercial Driver's Manual for more information on state regulations and guidelines.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• If you already have a CDL, see CDL renewal.
• For more information regarding test centers and hours and locations see your local DMV office.
• See South Carolina's Commercial Driver's Manual for knowledge exam information.