South Carolina CDL Practice Test and Test Prep (2026)
South Carolina gives CDL tests through South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV). Here is what you will be tested on, which of our practice quizzes match each test, and what the skills test involves in South Carolina.
Knowledge tests for a South Carolina permit
- General Knowledge (all applicants) — practice General Knowledge (60 questions)
- Combination Vehicles (Class A) — practice Combination Vehicles (30 questions)
- Air Brakes (if your vehicle has air brakes) — practice Air Brakes (40 questions)
- Any endorsement tests you need (P, S, N, H, T)
Permit minimum age: 18 (in-state driving) or 21 (interstate). Holding period before the skills test: 14 days. Permit validity: 365 days.
South Carolina endorsement tests and practice
- Hazmat (H) practice
South Carolina notes for this endorsement
Hazardous materials. South Carolina is NOT a TSA self-managed state, so hazmat uses the standard TSA process: pass the hazmat knowledge test at any SCDMV office ($15 application + $2 test), then complete fingerprinting and the TSA Security Threat Assessment through a TSA/IdentoGO enrollment center (TSA fee about $85.25 — confirm current amount). SCDMV issues the H once TSA clears you. First-time hazmat also requires ELDT. The endorsement expires 5 years from your STA pass date.
- Tanker (N) practice
South Carolina notes for this endorsement
Tank vehicles. Knowledge test only; available on a CDL or CLP.
- Passenger (P) practice
South Carolina notes for this endorsement
Passenger. Requires a knowledge test and a passenger skills test; first-time applicants need ELDT.
- School bus (S) practice
South Carolina notes for this endorsement
School bus. Requires the passenger and school bus knowledge tests and a skills test; first-time applicants need ELDT.
- Doubles/triples (T) practice
South Carolina notes for this endorsement
Double/triple trailers. Knowledge test only; CDL holders only (not on a CLP).
The South Carolina skills test
Components: Vehicle (pre-trip) inspection test, Basic control skills test (off-road), On-road driving test.
Test vehicle: You must supply a vehicle representative of the class of CDL you are seeking; SCDMV does not provide one. Only the applicant and the examiner are permitted in or around the vehicle during the test.
Where and how to book: You can test at an SCDMV branch that offers skills testing (Monday–Friday, by appointment) or through an SCDMV-approved third-party tester (many CDL schools). SCDMV runs a Third-Party Tester's Program with published program standards. Arrive about 30 minutes early; arriving 10 minutes late can forfeit the appointment.
Waits and retests: Not all SCDMV offices administer skills tests, and metro offices book out — a reason many applicants use a third-party school that furnishes both the examiner and a truck (estimated market fees roughly $150–$400; confirm with the provider).
Practice the inspection part with our pre-trip inspection guide. Research dated 2026-07-20; confirm testing details with South Carolina.
All practice tests
- General Knowledge (60 questions)
- Air Brakes (40 questions)
- Combination Vehicles (30 questions)
- Hazardous Materials (H) (30 questions)
- Tank Vehicles (N) (25 questions)
- Passenger (P) (25 questions)
- School Bus (S) (25 questions)
- Doubles/Triples (T) (20 questions)
Ready to apply? See the full South Carolina CDL requirementsor build your South Carolina checklist.