A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required in South Carolina to operate commercial motor vehicles over 26,000 lbs GVWR, buses carrying 16 or more passengers, or vehicles placarded for hazardous materials. South Carolina CDL fees start at $25 for a 5-year license. Three CDL classes are available: Class A for tractor-trailer combinations, Class B for single large vehicles, and Class C for passenger and HazMat vehicles. First-time applicants must complete Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) through an FMCSA-registered provider before taking the skills test. All interstate CDL holders must maintain a valid DOT Medical Certificate. Test your knowledge with the South Carolina CDL knowledge test, then pass the skills test — pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and road driving — to earn your license.
Any combination of vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 lbs or more, provided the GVWR of the towed vehicle exceeds 10,000 lbs.
Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a GVWR not exceeding 10,000 lbs.
Any single vehicle or combination not covered by Class A or B, designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver, or required to be placarded for hazardous materials.
TSA security threat assessment and fingerprinting required. Valid 5 years. Relevant for chemical plant operations in the Charleston and Midlands corridors.
Required for bulk liquid or gas transport. Common for fuel haulers serving the I-26 and I-95 corridors and petroleum distribution from the Charleston port.
Required for vehicles carrying 16 or more passengers including the driver. COMET bus and charter operators in the Columbia metro area.
Requires P endorsement. Background check required. South Carolina school bus operators must meet additional SCDMV requirements.
Class A CDL required. Double trailers permitted on designated South Carolina routes including I-95 and I-26.
Combination of H and N endorsements. TSA background check applies. Common in the chemical manufacturing corridor near Charleston and the Savannah River Site area.
Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) is required by federal regulation (49 CFR Part 380, effective Feb 7, 2022) for first-time Class A or B CDL applicants, and for adding H, P, or S endorsements. Training must be completed through an FMCSA-registered provider listed in the Training Provider Registry (TPR) at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov.
Find a registered ELDT provider in South Carolina →Interstate CDL holders must hold a valid DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC) issued by an FMCSA-certified medical examiner, valid up to 24 months. Self-certify your operating category and submit the MEC copy to the South Carolina DMV. Intrastate CDL holders may use South Carolina state physical standards in lieu of full DOT MEC.
Find an FMCSA-certified medical examiner →Apply at an SCDMV office with proof of identity, Social Security Number, and South Carolina residency. Pass the required knowledge tests, complete ELDT through an FMCSA-registered provider, then schedule and pass the skills test. South Carolina's CDL fee is just $25 — one of the lowest in the US. Visit scdmvonline.com for current requirements and office locations.
South Carolina CDLs are valid for 5 years. Your DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate must be renewed separately — typically every 24 months for most interstate drivers, or more frequently based on your medical examiner's determination.
Yes. Port drayage at the Port of Charleston requires a Class A CDL for tractor-trailer/container chassis combinations. Most drayage jobs also require a TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) card for port access. If hauling HazMat containers, the H or X endorsement may also be required.
Yes. South Carolina issues CDLs to applicants 18 and older for intrastate commercial driving. Federal regulations prohibit interstate CMV operation until age 21, so an 18-year-old CDL holder is limited to driving within South Carolina only.
Yes. Volvo Trucks' Berkeley County assembly plant and BMW's Spartanburg facility both generate significant CDL employment for inbound supply chain and outbound vehicle transport. These operations typically require Class A CDL for tractor-trailer combinations, and some loads may require specialized endorsements such as T (doubles) or H (HazMat).
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South Carolina has one of the lowest CDL fees in the US at $25 for original and renewal. Knowledge tests are administered by the SCDMV at no additional charge. Skills test fees vary by provider, typically $75–$150. Verify current fee amounts at scdmvonline.com before scheduling.
Disclaimer
The information on this page is compiled from publicly available government sources and is provided for general informational purposes only. TruckRadar is an independent search engine — we are not affiliated with any government agency and this content does not constitute legal or compliance advice. Regulations change frequently; always verify current requirements directly with the official source before making compliance decisions.
Official source: South Carolina SC Official DMVLast reviewed: April 8, 2026