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Get your South Carolina CDL — government fees ($69.50), ELDT training, skills test, and step-by-step guide. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Commercial Driver's License
$69.50
TOTAL GOV FEES
$3,000-$7,000
TRAINING COST
8 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Gather Required Documents
Obtain a valid SC driver's license, identity documents, proof of SC residency, and a current Medical Examiner's Certificate.
DOT physical exam typically costs $75–$150
Apply for Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)
Visit an SCDMV office, complete Form 447-CDL, pass required knowledge tests with 80% or higher, and obtain your CLP.
$15 application + $2 knowledge test + $2.50 CLP card
Fee: $19.50Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Complete ELDT through an FMCSA-approved training provider listed on the Training Provider Registry.
Training costs vary by school and program
Fee: $3,000–$7,000Hold CLP for 14 Days
You must hold your CLP for a minimum of 14 days before taking the skills test.
Pass CDL Skills Test
Pass the three-part skills test: pre-trip inspection, off-road basic controls, and on-road driving test.
$25 retest fee if you fail; 2 business day wait after first failure, 7 calendar days after second failure
Fee: $25Obtain CDL
After passing the skills test, pay the CDL license fee and application fee to receive your CDL, valid for 8 years.
$15 application fee + $25 license fee
Fee: $40Commercial Driver’s Licenses are divided into three classes based on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of the vehicle being operated.
Class A CDL
26,001+ lbs GCWR
Towing: Towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class B CDL
26,001+ lbs GVWR
Towing: Towed vehicle under 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class C CDL
Under 26,001 lbs GVWR
Towing: Does not meet Class A or B thresholds
Common examples
Government Fees
Endorsement Fees
Training Cost
CLP ($19.50) + CDL ($25 + $15 application) + skills test ($25, first attempt only if paid separately)
Government Fees (You Still Pay)
Training Cost
Note: $0 (company-paid programs available)
Costs vary by school and program length
Ready to start your CDL training?
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides.
Passing Score: 80%
Test Components
State Fee: $25
Fee charged per skills test attempt
Three-Part Exam
Third-party CDL skills testing is available in South Carolina through SCDMV-approved third-party testers.
Third-party fee: $100–$300 (Varies by provider)
Scheduling Note
Schedule through SCDMV or an approved third-party tester
Intrastate Minimum Age
18 years old
Interstate Minimum Age
21 years old (federal requirement)
Medical Card (DOT Physical)
Required
Valid State Driver's License
Required
Clean Driving Record
No disqualifying offenses per 49 CFR 383.51
Residency Requirement
Must be a permanent resident of South Carolina
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | $2 |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | $2 |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | $2 |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | $2 |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | $4 |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | $2 |
HAZMAT Note: The HAZMAT endorsement (H and X) requires a TSA background check ($85.25) and fingerprinting in addition to the state fee shown above. The TSA security threat assessment must be completed before the state will issue the endorsement.
CLP Fee
$19.50
$15 application + $2 knowledge test + $2.50 CLP card
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
12 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
Renewal Cycle
8 years
Renewal Fee
$27.50
$15 application fee + $12.50 license fee; CDL with HAZMAT expires every 5 years
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
CDL valid for 8 years. CDL with HAZMAT endorsement expires every 5 years from Security Threat Assessment pass date. If 5+ points within 2 years of renewal, must retake general knowledge test.
Regulatory Board
Visit an SCDMV office within 30 days of permanently moving to South Carolina. Complete Form 447-CDL, provide identity documents, surrender out-of-state CDL, and provide medical certification.
Transfer Fee
$40
$15 application fee + $25 CDL license fee
Timeline
Within 30 days of permanently moving to South Carolina
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedVision screening only; out-of-state CLP is not transferable and requires passing knowledge tests
Eligible military service members may waive the CDL skills test based on equivalent vehicle operation experience through the FMCSA military skills test waiver program.
Eligibility
Active duty or recently separated (within past year) military with equivalent vehicle operation experience
Search accredited CDL training programs and compare costs, schedules, and job placement rates.
160 Driving Academy →Nationwide CDL training with flexible schedules, financial aid options, and job placement assistance.
TruckingTruth School Reviews →Real student reviews and ratings of CDL schools to help you choose the right program.
Employer-Sponsored CDL Programs
Many trucking companies offer paid CDL training in exchange for an employment commitment. These are not affiliate links — check directly with carriers like Schneider, Werner, CRST, and Swift for current company-sponsored training programs in South Carolina.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in South Carolina range from $3,000 to $7,000. Costs vary by school and program length
Some links above may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Unique to South Carolina
8-year CDL validity period is among the longest in the nation. Very low endorsement fees at $2 per knowledge test.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in South Carolina.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#42 of 51
Cost
#10 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (SOC 53-3032)
Entry Level
$45,120
25th percentile
Median
$51,810
-10% vs. national avg ($57,440)Experienced
$63,130
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
32,700 employed in this state
Note: BLS category "Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers" covers CDL holders driving tractor-trailers specifically. Wages for other CDL vehicle types may differ.
Source: BLS OEWS – Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+2.6%
Below AverageNew Jobs
+53,500
over 10 years
Annual Openings
228,600
per year (avg.)
2.1M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Source: Commercial Licenses - SCDMV
Estimated total: 6–16 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Commercial Licenses - SCDMV
1–2 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Commercial Licenses - SCDMV
Study guides and practice tests for the commercial driver's license exam.
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Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
All data verified as of 2026-03-21. Sources consulted:
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides. Complete your permit prep before attending a driving school.
We may earn a commission if you enroll through links on our site. This does not affect our recommendations or the price you pay.
Exploring other careers? Compare licensing requirements for real estate agents, insurance agents, and notaries in South Carolina.