South Carolina CDL Requirements

How to get a CDL in South Carolina through the SCDMV, including fees and training options.

CDL Classes, Testing, and Fees

The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) issues CDLs. The CDL costs $25 for a 5-year license. CLP is $2.50, valid for 180 days — among the cheapest nationally. Knowledge tests are at SCDMV offices. Skills tests are $25 at state sites or $150-$300 at third-party testers. South Carolina has approximately 25 FMCSA-registered ELDT providers. CDL training at technical colleges (Midlands Technical College, Greenville Technical College, Tri-County Technical College) costs $2,000-$4,500. Private schools charge $3,500-$7,000. Most in-demand endorsements: T (Double/Triple for port intermodal), H (Hazmat), N (Tank). BMW and Volvo manufacturing create demand for automotive freight drivers.

FAQs — South Carolina CDL Requirements

South Carolina CDL is $25 for 5 years — very affordable. CLP is just $2.50. Skills test is $25 at state sites or $150-$300 third-party. Technical college programs cost $2,000-$4,500. South Carolina has some of the lowest CDL fees nationally.

Double/Triple (T) for Port of Charleston intermodal operations. Tank (N) for fuel distribution and chemical transport. Hazmat (H) for chemical corridor operations. The growing automotive sector (BMW, Volvo) creates demand for experienced CDL holders.