South Carolina is a vibrant state with many opportunities for work as a commercial driver. The state, like all U.S. states, requires a commercial driver’s license to operate semis, school buses and other large vehicles. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles does the testing and licensing for the state’s drivers. Applicants must pass both a written knowledge test and a hands-on CDL skills test to get a license. Successful test takers who also meet physical requirements can obtain a South Carolina CDL license from the DMV.
Step 1:
Find your local South Carolina DMV office. Pick up a South Carolina CDL manual and all applicable application forms. You may also download the “South Carolina Commercial Driver License Manual” online at Scdmvonline.com/DMVNew/forms/cdl manual.pdf.
Step 2:
Study the CDL manual to prepare for the South Carolina CDL test. You must first pass a witten knowledge test at the DMV. In addition to the official manual, you should look for additional online or related CDL study guides or practice questions. Search for guides or practice questions in a search engine. For example, you can find many practice test over at CristCDL.com.
Note that you may or may not have to study the entire manual. A CDL test has general portions and endorsement portions (for special categories like hazardous materials or passenger vehicles). If you are going to drive such vehicles or haul such cargo, then you need to study for those endorsement tests.
Keep in mind that anyone who hauls hazardous materials in the United States must have a HAZMAT endorsement and safety threat assessment. Apply for the assessment early at Hazprints.com.
Step 3:
Complete the required examination for physical fitness. The federal government supplies the exam form online at Fmcsa.dot.gov/documents/forms/649f.pdf. You will receive a certificate from your doctor that you need to carry with you when applying for your permit/license.
Step 4:
Take the written CDL test at your local South Carolina DMV. You can receive a South Carolina CDL permit once you pass this written part of the South Carolina test.
Step 5:
Complete any necessary South Carolina CDL training. No specific training is required to get a CDL license. Rather, you just need to prepare enough to pass the hands-on skills test. You may attend a truck driver training school, school-bus program through a South Carolina school district or get employer-sponsored program for driving commercial trucks or buses. If you are considering attending a trucker training program, then you can check out CDL schools with certified programs at the Professional Truck Driver Institute’s website. Go to Ptdi.org/schools/schools.aspx to find South Carolina or Southeastern CDL training schools.
Step 6:
Schedule and take your CDL skills test through the local South Carolina DMV. When you pass this test, you can finally receive your South Carolina CDL license.
Note that you need to have your own vehicle for testing. Schools, employers or rental agencies will generally let you borrow or rent a commercial vehicle for this purpose.
Sources:
South Carolina CDL Manual
PTDI-Certified Truck Driver Training School In and Around South Carolina
