South Carolina CDL Practice Test

Correct answer: 18 years old

South Carolina requires you to be at least 18 to drive a CMV within the state (intrastate) and 21 for interstate driving. A driver 18–20 is limited to intrastate operation.

Correct answer: 1 year

South Carolina issues the CLP for 1 year. You must hold it at least 14 days before taking the skills test, and if you renew the CLP you must pass the knowledge and endorsement tests again.

Correct answer: Not the same day — the following business day at the earliest

A failed knowledge test cannot be retaken the same day; you must wait until the following business day. (This differs from the skills test, which has its own graduated wait periods.)

Correct answer: Three times — after that (or once a permit/license is issued) an added fee applies

You may test three times on the original application fees paid. Once you receive a permit or license, you must pay an additional fee for any further test. (The knowledge-test fee itself is also charged per attempt.)

Correct answer: A valid CDL holder with the applicable endorsements occupies the seat beside you

A CLP authorizes practice driving only when accompanied by the holder of a valid CDL — with the endorsements for the type of vehicle being driven — who sits beside you to give instruction.

Correct answer: Only S (School Bus), P (Passenger), and N (Tanker) — never Hazardous Materials

A CLP may hold only the School Bus (S), Passenger (P), or Tanker (N) endorsements. A CLP may never be issued with a Hazardous Materials endorsement, and the holder may not transport hazardous materials.

Correct answer: $2.50

The SCDMV CLP fee is $2.50, and the permit is valid for 1 year. (Separately, the CDL knowledge test costs $2.00 per attempt and the CDL application is $15.00.)

Correct answer: For every attempt, whether you pass or fail

The $2.00 knowledge-test fee is charged for every attempt, whether you pass or fail it.

Correct answer: 8 years

A standard South Carolina CDL expires every 8 years from the date of issuance. A CDL carrying a HAZMAT endorsement expires sooner — 5 years.

Correct answer: 5 years from the date you passed the security threat assessment

With a HAZMAT endorsement the license expires 5 years from the date you passed the TSA security threat assessment, and you must obtain the endorsement again to renew it.

Correct answer: Sleep before you drive — even a nap can save your life

Make sure you are rested and alert. If you are drowsy, sleep before you drive — even a nap can save your life or the lives of others. The only safe cure for sleepiness is to sleep.

Correct answer: Within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and when following another vehicle within 500 feet

Dim your lights before they cause glare for other drivers — within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and when following another vehicle within 500 feet. Otherwise, use high beams when it is safe and legal.

Correct answer: Look slightly to the right at a lane or edge marking, and not turn on your own high beams

Do not look directly at oncoming lights; look slightly to the right at a right lane or edge marking. Do not "get back at" them by putting on your own high beams — that only increases glare and the chance of a crash.

Correct answer: Don’t — pull off the road into a rest area or truck stop until visibility is better

The best advice for driving in fog is don’t. It is preferable to pull off into a rest area or truck stop until visibility is better. If you must drive, slow down before you enter the fog and be ready to reduce speed further.

Correct answer: Low-beam headlights and fog lights, even in the daytime

Use low-beam headlights and fog lights for best visibility in fog, even in daytime. High beams reflect off the fog and reduce visibility. Also turn on your 4-way flashers so vehicles behind can notice you sooner.

Correct answer: Not assume the fog will thin out after you enter it, and avoid passing other vehicles

Do not assume the fog will thin out after you enter it — visibility can deteriorate rapidly. Obey fog warning signs, avoid passing other vehicles, and don’t stop along the roadway unless absolutely necessary.

Correct answer: At least 4/32 inch on front tires and 2/32 inch on other tires

You must have at least 4/32 inch tread depth in every major groove on the front tires and at least 2/32 inch on the other tires — more would be better. Drive tires need traction to push the rig through snow, and steer tires to steer it.

Correct answer: Carry the right number plus extra cross-links, and learn to install them before you need to

You may find conditions where you cannot drive without chains. Carry the right number of chains and extra cross-links, make sure they fit your drive tires, check them for damage, and learn how to put them on before you need to do it in snow and ice.

Correct answer: Ice has formed on the road

Check for ice on the road, especially on bridges and overpasses. A lack of spray from other vehicles indicates ice has formed. Also check your mirrors and wiper blades — if they have ice, the road most likely will be icy too.

Correct answer: A thin, clear layer of ice that makes the road look merely wet

Black ice is a thin layer clear enough that you can see the road underneath it, so the road looks wet. Any time the temperature is below freezing and the road looks wet, watch out for black ice.