Free South Carolina CDL Practice Test — Updated for 2025

Getting your Commercial Driver’s License in South Carolina starts with the written knowledge tests. This page gives you free, simple South Carolina CDL practice tests for every major section: General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles, Hazmat, Passenger, School Bus, Tankers, and Doubles/Triples. You’ll see one question at a time, get instant feedback, and read a short explanation for each answer to master the material efficiently.

South Carolina CDL at a Glance (Plain-English Summary)

  • Age & eligibility:
    Must be 18+ to drive within the state and 21+ to drive interstate, hazmat, or passengers.
  • Valid license:
    You need a current South Carolina driver’s license with a clean record.
  • Medical card:
    Most CDL holders must have a valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate.
  • Knowledge tests → CLP:
    Pass all required written tests for your CDL class (A/B/C) and endorsements to get your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP).
  • ELDT:
    Federal Entry-Level Driver Training applies to all new Class A/B and H/P/S applicants.
  • Skills test:
    After holding your CLP 14+ days, complete the pre-trip, control, and road test.
  • Hazmat:
    Requires TSA background check and hazmat knowledge exam.
  • Testing conducted by:
    the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) or authorized third-party testers.

What’s on the South Carolina CDL Knowledge Tests

General Knowledge

— inspection, safety, emergencies, speed/space management, and cargo rules.

Air Brakes

— parts, dual systems, stopping distance, and safe braking practices.

Combination Vehicles

— coupling/uncoupling, rollover prevention, and inspection.

Hazmat (H)

— hazard classes, placards, segregation, and emergency steps.

Passenger (P) & School Bus (S)

— passenger loading, emergencies, and bus evacuation.

Tankers (N)

— surge/slosh, rollover risk, and speed control.

Doubles/Triples (T)

— converter dollies, coupling sequence, and handling.

Pre-Trip

— detailed vehicle safety inspection points.

Required for All CDL Drivers

These tests are mandatory for all Commercial Driver's License applicants

About General Knowledge Tests

Basic rules, regulations, and safe driving practices for commercial vehicles

General Knowledge Test 1

Basic CDL knowledge and traffic laws

📝 50 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

General Knowledge Test 2

Vehicle safety and inspection procedures

📝 50 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

General Knowledge Test 3

Driving techniques and hazard awareness

📝 50 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

General Knowledge Test 4

Transportation of cargo and passengers

📝 50 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

General Knowledge Test 5

Emergency procedures and vehicle maintenance

📝 50 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

General Knowledge Test 6

Final comprehensive review test

📝 50 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test
About Air Brakes Tests

Air brake systems, inspection, and operation procedures

Air Brakes Test 1

Basic air brake system components and operation

📝 25 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Air Brakes Test 2

Air brake inspection and testing procedures

📝 25 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Air Brakes Test 3

Emergency procedures and troubleshooting

📝 25 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Air Brakes Test 4

Advanced air brake systems and safety

📝 25 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test
About Pre-Trip Inspection Tests

Vehicle inspection procedures and safety checks

Pre-Trip Inspection Test 1

Engine compartment and cab inspection

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Pre-Trip Inspection Test 2

Exterior vehicle inspection

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Pre-Trip Inspection Test 3

Trailer and coupling system inspection

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Endorsement Tests

Additional certifications for specialized commercial driving

About Combination Vehicles Tests

Tractor-trailers, truck and trailer combinations

Combination Vehicles Test 1

Coupling and uncoupling procedures

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Combination Vehicles Test 2

Inspection of combination vehicles

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Combination Vehicles Test 3

Driving combination vehicles safely

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Combination Vehicles Test 4

Backing and maneuvering techniques

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Combination Vehicles Test 5

Advanced combination vehicle operation

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test
About Hazmat Tests

Hazardous materials transportation and safety

Hazmat Test 1

Hazmat classification and identification

📝 30 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Hazmat Test 2

Loading and handling procedures

📝 30 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Hazmat Test 3

Documentation and placarding

📝 30 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Hazmat Test 4

Emergency response and safety procedures

📝 30 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test
About Passenger Vehicles Tests

Buses and vehicles designed to transport passengers

Passenger Vehicle Test 1

Pre-trip inspection for passenger vehicles

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Passenger Vehicle Test 2

Loading and unloading passengers

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Passenger Vehicle Test 3

Passenger safety and emergency procedures

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Passenger Vehicle Test 4

Special situations and regulations

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test
About School Bus Tests

School bus operation and student transportation safety

School Bus Test 1

Loading and unloading students

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

School Bus Test 2

Emergency exits and evacuation procedures

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

School Bus Test 3

Student management and safety

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

School Bus Test 4

Special hazards and situations

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test
About Tanker Vehicles Tests

Liquid cargo transportation and tank vehicle operation

Tanker Vehicle Test 1

Tanker vehicle inspection and safety

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Tanker Vehicle Test 2

Driving techniques for liquid cargo

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Tanker Vehicle Test 3

Loading, unloading, and emergency procedures

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test
About Doubles/Triples Tests

Double and triple trailer combinations

Doubles/Triples Test 1

Coupling and inspection procedures

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Doubles/Triples Test 2

Driving techniques and safety

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Doubles/Triples Test 3

Emergency procedures and troubleshooting

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

FAQs — South Carolina CDL

Additional certifications for specialized commercial driving

Q1- Who needs a CDL in South Carolina?

Anyone operating vehicles 26,001 lb+ , towing 10,001+ lbs, carrying 16+ passengers, or transporting hazmat.

Q2- Minimum age?

18 intrastate, 21 interstate/hazmat/passenger.

Q3- Medical card required?

Yes, DOT physical required for most CDL holders.

Q4- What is ELDT?

Entry-Level Driver Training , required before CDL skills or endorsement tests.

Q5- CLP holding period?

Minimum 14 days.

Q6- Testing authority?

SCDMV or third-party testers.

Q7- Passing score?

80% required to pass.

Q8- Hazmat background check?

TSA background check required.

Q9- What to bring on test day?

Driver’s license, CLP, DOT medical card, ELDT certificate, and test vehicle.