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  • Updated for April 2025
  • Based on 2025 SC commercial driver's license manual

Free South Carolina CDL Permit Practice Test: General Knowledge 2025

In the United States, there are three classes of Commercial Driver Licenses (CDLs). A Class A CDL is typically for operating large combination vehicles, such as semi-trucks and tractor-trailers. A Class B CDL is typically for operating large single-unit vehicles, including large buses, box trucks, and most dump trucks. A Class C CDL is typically for operating smaller commercial vehicles that transport hazardous materials or at least 16 occupants (including the driver), such as small buses (including shuttle buses) or small trucks carrying hazardous materials.

No matter which class of CDL you plan to get, you must meet a series of requirements. Notably, you must pass an official skills test, which includes basic vehicle maneuvers, a pre-trip inspection test, and a road test. This will show that you can operate a commercial vehicle safely. To pass this test, you must practice commercial driving under supervision until you’re consistently good at it. And to practice commercial driving, you’ll need a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP).

To obtain a CLP, you must also meet certain requirements, including passing the official General Knowledge test on commercial driving theory. The questions on this test are based on the official South Carolina Commercial Driver’s License Manual (South Carolina CDL Handbook 2025). However, if you’ve decided that you need to do something more than just read the manual to pass the knowledge test, you’ve certainly come to the right place!

This free South Carolina CDL permit practice test is based on the official CDL manual, just like the official knowledge test. It’s up to date as of April, 2025. There are 50 multiple-choice practice questions on such topics as basic vehicle maneuvers, driving emergencies, stopping distance, and vehicle components. Each question comes with an available hint to gently guide you to the correct answer, and an explanation of the correct answer. You can also ask our automated assistant for even more help. What this test doesn’t come with is a time limit. Take your time and learn the material addressed by this practice test.

Once you obtain a CDL and the endorsements you need for the vehicles and cargoes you plan to drive, the world of commercial driving will open up for you. Much of South Carolina is served by public transit buses for both commuting and tourism. The Port of Charleston is one of the busiest container seaports on the East Coast. There are many kinds of truck operations there: dray (short distance), over-the-road (long distance), container transport, hazardous materials transport, and overdimensional (oversize) transport. Seaports, like airports, are secure areas. You’ll need to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card.

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SC commercial driver's license
  • Perfect for first-time and renewal CDL/CLP applicants, and those adding endorsements
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What you need to know

4.36 out of 5 • 213 votes
Available in EN and ES
Verified by Steven Litvintchouk, M.S., Chief Educational Researcher, Member of ACES. See our detailed commitment to accuracy and quality in our practice tests.
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What to expect on the actual SC DMV exam

50

questions

40

correct answers to pass

80%

passing score

List of questions (classic view)

  1. How long does it take a typical tractor-trailer to clear a double railroad track?
  2. The minimum tire tread depth for front tires is
  3. If you double your speed, how much more distance will it take to brake to a stop?
  4. You don't want to be a distracted driver, so you
  5. On which of the following types of fires should you NOT use a B:C fire extinguisher?
  6. In which of the following two situations should you downshift?
  7. Hazardous materials placards are
  8. When you start to drive down a steep downgrade, which of the following should influence your choice of speed?
  9. If the engine is not overheated, is it completely safe to remove the radiator cap?
  10. How often must you stop to check your cargo while on the road?
  11. Which of the following should you NOT do if you experience a tire failure?
  12. Starting the engine and inspecting the cab involves each of the following tasks EXCEPT
  13. You should put the starter switch key into your pocket while you perform the pre-trip inspection because
  14. Why should you cover your cargo?
  15. For how long will you lose your CDL driving privileges if you are convicted of a second DUI offense in either a CMV or your private vehicle?
  16. How can you start moving without rolling backward?
  17. Which of the following is a key steering component?
  18. To transport cargo safely, which of the following are you NOT responsible for?
  19. What can you do at an accident scene to help avoid another accident?
  20. Do empty trucks have the best braking?
  21. Before transporting a sealed load, you must check
  22. While driving at night, which lights should you use as often as you can?
  23. What is the best way to figure out how many seconds of following distance you have?
  24. You should inspect wheel bearing seals for
  25. If you are traveling at 55 mph in a 30-foot vehicle, you should leave how many seconds of following distance?
  26. What will help a drunk sober up?
  27. Always try to back toward the driver's side because
  28. What might happen if you swing wide to the left before you turn right?
  29. Which of the following is NOT something you should check during a trip?
  30. It has just reached freezing. Which of the following areas may be slippery?
  31. What is a common cause of tire fires?
  32. To maintain alertness on your trips, you should
  33. Why is it important to use a helper when backing?
  34. Which is NOT one of the four basic skills that operating a commercial motor vehicle requires?
  35. An antilock braking system (ABS) will
  36. What is the definition of a hazard?
  37. If you are confronted by an aggressive driver, what should you do?
  38. Which of the following statements about retarders are correct?
  39. The most important hand signal that you and a helper should agree on is
  40. Which of these is NOT part of the basic method for shifting up?
  41. Letting the air out of hot tires
  42. Total stopping distance equals
  43. Which of the following are governed by Jacob's Law?
  44. What is the gross vehicle weight (GVW)?
  45. How can you determine if your vehicle is equipped with an antilock braking system (ABS)?
  46. During your pre-trip test, when examining hoses with the instructor, you need to look for
  47. Where should you place your warning devices if you must stop on a one-way road or divided highway?
  48. On wet roads, you should reduce your speed by
  49. To help you stay alert and safe while driving, you should
  50. How many tie-downs are required for a 20-foot load?
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