Getting Your Initial Commercial Driver License
To obtain a Commercial Driver's License for the first time in the state of South Carolina, the following are required:
You must be at least 18 years of age to drive within the State of South Carolina and 21 years of age for interstate driving.
Certify that you have read and understand, and meet the qualification requirements under 49 CFR, Part 391 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
Complete Form DL-405A to self-certify the type of commerce for which you intend to use your CDL. You must also provide a valid medical certification for any type of commerce that requires it. (See Frequently Asked Questions regarding form DL-405A.) SCDMV will collect the driver’s certification information and add it to the national Commercial Driver License Information System (CDLIS) record. All commercial driver’s license and beginner permit holders must be self-certified or risk losing his or her driving privilege to operate a commercial motor vehicle. Commercial driver’s license and beginner permit holders must comply each time they apply for a new credential, renew or upgrade their credential.
If required, show your valid DOT Medical Certificate or pocket card of the Medical Certificate to meet the requirement of providing proof that you are medically qualified pursuant to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation 49 CFR, part 391. South Carolina requires that you maintain a valid medical Examiner's Certificate to obtain and/or retain a commercial driver instruction permit or commercial driver's license. DMV will not accept a medical certificate if it expires within 30 days from the date it is presented.
Provide proof of identity using Accepted Forms of Identification.
Complete the Complete Form 447-CDL, Application for a Commercial Driver's License or Beginner's Permit. There is a $15.00 application fee.
Complete Form DL-402 Affidavit of Previous Driver's License and provide information regarding any previous out-of-state drivers' licenses.
Pass a vision test.
Pass all required knowledge tests for license or permit in the classification you intend to operate. There is a $2.00 fee for each knowledge test taken.
Pass the road test, which includes the pre-trip inspection, off-road and on-road driving.
Pay $12.50 license fee.
Provide Automobile liability insurance information (SC Code Section 56-1-80(C). Insurance company must be licensed to do business in the state of South Carolina.
When you apply for a commercial driver's license, SCDMV will run automatic checks against the Problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS) and the Commercial Driver License Information System (CDLIS) databases to check your prior driving history in other states. The checks are performed when a customer applies for an original credential, renews a credential, is reexamined or moves from a beginner permit to a license. They are designed to insure drivers have only one valid license at a time.