South Carolina CDL Manual 2026

How to use the South Carolina CDL Manual

The SCDMV draws its 30-question knowledge test from the South Carolina CDL Manual, and you need 80% to pass, which is 24 correct answers. Read the 178 pages once for coverage, then answer practice questions to find the rules that did not stick. Practice tells you what you do not know yet; the CDL Manual is where the rule is actually stated, in the words the state chose.

It is also the only source that settles an argument. When a practice answer and your instinct disagree, the South Carolina CDL Manual decides it, and every explanation we write points back into it.

What is inside the South Carolina CDL Manual

The South Carolina CDL Manual runs to 178 pages. These are the areas it covers that the knowledge test can ask about.

• Vehicle inspection and the pre-trip procedure
• Basic control of a heavy vehicle, including turning and backing
• Shifting, speed management and space management
• Seeing hazards and emergency maneuvers
• Air brakes, if your vehicle has them
• Combination vehicles, coupling and uncoupling
• Cargo loading, weight distribution and securement
• Hazardous materials rules and placarding
• Passenger transport and school bus requirements
• Hours of service, logbooks and driver qualification
• Disqualifications, serious traffic violations and testing

The South Carolina knowledge test at a glance

Everything below comes from the SCDMV directly. It is what the South Carolina CDL Manual is preparing you for.

Questions

30

Passing score

80%

Correct answers needed

24 of 30

Time limit

Time limit not published

Test fee

$2

Minimum age

15

Can you take it online?

No, in person only

Verified against the SCDMV in 2026-07.