CDL Truck Driver in South Carolina
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for SC
How to Become a CDL Truck Driver in South Carolina
To become a CDL Truck Driver in South Carolina, you must obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) by passing knowledge tests and completing an FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) program if you obtained your CLP after February 7, 2022. After holding the CLP for at least 14 days, you can take the CDL skills test. The licensing body is the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV), and applicants must be at least 18 for intrastate driving or 21 for interstate driving or hazardous materials transport. A valid DOT medical certificate is also required.
CDL Truck Driver Requirements in South Carolina
| Detail | South Carolina |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) |
| Exam | CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test ($2) |
| Application Fee | $15 |
| Renewal | Every 8.0 years |
| Notes | Applicants must be 18+ for intrastate or 21+ for interstate commerce, or to transport hazardous materials. A valid DOT medical certificate is required. Knowledge tests cost $2 each. The CDL license fee is $25 for an 8-year license. Skills test fees are paid to third-party providers and vary. Federal ELDT is required for new applicants for a Class A or B CDL, or for S, P, or H endorsements, if they obtained their CLP after February 7, 2022. Only U.S. citizens and permanent legal residents are eligible for a CDL in South Carolina. A Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) must be held for at least 14 days before taking the skills test. If a CLP expires by more than nine months, the knowledge test must be retaken. |
License Tiers
South Carolina offers multiple tiers of cdl truck driver licensing:
| Tier | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Class A | N/A |
| Class B | N/A |
| Class C | N/A |
CDL Truck Driver Salary in South Carolina
The median cdl truck driver salary in South Carolina is $51,810 per year, which is 9.8% below the national median of $57,440.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $38,410 |
| 25th | $45,120 |
| 50th (median) | $51,810 |
| 75th | $63,130 |
| 90th (experienced) | $75,360 |
South Carolina employs approximately 32,700 cdl truck drivers.
CDL Truck Driver Job Outlook
AI Impact on CDL Truck Drivers
Low AI Exposure (Score: -1.15/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a CDL Truck Driver in South Carolina Worth It?
Factors to consider: South Carolina's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.