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The CDL general knowledge test is required to be taken by all CDL applicants. The South Carolina CDL test consists of 50 questions. To pass, you must correctly answer at least 40 questions (80%). The general knowledge test covers the contents of the South Carolina CDL Manual.
All CDL applicants (Class A, B and C) must study the following sections: Driving Safely, Transporting Cargo Safely, Air Brakes (if you plan to operate vehicles equipped with air brakes), Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Control Skills Test, Road Test. In addition, the Class A CDL test will include questions based on the Combination Vehicles section. Take this CDL practice test now to prepare for the actual SC general knowledge test!
To get your CDL, you must pass both the knowledge and skills tests. CDL knowledge tests include: General Knowledge, Passenger Transport, Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles, Hazardous Materials, Tanker Vehicles, Doubles/Triples, School Bus, Firefighter. Depending on what class of license (A, B or C) and endorsements you need, you must take one or more knowledge tests. A special endorsement is also required to drive certain types of vehicles. The following endorsements may be used with a Class A, B or C CDL: HazMat (H), Tank Vehicles (N), Tank Vehicles Transporting Hazardous Materials (X) and Passenger Transport (P). The School Bus endorsement (S) is only available for Class A or B CDL, and the Doubles/Triples endorsement (T) is only available for Class A driver's licenses.
1.
When inspecting brakes, you should look for:
shoes worn dangerously thin.
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pads with oil, grease, or brake fluid on them.
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cracked drums.
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All of the above.
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2.
How do you find out how many seconds of following distance you have?
Pass a stationary object and count how many seconds it takes the vehicle ahead of you to reach the same spot.
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Wait until the vehicle ahead of you passes a pavement marking, shadow or landmark. Then count off the seconds until you reach the same spot.
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Wait until the vehicle ahead of you passes a pavement marking or some other clear landmark, then use the stopwatch on your mobile phone to see how long it takes you to reach the same spot.
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None of the above.
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3.
Which of these is true about the radiator shutters and the winterfront?
You should remove ice from the radiator shutters.
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You should make sure the winterfront is closed tightly.
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If the winterfront is left open, the engine may overheat.
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All of the above.
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4.
You are more at risk of being fatigued:
when driving alone.
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when driving during the day.
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after getting more than 8 hours of sleep.
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when stopping periodically during long trips.
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5.
During the vehicle inspection, when checking the tires you should:
ensure that valve caps are missing.
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check for the minimum tread depth (4/32 on all tires).
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ensure the middle of the tires is more worn than the outside.
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ensure that the tread is evenly worn.
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6.
The size of motorcycles can cause you to misjudge their speed and distance. You should:
never share lanes with motorcycles.
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use extra caution before you pull out in front of a motorcycle.
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check twice for motorcycles before pulling out into traffic.
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All of the above.
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7.
How can you avoid rolling back when you start your vehicle?
Accelerate quickly so the vehicle does not jerk.
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Partly engage the clutch before you take your right foot off the brake.
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Use stab braking before you engage the clutch.
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All of the above.
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8.
Interstate commerce means trade, traffic, or transportation in the U.S. that is between:
A place in a state and a place outside such state or outside the U.S.
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Two places in the state through another state or a place outside of the U.S.
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Two places in the state as part of trade, traffic, or transportation originating or terminating outside the state or U.S.
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All of the above.
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9.
Which of the following statements about driving in slippery conditions is NOT true?
The roads are most slippery in the first half hour after it starts to rain.
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Wet ice is more slippery than ice that is not wet.
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When the temperature drops, bridges will freeze before the road will.
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As the temperature rises to the point where ice begins to melt, the road becomes less slippery.
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10.
The weight of a truck:
is not as important as the vehicle's center of gravity in determining stopping distance.
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has an impact on stopping distance.
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has no effect on stopping distance.
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None of the above.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the age requirements of the graduated driver's license program to obtain a class D driver's license in South Carolina:
- For a beginner's permit, you must be at least 15 years old.
- For a conditional driver’s license, you must be at least 15 but less than 16 years old and have held your permit for at least 180 days.
- For a special restricted driver’s license, you need to be at least 16 but less than 17 years old. Additionally, you must have held your beginner’s permit for at least 180 days or have a conditional license.
- For a regular driver’s license, you must have held a conditional or special restricted license for at least one year, or you must be at least 17 years old and have held a beginner’s permit for 180 days.
To take the DMV written test in South Carolina, you can visit a South Carolina DMV branch without appointment. It's important to note that permit tests are typically offered at specific hours, so contact the office you've chosen to find out when you have to go.
Make sure you've got all you need when you go to the DMV office. You must bring:
- Proof of South Carolina residency (such as school or employment records, utility bills, bank statements, etc.). For a REAL ID permit, you'll need to present two proofs of residency.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship/identity, name, and date of birth.
- Proof of Social Security Number.
If you're under 18 years old, a parent or legal guardian must sign the Consent for Minor at the DMV office, unless you are an emancipated minor or married.
To prepare for the DMV written test, read the South Carolina Driver's Handbook. Pay attention to road signs, parallel parking, turning, passing a vehicle, yielding the right of way, etc. Test your knowledge with our practice tests or sign up for Premium, which offers extra resources to get ready for your exam.
New drivers in South Carolina face specific restrictions. If you have a beginner's permit, you can drive:
- From 6 a.m. to midnight with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old with one year or more of driving experience, seated near you.
- From midnight to 6 a.m., with any driver listed on your Consent for Minor form, seated beside you.
If you have a conditional or special restricted license:
- You can transport a maximum of two passengers under 21, unless accompanied by a licensed adult who is at least 21 (except for siblings).
- You can drive alone from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (8 p.m. during daylight savings time).
- You can drive between 6 p.m. (8 p.m. during daylight savings time) and midnight if accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21.
- You can drive from midnight to 6 a.m. with a parent/guardian.
A beginner's permit remains valid for a period of twelve months. You have the option to renew it for another year if you're eligible. The renewal process can be completed online and you are required to pay a fee. However, if the permit has been expired for more than nine months, you'll need to retake the DMV test.