South Carolina (SC) CDL manual 2026

Practice the manual, chapter by chapter

State manuals are built on the same national model, chapter for chapter. One thing to know from each chapter, then real questions from it to answer — tap an option to check yourself.

1. 1

   Introduction

   Everyone

   You will be denied or lose your hazardous materials endorsement if you are not a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

   What is the penalty for a third railroad crossing violation within three years?

   1. AAt least one year
   2. BAt least three years
   3. CAt least 180 days
   4. DAt least 120 days

   What is the minimum disqualification for a first violation of an out-of-service order?

   1. AOne year
   2. B60 days
   3. C90 days
   4. D30 days
   This chapter has 26 more questions. Practice them in the app and see your pass chance.
2. 2

   Driving Safely

   Everyone

   Safe operation of a commercial vehicle requires skill in accelerating, steering, stopping, and backing safely.

   You are the first driver to stop at a crash scene on a busy highway. After parking your vehicle safely, what should you do first?

   1. APhotograph the damaged vehicles for the insurance companies
   2. BProtect the area with warning devices so another crash does not happen
   3. CCollect statements from witnesses while their memories are fresh
   4. DMove the damaged vehicles off the roadway onto the shoulder

   How often should you take a break on a long trip?

   1. AAbout every 100 miles or 2 hours
   2. BAbout every 250 miles or 4 hours
   3. COnly when you begin to feel drowsy
   4. DAbout every 400 miles or 6 hours
   This chapter has 290 more questions. Practice them in the app and see your pass chance.
3. 3

   Transporting Cargo Safely

   Everyone

   Only drivers holding a hazardous materials endorsement may operate a vehicle that is required to display hazmat placards.

   Which term describes the combined weight of a powered vehicle, its trailer, and all of the cargo being carried?

   1. AGross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)
   2. BGross vehicle weight (GVW)
   3. CAxle weight at the scales
   4. DGross combination weight (GCW)

   What happens when there is too little weight on the driving axles?

   1. APoor traction, and drive wheels that spin easily
   2. BExcessive wear on the steering axle tires
   3. CIncreased stopping distance on dry roads
   4. DReduced braking on the trailer axles
   This chapter has 26 more questions. Practice them in the app and see your pass chance.
4. 4

   Transporting Passengers

   P endorsement (bus)

   Hazardous materials are identified by diamond-shaped hazard labels on the package or container.

   What does the manual say about the seat belt at the driver's position?

   1. AIt is required only when passengers are aboard
   2. BThe seat should have one, and you should always use it
   3. CIt is optional if the seat has an air suspension
   4. DIt is required only on interstate charter runs

   A standee line is painted on the floor of buses that allow standing riders. What does this line mark?

   1. AThe point behind which all standing riders must stay
   2. BWhere riders should line up to pay their fares
   3. CThe area reserved for riders with disabilities
   4. DThe rear boundary of the luggage storage area
   This chapter has 98 more questions. Practice them in the app and see your pass chance.
5. 5

   Air Brakes

   Any vehicle with air brakes

   Dual air systems: pressure builds 85 to 100 psi within 45 seconds.

   What are the two halves of a dual air brake system called?

   1. AThe service system and the reserve system
   2. BThe front circuit and the emergency circuit
   3. CThe supply system and the application system
   4. DThe primary system and the secondary system

   Where in the air brake system is the safety relief valve installed?

   1. AIn the tank that feeds the spring brake circuit
   2. BIn the line between the pedal and the front chambers
   3. CIn the first tank the compressor pumps air to
   4. DIn the governor housing on the compressor itself
   This chapter has 147 more questions. Practice them in the app and see your pass chance.
6. 6

   Combination Vehicles

   Class A

   Glad hand rubber seals must be clean and in good condition before connecting so the air lines do not leak.

   The trailer wheels lock and the trailer begins to swing around. What is this kind of jackknife called?

   1. AA rearward amplification event
   2. BAn off-tracking skid
   3. CA tractor jackknife
   4. DA trailer jackknife

   Your trailer is hung up on a railroad crossing and will not move. What is the first thing you do?

   1. AGet out of the vehicle and away from the tracks
   2. BStay in the cab and keep trying to rock it free
   3. CSet out warning triangles along the roadway
   4. DUncouple the tractor and pull it clear alone
   This chapter has 118 more questions. Practice them in the app and see your pass chance.
7. 7

   Doubles and Triples

   T endorsement

   Upper fifth wheel check includes verifying the kingpin is not damaged.

   Before backing the converter dolly under the second trailer, the trailer's nose height should be:

   1. AExactly level with the top of the dolly fifth wheel
   2. BResting on its landing gear pads at ground level
   3. CWell above the fifth wheel so it drops on hard
   4. DSlightly lower than the center of the dolly fifth wheel

   How does the walkaround inspection of a set of doubles differ from inspecting a tractor with one trailer?

   1. AOnly the converter dolly tires are an extra item
   2. BThere are more tires, lights, reflectors, and coupling points to check
   3. CThe rear trailer can be skipped if it was inspected yesterday
   4. DIt does not differ in any meaningful way
   This chapter has 98 more questions. Practice them in the app and see your pass chance.
8. 8

   Tank Vehicles

   N endorsement

   On slippery roads, surge momentum can overcome tire grip and move a stopped tank vehicle forward.

   What must you verify about the manhole covers themselves during a tank inspection?

   1. AThat they carry the tank's re-test date
   2. BThat they are painted the same color as the shell
   3. CThat they can be opened without tools
   4. DThat they have gaskets and close correctly

   Inside cargo tanks, what is the key structural difference between a bulkhead and a baffle?

   1. AA bulkhead is removable for cleaning, while a baffle is welded in place
   2. BA bulkhead is solid and seals off compartments; a baffle has holes that let liquid pass
   3. CA bulkhead runs lengthwise along the tank, while a baffle runs across it
   4. DA bulkhead strengthens the tank shell, while a baffle only supports the piping
   This chapter has 62 more questions. Practice them in the app and see your pass chance.
9. 9

   Hazardous Materials

   H endorsement

   Division 2.1 is Flammable Gases, with propane as an example.

   What makes a container a cargo tank rather than a portable tank?

   1. AIt holds more than 1,000 gallons
   2. BIt carries only hazardous materials
   3. CIt is fitted with internal baffles
   4. DIt is permanently attached to a vehicle

   On a portable tank holding less than 1,000 gallons, how tall must the shipping name letters be?

   1. AAt least one inch
   2. BAt least three inches
   3. CAt least two inches
   4. DThere is no minimum for tanks that small
   This chapter has 234 more questions. Practice them in the app and see your pass chance.
10. 10

    School Buses

    S endorsement

    When the ABS malfunction lamp is lit, normal service braking remains available; only the antilock function may be lost.

    What should be switched on while loading students in the dark?

    1. AThe stepwell heater lamp
    2. BThe dome light
    3. CThe high beam headlights
    4. DThe rear cargo lamp

    While a school bus is being driven on its route, what is the rule for the emergency exit doors?

    1. AThey must be securely closed whenever the bus is being operated
    2. BThey only need to be closed when students are actually on board
    3. CThey may stay open whenever an adult monitor rides in the back
    4. DThey may be latched half-open to help cool the bus in hot weather
    This chapter has 98 more questions. Practice them in the app and see your pass chance.
11. 11

    Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection

    Everyone (skills test)

    Belts should be checked for tightness; play beyond about 3/4 inch at the belt center means the belt is loose.

    With the engine in what state are the critical fluid levels inspected?

    1. AEngine at fast idle
    2. BEngine off
    3. CEngine warmed and then shut down
    4. DEngine at normal idle

    What color must the reflectors mounted on the rear of a trailer be during your inspection?

    1. ABlue reflectors
    2. BRed reflectors
    3. CWhite reflectors
    4. DAmber reflectors
    This chapter has 200 more questions. Practice them in the app and see your pass chance.

The official South Carolina CDL manual