south carolina
CDL Practice Test

This is a site to help you prepare to take the CDL permit test in South Carolina. You can take these practice test questions as many times as you like, and the site is free to use. The questions on this practice test cover rules from the SC CDL manual. You will be presented with 40 questions and you must answer 34 questions correctly to pass. There is a 50-minute time limit. You may not go back once you answer a question. Click the "Start Test" button below to begin.

1 / 40

In Column 1 the symbol "I" means:

Invalid substance.

Iodine.

International transportation.

International restrictions.

2 / 40

The minimum tire tread depth for front tires is:

4/32-inch

3/8-inch

1/2-inch

1/32-inch

3 / 40

Select the true statement about handling triples and doubles:

a tip over of the rear trailer can occur due to sudden movements of the steering wheel

triples and doubles handle the same as singles

due to off-tracking, a triple bottom rig can come to a stop faster than a 5-axle tractor

because of the crack the whip effect, the rear trailer of a 100-foot triple is less likely to tip over

4 / 40

What is the most important reason for doing a vehicle inspection?

safety for yourself and other road users

federal and state laws require you to inspect your vehicle

to save you money by preventing costly repairs

to insure that you will achieve the best gas mileage

5 / 40

A driver of a tank vehicle should take curves, off ramps, and on ramps at a speed lower than the posted speed limit.

False

True

True but only in rainy conditions

True but only in ideal conditions

6 / 40

Anti-lock brakes:

Lengthen stopping distance.

Keep your wheels from locking during hard brake application.

Work only when you activate in-cab switch.

Are not available in mosst busses.

7 / 40

If hazardous material is spilling from your vehicle, do not move your vehicle:

Any more than 500 feet.

In an upwind direction.

Any more than safety required.

Any more that 450 feet.

8 / 40

How do you know when your brakes are fading?

to control your speed on a downgrade you have to apply less pressure to the break pedal

to control your speed on a downgrade you have to push harder on the brake pedal

the brake pedal flops to the cabin floor

your speed increases when pressure is removed from the brake pedal

9 / 40

Bus drivers must have a CDL if they drive a vehicle:

Designed to seat more than 16 or more persons, including the driver.

That is designed to carry more than nine passengers.

That has air brakes.

That has a gross weight rating of more than 26,000 pounds.

10 / 40

You must have placards for explosives, poison gas or flammables exceeding:

10 cartons

10 pounds

100 pounds

Any amount

11 / 40

Which of the following answers lists the three types of emergency equipment you must have on your bus?

Emergency reflectors, fire extinguisher, signal flares and tire repair kit.

Hydraulic jack, fire extinguisher, signal flares.

Fire extinguisher, spare electrical fuses (unless equipped with circuit breakers), and emergency reflectors.

Repair kit, spare electric fuses (unless equipped with circuit breakers), and fire extinguisher.

12 / 40

What is the standee line?

A 2 inch line down the aisle to help keep passenger traffic flowing.

A line around each seat to help each passenger have a little personal space.

A 2 inch line on the floor that all passengers must stay behind.

A line at the back of the bus where passengers must stand before exiting.

13 / 40

Some hazardous materials may not be loaded together with other hazardous materials. The prohibited combinations are listed in the:

Hazardous materials table.

List of hazardous materials and reportable quantities.

Hazardous waste manifest.

Segregation and separation chart.

14 / 40

When driving tank vehicles you should:

Decrease your speed before entering a curve and then accelerate through it.

Maintain the posted speed limit as you enter the curve.

Come to a stop before entering a curve and then accelerate through it.

None of the answers listed.

15 / 40

Select the true statement about dual air brake systems:

they have a single set of air tanks and hoses

they have one set of controls for two air brake systems

they require less time to build up air pressure

they are required to have two warning alarms

16 / 40

Select the true statement about converter dollies:

all answers listed

because of their small size they have little braking power

they usually do not have spring brakes

they typically require a glad hand converter

17 / 40

Select which is not an engine compartement belt:

A safety belt

An air compressor belt

A power steering belt

A water pump belt

18 / 40

Select the true statement about double or triple trailers.

all answers listed

they can roll over due to abrupt steering movements

they present a rearward amplification hazard

they can have a dangerous "crack the whip" effect

19 / 40

The belt that you need to make sure is securely mounted, without frays, and adjusts and latches properly is the:

The seat/safety belt

The air compressor belt

The power steering belt

The water pump belt

20 / 40

Tires should should be replaced:

when there are broken valve stems

if the tread depth on your front tires is less than 4/32 deep

when the tread separates

all of these answers are correct

21 / 40

What is the main difference between a portable tank and a cargo tank?

Cargo tanks are permanently attached, portable tanks are temporarily attached.

Cargo tanks are filled while on the vehicle, portable tanks are filled while off the vehicle.

Portable tanks must additionally show the owner or lessee's name on them.

All of these answers are correct.

22 / 40

The main reason you should pull the dolly out from under a trailer before disconnecting it from the trailer in front is:

to provide additional lateral stabilization to the front trailer

so the rear-trailer's air brake system will stay charged and keep the trailer wheels locked to prevent rolling

it is possible that the dolly tow bar could fly up making it difficult to re-couple

removing the dolly before uncoupling is not the correct procedure

23 / 40

What does it mean when the safety valve releases air?

you need it to have it checked out by a mechanic because something is wrong

pressure has passed 150 psi

there is too much air in the air compressor

all of these answers are correct

24 / 40

Suspension systems:

keep the load secure

keep the brake drums from failing

keep the axles in place

keep the steering wheel tight

25 / 40

What kind of surge occurs with baffles?

Side to side

Back to front

Circular

Bottom to top

26 / 40

When driving a combination vehicle, the trailer breaks away severing the air lines. The trailer brakes should come on and ____.

the tractor will gain air pressure

the tractor to lose all air pressure in the tanks

the tractor protection valve will close

the trailer supply valve will remain open

27 / 40

Under which two special conditions should you downshift?

before starting down a hill and before going up a hill

if there is an accident and in sudden heavy rain

before starting down a hill and before entering a curve

before entering a curve and before going up a hill

28 / 40

The golden rule for school buses when approaching and crossing railroad tracks is:

Stop, go, and stop.

Stop, look, and listen.

Stop, look, and turn on the radio lights overhead.

None of these answers are correct.

29 / 40

Play of the steering wheel should not exceed:

5 degrees

10 degrees

15 degrees

30 degrees

30 / 40

Select the purpose of fanning air brakes:

it increases the air pressure

lower air pressure

it decreases the braking power

it cools them down

31 / 40

A battery box check is important. The battery must be secure, connection must be tight, and cell caps must be present. In addition these items should be checked:

Battery connection should show signs of excessive wear.

Battery connections should not show signs of excessive corrosion, and the battery box and cover or door should not be damaged and should be secure.

The fluid level inside the battery.

Battery connections should not show signs of excessive corrosion, but the battery box and cover or door is unimportant.

32 / 40

What is the minimum amount of distance you should maintain when driving at 50 mph in ideal conditions with a 100 ft twin trailer combination?

6 seconds

8 seconds

13 seconds

11 seconds

33 / 40

What is the safest way to stop unruly behavior on the bus?

yell loudly for the students to sit down and behave themselves

have the unruly students move to the front of the bus

pull off the road in a safe location, secure the bus, stand up, and tell the students what behavior you expect of them

keep checking the rear view mirror so you can see what happened and report to the principal

34 / 40

Which of the following is a key steering component?

leaf spring

bearing plate

gear box

torque rod

35 / 40

When backing, what is the best method to use to avoid blind spots?

use a helper

look at your path

use mirrors on both sides

back towards the driver's side, where you can see better

36 / 40

When driving with multiple trailers, which one should be right behind the tractor?

the trailer with the smallest road

the trailers shortest in length

the trailer with the heaviest load

the trailer longest in length

37 / 40

Which of the following statements about special danger of loading and unloading is true?

Students should be told to leave any dropped objects and move to the point of safety out of danger and get the driver's attention to retrieve the object.

Students should be told not to use the handrails when exiting the bus due to the possibility of causing a clothing hang up.

Students should be told to remain seated while the bus is in motion.

Students should be told to pick up any dropped objects as long as it is not under the bus.

38 / 40

What does the service brake system do?

under normal driving it applies and releases the brakes by using the brake pedal

they are valves that maintain air tank pressure

they are only on vehicles that have hydraulic brakes

they are part of an official vehicle inspection

39 / 40

The longest crack that brake or disc drums can have is:

None of the answers listed.

1/2 the width of the friction area.

1/2 inch across in a straight line.

Cracks are not permitted.

40 / 40

You are required to have a tank endorsement when transporting:

Bulk fertilizer

Gas or liquid

Passengers

Materials that are hazardous

Your score is

The average score is 0%

5/5 - (1 vote)

CDL Category Practice Tests

CDL Practice Test

How To Get A south carolina Commercial Drivers License

To be eligible for a CDL in South Carolina, applicants must meet the following age eligibility requirements.

Be at least 18 years old to operate a commercial vehicle intrastate (within South Carolina only).
Be at least 21 years old to operate a commercial vehicle interstate (outside of South Carolina).

South Carolina CDL applicants must be certified that they are medically fit enough to operate a commercial vehicle and pass a vision test. Applicants are required to submit the following documents.

(Form MCSA-5876) Medical Examiner’s Certificate
(Form DL-405A) Medical Certification Requirements

Interstate non-excepted (drivers who do not work for the state or federal governments) must meet federal DOT requirements. Intrastate non-excepted drivers must meet the state requirements. Drivers who have had their licenses revoked, suspended, denied or canceled are not eligible for a CDL in South Carolina. Applicants can be disqualified for having multiple licenses.

South Carolina CDL Endorsements

H – Hazmat Vehicles
N – Tank Vehicles
P – Passenger Vehicles
S – School Bus
T – Double or Triple Trailer
X – Combination Tank Vehicles and Hazmat Vehicles

Hit the Open Road

south carolina CDL License Test Tips

All South Carolina CDL applicants must pass the general knowledge test prior to taking the skills test. To pass the South Carolina test, applicants must score 80 percent or higher. Applicants who require additional endorsements must pass additional tests and pay the required fees. The South Carolina skills test can be taken 14 days after applicants pass the knowledge test. It includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic control skills and on-road driving. Applicants must pass each section.

Military veterans and current military members can apply to have the skills exam waived if they meet the requirements. To qualify for a waiver, applicants must:

Be currently enlisted in the military.
Possess a valid South Carolina driver’s license.
Have operated a commercial vehicle as part of their military duties.
Have been discharged from the military within the past 12 months.
Submit (Form DL-408A) CDL Skills Test Waiver Application for Military Personnel. The commanding officer must sign this document within 90 days of the CDL application.

Additional Information

Information on the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles

The South Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles administers CDL license requirements in South Carolina. To get more information contact them via:

Website: http://www.scdmvonline.com/Driver-Services/Commercial-Licenses

Phone: 803.896.5000

Additional South Carolina CDL Helpful Links

Please use the links below to access South Carolina CDL testing resources and to learn more about practice driving tests for the state of South Carolina.

south carolina CDL Practice Test