Knowledge Test Class B
This license is required for driving a single vehicle with a GVWR of more than 26,001 pounds, and a trailer not to exceed 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating, or a vehicle designed to transport 24 or more people (including the driver). To receive this license, applicants must pass a 50-question test. To pass, applicants must answer 40 questions correctly. Each question has two, three or four possible answer choices. Test questions come from the South Carolina Commercial Driver License Manual. Questions come from chapters covering: Introduction, Driving Safely, Transporting Cargo Safely, Air Brakes (if applicable), Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Vehicle Control Skills Test and On-Road Driving.. Endorsements that may be used with a Class B CDL are: Hazardous materials, Tank, Passenger, HazMat and Tank, Air Brakes and School bus.
22. An exhaust system should be:
When inspecting an exhaust system, you should verify that parts of the system are not loose, broken, or missing. The system's parts must be properly mounted and should not be rubbing against moving parts of the vehicle.
23. When driving on packed snow, you should reduce your speed by:
Reduce your speed when traveling on surfaces that provide reduced traction. Reduce your speed by one-half or more when traveling on packed snow.
24. A steering wheel should be held:
A steering wheel should be held firmly with both hands, positioned on opposite sides of the wheel.
25. Rust around wheel nuts may mean:
It is important to inspect your tires before every drive. Rust around wheel nuts may indicate that they are loose.
26. What is Gross Combination Weight?
Gross Combination Weight (GCW) is the total weight of a powered unit, its trailer(s), and the cargo being carried.
27. If your vehicle is equipped with a cargo lift, you should ensure that:
When checking a cargo lift as part of your vehicle inspection test, you should check for leaking, damaged, or missing parts. The lift must be fully retracted and latched securely.
28. The parking brake should be:
The parking brake in a vehicle with air brakes should be used every time the vehicle is parked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the steps to obtain a Class B CDL license in South Carolina:
1. Obtain a South Carolina Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) by passing the required knowledge tests for the Class B CDL.
2. Hold the CLP for at least 14 days before taking the skills test.
3. Schedule and pass the skills test, which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and a road test.
4. Submit all required documentation and pay the necessary fees to obtain the Class B CDL license from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
5. Maintain your CDL by complying with all state and federal regulations, including regular medical exams and continuing education requirements.
- Straight trucks (e.g. delivery trucks, dump trucks)
- Buses (e.g. city buses, school buses)
- Box trucks with trailers under 10,000 pounds
- Tow trucks with trailers under 10,000 pounds
- Segmented buses
- Large passenger vans (e.g. airport shuttles)
It's important to note that certain endorsements or restrictions may apply depending on the specific type of vehicle you plan to operate. For example, if you plan to operate a bus with air brakes, you will need an air brake endorsement on your CDL.
1. Be at least 18 years old (21 years old for interstate driving).
2. Hold a valid South Carolina driver's license.
3. Provide proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency.
4. Obtain a South Carolina Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) by passing the required knowledge tests for the Class B CDL.
5. Hold the CLP for at least 14 days before taking the skills test.
6. Pass a skills test, which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and a road test.
7. Self-certify your type of driving (interstate or intrastate) and submit a medical examiner's certificate if required.
8. Submit all required documentation and pay the necessary fees to obtain the Class B CDL license from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
It's important to note that there may be additional requirements depending on your specific situation and the type of vehicle you plan to operate. You should consult with the DMV or a qualified CDL training program for more information on obtaining a Class B CDL in South Carolina.
It's important to note that some employers may have their own minimum age requirements for hiring CDL drivers, which may be higher than the state requirement. Additionally, certain endorsements or restrictions on your CDL may also have their own age requirements. It's always a good idea to check with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles or a qualified CDL training program for more information on age requirements for obtaining a Class B CDL license.
1. Passenger (P) endorsement: This endorsement is required for drivers who operate a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
2. School Bus (S) endorsement: This endorsement is required for drivers who operate a school bus.
3. Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement: This endorsement is required for drivers who transport hazardous materials in quantities that require placarding.
4. Tank Vehicle (N) endorsement: This endorsement is required for drivers who operate a vehicle designed to transport liquid or gaseous materials in bulk.
5. Doubles/Triples (T) endorsement: This endorsement is required for drivers who operate a combination of two or three trailers.
It's important to note that additional endorsements may be required depending on the type of vehicle you plan to operate. You should consult with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles or a qualified CDL training program for more information on endorsements for a Class B CDL license.
1. Pre-trip Inspection: You will be tested on your ability to inspect the vehicle for safety hazards before you start driving. You will need to identify and explain the inspection points of the vehicle, including brakes, steering, lights, tires, and more.
2. Basic Vehicle Control: You will be tested on your ability to control the vehicle in various situations, such as driving forward and backward, turning, shifting gears, stopping and starting on a hill, and more.
3. Road Test: You will be tested on your ability to safely operate the vehicle in traffic. The examiner will evaluate your ability to perform tasks such as lane changes, turns, merging into traffic, stopping at intersections, and more.
During the skills test, you'll be required to demonstrate your ability to follow all traffic laws and safety rules while operating a Class B vehicle. It is important to note that the skills test must be completed with a vehicle that is representative of the type of vehicle you plan to operate with your CDL.
It's always a good idea to prepare for the skills test by studying the South Carolina Commercial Driver's License Manual and practicing with a qualified CDL training program or instructor.
1. Vehicle Type: With a Class B CDL, you are authorized to operate a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, or a combination of vehicles with a GCWR of less than 26,001 pounds.
2. Passenger Endorsement: If you do not have a Passenger (P) endorsement on your CDL, you are not authorized to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver.
3. Hazardous Materials Endorsement: If you do not have a Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement on your CDL, you are not authorized to transport hazardous materials in quantities that require placarding.
4. Air Brake Restriction: If you took your skills test in a vehicle without air brakes, you will have an air brake restriction on your CDL and will not be authorized to operate a vehicle with air brakes.
5. Automatic Transmission Restriction: If you took your skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, you will have an automatic transmission restriction on your CDL and will not be authorized to operate a vehicle with a manual transmission.
It's important to note that there may be additional restrictions or limitations depending on the type of endorsement(s) you hold and the type of vehicle(s) you plan to operate. You should consult with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles or a qualified CDL training program for more information on Class B CDL restrictions and limitations.
However, the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) does provide an audio version of the CDL manual in Spanish for non-English speakers to assist with studying for the test. Additionally, if you need an interpreter for any part of the CDL exam process, you are responsible for providing your own interpreter at your expense. The interpreter must be fluent in both English and your native language and must not be a family member or friend.
To request accommodations, you must complete and submit an Application for Reasonable Accommodations (Form MV-95) to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The form must be signed by a licensed healthcare professional who can verify your disability and explain how it affects your ability to take the test.
Some examples of accommodations that may be provided include extra time to complete the test, a private testing room, a reader or scribe, or a sign language interpreter. The DMV will review your application and determine what accommodations are appropriate based on your specific needs and the nature of the test.
It's important to note that you must submit your application for reasonable accommodations at least 30 days before you plan to take the CDL written test. This will give the DMV enough time to review your request and make any necessary arrangements.
If you fail the test three times, you will need to wait at least 14 days before taking the test again. If you fail the test seven times, you will need to wait at least 30 days before taking the test again.
It's important to note that each time you retake the CDL written test, you will need to pay a fee. The fee for each retake is $2.50.
To improve your chances of passing the CDL written test, it's important to study the South Carolina CDL Manual thoroughly and take practice tests. The manual covers all of the information that you will be tested on, including driving laws and regulations, vehicle inspection procedures, and safe driving practices. You can also take advantage of online resources and CDL training programs to help you prepare for the test.