ELDT Training in South Carolina — FMCSA-Registered Online Course

New CDL applicants in South Carolina, from Charleston, Columbia, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant and Greenville, need Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a registered provider before South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) will give them the skills test. Lowest Cost ELDT is on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, so the SC theory portion is done online for $20 and your South Carolina record is reported automatically.

How to get your CDL in South Carolina

  1. Get your CLP from South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV)

    Pass the CDL knowledge tests, plus any endorsement tests, at a SC licensing office.

  2. Complete ELDT theory online

    Finish the Class A or Class B theory course here, $20, at your own pace from anywhere in South Carolina; bus drivers add the passenger course and school bus drivers both the passenger and school bus courses.

  3. We report it to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry

    Your completion is submitted automatically, usually within minutes; the SC licensing agency checks the registry electronically before your skills test.

  4. Finish behind-the-wheel training in South Carolina

    Range and public-road training is done in person with one of the registered SC providers listed below, for example in Charleston; it can be a different provider from your theory course.

  5. Pass the CDL skills test in South Carolina

    Federal rule 49 CFR 383.25 requires you to hold the SC CLP at least 14 days first; then book the pre-trip, basic control and road test with South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV).

South Carolina licensing details

CLP fee
Varies; check the current fee on the SCDMV site
CDL fee
Varies; check the current fee on the SCDMV site
  • You apply with SCDMV Form 447-CDL, and the SCDMV issues CDLs and CLPs only to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.
  • South Carolina CDLs are issued for five years, and third-party CDL examiners now wear body cameras and record each exam on tablets.

These SC fees and procedures are set by the agency and change without notice; confirm them on the official site before you go. Training costs are separate from South Carolina fees: see what ELDT costs in 2026.

Behind-the-wheel schools in South Carolina

SC has 59 registered training locations across 37 cities on the FMCSA registry: 49 registered for Class A, 46 for Class B, 26 for the passenger endorsement and 22 for school bus. 38 of the 59 (64%) publish a website, and the newest SC registry record dates from October 2026.

Browse by city: Charleston CDL schools, Columbia CDL schools and North Charleston CDL schools, or open the full South Carolina school directory with phone numbers and the classes each location teaches.

Counts come from the FMCSA registry export. We do not endorse any SC school; confirm courses, schedules and prices with the provider.

Hazmat endorsement in South Carolina

27 of the 59 registered South Carolina locations are hazmat (H) theory locations. Hazmat ELDT is theory only, so SC drivers can take the $20 hazmat endorsement course online, warm up with the free hazmat practice test, then pass the South Carolina hazmat knowledge test and complete the TSA security threat assessment.

Courses accepted in South Carolina

Each course is the federal curriculum, reported to the Training Provider Registry when a SC driver passes.

Class A

CLASS A CDL

For combination vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001+ lbs, where the towed vehicle is over 10,000 lbs.

For first-time Class A applicants. Reported to FMCSA as a New Class A application. Already hold a Class B CDL and want Class A? Choose the Class B to Class A Upgrade course instead.

30 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
Class B

CLASS B CDL

For single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001+ lbs, or towing vehicles under 10,000 lbs.

For first-time Class B applicants. Reported to FMCSA as a New Class B application.

29 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
Class A

CLASS B TO CLASS A UPGRADE

Class B to Class A upgrade theory curriculum covering advanced commercial vehicle operation, safety procedures, inspections, control skills, and compliance requirements for drivers moving from Class B to Class A CDL.

Class B to Class A upgrade. Reported to FMCSA as an Upgrade. Only for drivers who currently hold a valid Class B CDL.

3 hours
22 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
School Bus

SCHOOL BUS ENDORSEMENT

Required endorsement for all school bus drivers, covering safety protocols and procedures.

11 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
Passenger

PASSENGER ENDORSEMENT

Required for drivers operating vehicles designed to transport 16+ passengers.

5 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
Hazmat

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ENDORSEMENT

Required theory training for transporting hazardous materials safely and legally.

12 hours
13 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll

South Carolina ELDT questions

Does SCDMV accept online ELDT theory?
Yes. SCDMV verifies completion through the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, and theory from a registered online provider is accepted.
What form do I use to apply for a South Carolina CLP?
SCDMV Form 447-CDL, the Application for a Commercial Learner's Permit and Commercial Driver's License, along with your identity documents and fees.
How long is a South Carolina CDL valid?
Five years. Testing is conducted in English as federal rules require, and the skills test may be given by SCDMV or an SCDMV-authorized third-party examiner.
Where can I do behind-the-wheel training in South Carolina?
With one of the 59 South Carolina locations on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, including locations in Charleston, Columbia and North Charleston; 49 are registered for Class A training and 46 for Class B. Theory and behind-the-wheel training can come from different registered providers, so you can finish the online theory first and then choose a school. Each school sets its own schedule and pricing, and some registered providers, such as school districts and transit agencies, train only their own drivers, so confirm before you enroll; we do not endorse any of them.

Start your SC CDL training today

$20 online theory, accepted in South Carolina and reported to the FMCSA registry automatically.

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