Truck Driving Schools in South Carolina

Starting a career as a truck driver in South Carolina allows individuals to contribute to the economy, earn significant income for their efforts, explore various parts of the city, and even travel constantly across state lines.

For those who have an affinity towards travel and adventure, such a career could be an incredible opportunity to consider.

And, of course, before interested individuals can begin making this vision a reality, they must become familiar with the steps involved in the process beforehand.

Luckily, that is exactly what we explore in detail in the upcoming sections.

Here, candidates will find all the major requirements needed to become a truck driver in South Carolina, the possible licensing and certification requirements, the best training programs, and the possible average salary to expect along the way.

How to Become a Truck Driver in South Carolina

Aspiring truck drivers in South Carolina are expected to start their careers by fulfilling the requirements below.

Minimum Requirements

The minimum requirements to get a commercial driver’s license in South Carolina include having a regular South Carolina driver’s license, being in agreement with the state motor carriers’ safety regulations, and providing a medical examiner certificate.

Individuals must also be at least 18 to drive within the state and 21 years old to cross state lines. Proof of identity and social security number are also needed.

Physical Requirements

Candidates wishing to become truck drivers in South Carolina are expected to be physically strong. They must have vision in both eyes and distinguish colors appropriately.

They should also be able to hear whispers at a distance of at least five feet and have a blood sugar not higher than 200. Naturally, schedule 1 drugs are also forbidden.

Training

It is common for aspiring truck drivers in South Carolina to apply to training programs to acquire the necessary skills and prepare for their CDL tests. We examine some worthwhile training destinations in the upcoming section below.

CDL Tests

Lastly, candidates must pass a knowledge test covering 20 general areas of truck driving in South Carolina. They must also pass a skills test examining a candidate’s proficiency in pre-trip inspection and road driving.

Explore Trades with Similar Paths:

• Learn to become an electrician in South Carolina

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Aspiring truck drivers in South Carolina who follow all the steps above may officially apply for their CDLs. They will have to pay an application fee of $15 and a CDL fee of $12.5.

Candidates may also earn additional endorsements for specialization. Each additional CDL endorsement in South Carolina costs $5.

The CDL knowledge test incurs a fee of $2 for each test.

The skills test incurs no fee the first time around. However, those who must take the test again must pay a $25 fee each time.

A South Carolina truck driver’s license may be revoked for several reasons, including negligent driving, criminal operations, or substance abuse.

Top Truck Driving Schools in South Carolina

Future truck drivers in South Carolina may consider any of the top training programs below for their education.

Explore truck driving schools in South Carolina by city:

• Truck driving schools in Charleston

Salary & Career Outlook

After surveying several truck drivers in the state, the employment platform Indeed revealed that the annual average salary for a truck driver in South Carolina is $102,322. This figure is pertinent to those at the midpoint of factors such as experience, specialty, and employer type.

The figure also aligns with the combined national average for other states. Those just starting may fall among the bottom 10% of earners who take home an annual average salary of $48,579, while those among the top 10% will manage an annual average salary of $215,520.

As for the best places to work as a truck driver in South Carolina, they include Summerville, with an annual average salary of $130,938; Greer, where truck drivers earn an annual average salary of $127,415; North Charleston, with an annual average salary of $122,096; and Rock Hill where truck drivers earn an annual average salary of $108,903.