For commercial vehicle customers: All services for IFTA/IRP online and in branch offices will be out of service from 5 p.m., May 2 until 8:30 a.m., May 6 for a Motor Carrier Services systems upgrade. All other customer services will not be affected. We apologize for any inconvenience.
September 21, 2023
A modernized version of the commercial driver’s license (CDL) road test is being implemented for the first time in the Upstate in Seneca.
Beginning the week of Sept. 25, the Seneca branch office will offer the new modernized commercial driver’s license skills test, with expansion to more DMV locations across South Carolina to come in future months.
The modernized test began being offered at the Kingstree and Conway offices in July. Other testing locations across South Carolina will be implementing the modernized test throughout the remainder of 2023 and into 2024.
Like today’s version of the CDL test, the Seneca branch will offer the new exam on an appointment-only basis for drivers wishing to operate large commercial vehicles.
As part of the changeover, Seneca will stop offering examinations for class E and F driver’s licenses to make space for the commercial tests. Those license classifications often are sought by those operating RVs or RVs with tow-behind trailers. Those tests will continue to be offered in the Upstate at the Greer branch office at 610 Arlington Road.
The shift to the modernized exam will also result in CDL testing expanding from the current nine offices across the state to 18 offices when complete.
“This transition to a new test shows how the SCDMV is working to support the transportation industry as it puts more modern commercial vehicles on the road,” said Kevin Shwedo, Executive Director of the S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles.
The CDL test has been redesigned with new national standards that emphasize the modern technology that has come to trucking in recent years.
There have been no changes to the knowledge tests or requirements for obtaining a commercial learner’s permit.
A new manual has been published to help customers prepare for the revamped testing and can be found on the agency website under CDL Manual. It is also available for purchase at branch offices.
The cost of the application does not change with the switch to the modernized commercial test.
Customers who already have passed one or more parts of the three-part CDL exam cannot shift to a modernized test location and receive credit for sections of the traditional test that they completed successfully. The applicant could convey that credit to another traditional test location.
Appointments to take the modernized test can be made online: Schedule a Road Test.
The SCDMV branch in Seneca is located at 13009 South Radio Station Road.