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Commercial Driver's License
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
$223
TOTAL GOV FEES
$3,000-$7,000
TRAINING COST
5 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Gather Required Documents
Obtain a valid RI driver's license (held for at least 2 years), proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency, proof of RI residency, and a Medical Examiner's Certificate.
DOT physical exam typically costs $75–$150
Pass Knowledge Tests and Obtain CLP
Visit the Cranston DMV (8:30 AM - 2:00 PM), complete CDL-1 Application, pass the written knowledge test(s), and obtain your Commercial Learner's Permit.
CLP fee includes $3.50 technology surcharge; written tests given at Cranston DMV only
Fee: $41.50Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Complete ELDT through an FMCSA-approved training provider listed on the Training Provider Registry.
Training costs vary by school and program
Fee: $3,000–$7,000Hold CLP for 14 Days
You must hold your CLP for a minimum of 14 calendar days before taking the skills test.
Pass CDL Skills Test
Schedule and pass the CDL skills test (pre-trip inspection, basic control, road test) at the RI DMV CDL Range in North Kingstown.
Must cancel/reschedule at least 48 hours before to avoid fee; Modernized CDL Skills Test launched October 6, 2025
Fee: $100Obtain CDL
Pay the CDL license fee and receive your commercial driver's license.
5-year CDL license fee including surcharges
Fee: $81.50Commercial Driver’s Licenses are divided into three classes based on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of the vehicle being operated.
Class A CDL
26,001+ lbs GCWR
Towing: Towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class B CDL
26,001+ lbs GVWR
Towing: Towed vehicle under 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class C CDL
Under 26,001 lbs GVWR
Towing: Does not meet Class A or B thresholds
Common examples
Government Fees
Endorsement Fees
Training Cost
CLP ($41.50) + CDL ($81.50) + state skills test ($100)
Government Fees (You Still Pay)
Training Cost
Note: $0 (company-paid programs available)
Costs vary by school and program length
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Passing Score: 80%
Test Components
State Fee: $100
CDL road/skills test fee
Three-Part Exam
CDL skills tests are administered at the RI DMV CDL Range in North Kingstown (400 Romano Vineyard Way). No third-party CDL skills testing program was identified.
Scheduling Note
Confirmed — CDL skills tests at RI DMV CDL Range, North Kingstown
Ready to pass the CDL Knowledge Test?
Practice exams built for the CDL licensing exam — so you can pass faster.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Preparing for the written and skills tests? Read our CDL exam prep guide for study tips and what to expect on test day.
Overall licensing difficulty: 1/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
CDL Knowledge Test
Browse study guides
CDL Exam Prep Books
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Prepare with realistic CDL Knowledge Test practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)See our discount
CDL Knowledge Test
Passing Score
80%
Format
Written multiple choice
Key Topics Covered
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the CDL Knowledge Test.
Study Materials & Exam Prep — CDL Knowledge Test
Prepare for your CDL Knowledge Test with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, online courses, and practice tests.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Intrastate Minimum Age
18 years old
Interstate Minimum Age
21 years old (federal requirement)
Medical Card (DOT Physical)
Required
Valid State Driver's License
Required
Clean Driving Record
No disqualifying offenses per 49 CFR 383.51; must hold valid operator's license for at least two years with no disqualifying suspensions or revocations
Residency Requirement
Must be a resident of Rhode Island with proof of residency
Not sure if you need a CDL? Check whether your state requires one.
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | $11.50 |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | $11.50 |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | $11.50 |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | $11.50 |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | $23 |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | $11.50 |
HAZMAT Note: The HAZMAT endorsement (H and X) requires a TSA background check ($85.25) and fingerprinting in addition to the state fee shown above. The TSA security threat assessment must be completed before the state will issue the endorsement.
CLP Fee
$41.50
Includes $3.50 technology surcharge
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
12 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
Rhode Island has 108% below average — nationally the ratio is 1 per 164 residents.
Rhode Island has below-average cdl truck drivers density — strong demand for new cdl truck drivers.
Rhode Island ranks #49 out of 51 states by cdl truck drivers per capita.
Renewal Cycle
5 years
Renewal Fee
$81.50
5-year renewal (includes surcharges); $33.50 for age 70+ (2-year renewal)
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
CDL valid for 5 years (2 years for age 70+). Can renew 45 days prior to expiration. Renewal by mail, drop box, in-person with reservation, or online. HAZMAT renewal requires TSA fingerprint clearance and knowledge test.
Regulatory Board
Learn more about the renewal process in our CDL renewal requirements guide.
Visit Cranston DMV with required documents to transfer your out-of-state CDL. Complete CDL-1 Application including 10-year driving history. Surrender out-of-state license.
Transfer Fee
$53.50
Includes $3.50 technology surcharge
Timeline
Within 30 days of establishing residency
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedVision screening; HAZMAT knowledge test required to retain HAZMAT endorsement
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Service members currently licensed and employed within the past year in a military position requiring operation of a military motor vehicle equivalent to a CMV may apply for a skills test waiver. Knowledge tests cannot be waived.
Eligibility
Active duty or recently separated (within 12 months) military with equivalent vehicle operation experience
Search accredited CDL training programs and compare costs, schedules, and job placement rates.
160 Driving Academy →Nationwide CDL training with flexible schedules, financial aid options, and job placement assistance.
TruckingTruth School Reviews →Real student reviews and ratings of CDL schools to help you choose the right program.
Employer-Sponsored CDL Programs
Many trucking companies offer paid CDL training in exchange for an employment commitment. These are not affiliate links — check directly with carriers like Schneider, Werner, CRST, and Swift for current company-sponsored training programs in Rhode Island.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in Rhode Island range from $3,000 to $7,000. Costs vary by school and program length
Some links above may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Start Your CDL Training in Rhode Island
State-approved online courses you can start today.
Unique to Rhode Island
Rhode Island requires applicants to have held a valid operator's license for at least two years before applying for a CDL — stricter than most states. The DOT surcharge increase in 2026 may affect total CDL costs.
CDL Schools in Rhode Island
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
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Official Sources
CDL Driver requirements in Rhode Island verified against Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles, April 2026.
All data verified as of 2026-04-02. Sources consulted: