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Get your Rhode Island CDL — government fees ($223), ELDT training, skills test, and step-by-step guide. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Commercial Driver's License
Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
68% of data points are verified against official sources. 8 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
$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
Ready to start your CDL training?
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides.
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
CDL skills tests are conducted at the RI DMV CDL Range at 400 Romano Vineyard Way, North Kingstown.
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
| 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
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
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
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.
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.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Rhode Island.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#15 of 51
Cost
#47 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (SOC 53-3032)
Entry Level
$51,790
25th percentile
Median
$59,710
+4% vs. national avg ($57,440)Experienced
$64,690
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
3,260 employed in this state
Note: BLS category "Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers" covers CDL holders driving tractor-trailers specifically. Wages for other CDL vehicle types may differ.
Source: BLS OEWS – Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+2.6%
Below AverageNew Jobs
+53,500
over 10 years
Annual Openings
228,600
per year (avg.)
2.1M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 6–16 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
1–2 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides and practice tests for the commercial driver's license exam.
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All data verified as of 2026-03-21. Sources consulted:
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides. Complete your permit prep before attending a driving school.
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Exploring other careers? Compare licensing requirements for real estate agents, insurance agents, and notaries in Rhode Island.