Rhode Island · DMV

How to get your CDL permit in Rhode Island

In Rhode Island all CLP business happens at the CDL Office in the Cranston DMV, by appointment. You need a DOT medical exam first, and the $73.50 permit lasts up to one year with no renewals.

Last checked September 26, 2026 against official DMV sources

Start the free Rhode Island permit classroom Official Rhode Island CDL manual

Minimum age: 18 (in-state only) · 21 to cross state lines
Permit fee: $73.50
Permit valid for: Up to 1 year, not renewable
Wait before road test: 14 days
Knowledge test language: Not published
Passing score: 80%

Step by step

1Complete a DOT medical exam with a National Registry examiner — you need it before the DMV will issue a CLP.
2Fill out the CDL-1 application and the Self-Certification for a Commercial Driver's License form.
3Book a knowledge test appointment online at the Cranston DMV.
4Bring original identity documents and proof of Rhode Island residency.
5Pass General Knowledge plus any class and endorsement tests.
6Practice only with a qualified CDL holder beside you, and hold your CLP at least 14 days.
7Finish Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) with a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry before your skills test.
8Book your skills test online and take it in North Kingstown.

What to bring

Original proof of identity: U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or certificate of naturalization or citizenship
Permanent residents: an unexpired Permanent Resident Card
Proof of Rhode Island residency (see the CDL-1 checklist)
Your completed CDL-1 application

Medical card

You fill out Rhode Island's CDL self-certification form, and you must pass a DOT medical exam before getting your CLP. The examiner sends results electronically through the National Registry, and the DMV mails you a notice when it arrives.

Fees

Commercial learner's permitCard payments add a service fee	$73.50
Knowledge test$10.00 for each additional test	$23.50
CLP update or duplicate	$23.50

Fees change. Confirm the current amount with DMV before you go.

The tests you'll take

General Knowledge (everyone)
Air Brakes (if your truck has air brakes)
Combination Vehicles (Class A)
Endorsement tests (only the ones you want)

Testing in Rhode Island

Knowledge tests are given only at the Cranston DMV, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., by appointment.
If you fail a knowledge test, you must wait 7 days to retake it.
Skills tests are by online appointment only at 400 Romano Vineyard Way, North Kingstown, one appointment at a time.
Your test vehicle must be empty, registered, inspected and insured.

Study for these tests in the Rhode Island classroom

Good to know in Rhode Island

All commercial license work is handled only at the CDL Office in the Cranston DMV.
If your CLP expires, you retake all knowledge tests and pay the fees again.
Skills test fees are non-refundable.

Non-domiciled applicants

Since December 12, 2025, and until further notice, the DMV cannot issue non-domiciled CDLs or give non-domiciled applicants knowledge or skills tests.

Confirm with DMV before you go

We couldn't confirm these from official sources, so we left them out rather than guess:

The skills test fee and original CDL fee — confirm with the DMV.
Which languages the CDL knowledge tests are offered in.
Whether you must bring proof of your Social Security number.
How many proofs of residency you need.
The vision standard.

Federal rules that apply in every state(show)

Age: You can get a CLP at 18, but until you turn 21 you can only drive a commercial vehicle inside your own state. Hauling hazmat requires you to be 21.
Knowledge tests: Everyone takes General Knowledge. Class A adds Combination Vehicles, and anyone driving a truck with air brakes takes Air Brakes. You need at least 80% on each test.
14-day wait: You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before you can take the skills (road) test. Some states make you wait longer.
Driving on a CLP: A CDL holder with the right class and endorsements must sit in the front seat whenever you drive. Hazmat is never allowed on a CLP. With a passenger or school bus permit you can't carry passengers, and with a tank permit the tank must be empty.
Entry-Level Driver Training: You must finish ELDT with a provider on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry before your Class A or B skills test. You do not need it to get the permit itself.
Medical card: You self-certify the kind of driving you will do. Most new drivers are 'non-excepted interstate' and need a DOT physical from a certified medical examiner, who now sends the results to your state electronically.
Clearinghouse check: Before issuing a CLP, your state checks FMCSA's Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. A 'prohibited' status blocks the permit until return-to-duty is complete.

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Short lessons with diagrams, a quick check after each one, and a practice test for every permit exam Rhode Island gives. Free.

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Official sources

This page is a study aid, not legal advice, and we are not affiliated with Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles. Rules and fees change, so always check with DMV before you apply.