Rhode Island CDL Study Guide
Rhode Island issues Commercial Driver Licenses (CDLs) through the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). All commercial transactions, including CLP and CDL exams, happen at the Cranston DMV headquarters; the skills test is at the Quonset/North Kingstown location. You study the RI CDL Manual, pass written tests, hold your CLP at least 14 days, finish ELDT, then pass the road skills test.
Key Rhode Island numbers
- Minimum age (intrastate): 18
- Minimum age (interstate or hazmat): 21
- CLP hold before skills test: at least 14 days
- General Knowledge passing score: 80%
- General Knowledge test: ~50 questions
- Air Brakes test: ~25 questions (required if your vehicle has air brakes)
- Combination Vehicles test: ~20 questions (required for Class A)
Topics on the Rhode Island General Knowledge test
- Vehicle inspection (pre-trip, en-route, post-trip)
- Driving safely (speed management, space management, hazard perception)
- Transporting cargo safely
- Air brakes (if your vehicle is air-braked)
- Combination vehicles (Class A)
If you fail a test
If you fail the Rhode Island CDL knowledge test you must retake it and pay the $10 exam fee again. Skills tests must be canceled or rescheduled at least 48 hours ahead to avoid forfeiting the $100 road test fee. CLPs expire after one year and are not renewable; if your CLP expires, you must redo all knowledge tests.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I take the Rhode Island CDL test?
Knowledge tests and CDL paperwork are at the Cranston DMV headquarters. Skills/road tests are at 400 Romano Vineyard Way in North Kingstown.
How much does a Rhode Island CDL cost?
$72.50 for the CLP, $10 per written exam, $100 for the road/skills test, and $12.50 for the CDL application.
How long must I hold the RI CLP?
At least 14 days. The CLP is valid for one year and cannot be renewed.
Whatu0027s the minimum age for a Rhode Island CDL?
18 for intrastate (Rhode Island only). 21 for interstate, hazmat, and most passenger driving jobs.
How many questions are on the RI General Knowledge test?
50 questions. You need at least 40 correct (80%) to pass.
Is ELDT required in Rhode Island?
Yes, for any CLP issued on or after February 7, 2022. You must finish FMCSA-registered ELDT before the DMV will schedule your skills test.
Free practice
Start a Rhode Island General Knowledge quiz →
Sources: RI DMV Commercial Driver License (CDL) main page RI CDL Manual (PDF) RI Commercial License Fees RI Commercial Learneru0027s Permit and Exams