A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required in Rhode Island to operate commercial motor vehicles over 26,000 lbs GVWR, buses carrying 16 or more passengers, or vehicles placarded for hazardous materials. Rhode Island CDL fees start at $72 for a 5-year license. Three CDL classes are available: Class A for tractor-trailer combinations, Class B for single large vehicles, and Class C for passenger and HazMat vehicles. First-time applicants must complete Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) through an FMCSA-registered provider before taking the skills test. All interstate CDL holders must maintain a valid DOT Medical Certificate. Test your knowledge with the Rhode Island CDL knowledge test, then pass the skills test — pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and road driving — to earn your license.
Any combination of vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 lbs or more, provided the GVWR of the towed vehicle exceeds 10,000 lbs.
Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a GVWR not exceeding 10,000 lbs.
Any single vehicle or combination not covered by Class A or B, designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver, or required to be placarded for hazardous materials.
TSA security threat assessment and fingerprinting required. Valid 5 years. Required for transporting HazMat in quantities requiring placards.
Required for operating tank vehicles carrying liquids or gases in bulk. Common for fuel and chemical haulers serving Providence port and industrial areas.
Required for vehicles carrying 16 or more passengers including the driver. Relevant for RIPTA contractors and charter operations.
Requires P endorsement. Background check required. Rhode Island school bus operators must meet additional state DHS requirements.
Class A CDL required. Double trailers permitted on I-95 and other designated routes through Rhode Island.
Combination of H and N endorsements. TSA background check applies. Common for bulk chemical/fuel haulers at Providence port.
Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) is required by federal regulation (49 CFR Part 380, effective Feb 7, 2022) for first-time Class A or B CDL applicants, and for adding H, P, or S endorsements. Training must be completed through an FMCSA-registered provider listed in the Training Provider Registry (TPR) at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov.
Find a registered ELDT provider in Rhode Island →Interstate CDL holders must hold a valid DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC) issued by an FMCSA-certified medical examiner. The MEC is valid for up to 24 months (shorter for drivers with certain conditions). Self-certify your operating category and submit the MEC to the Rhode Island DMV. Intrastate-only drivers must meet Rhode Island state physical standards.
Find an FMCSA-certified medical examiner →Apply at a Rhode Island DMV office with proof of identity, Social Security Number, and Rhode Island residency. Pass the required knowledge tests, complete Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) through an FMCSA-registered provider, then schedule and pass the skills test. The CDL fee is $72. Visit dmv.ri.gov for current requirements and office locations.
Rhode Island CDLs are valid for 5 years. Your DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate must be renewed separately — typically every 24 months for most interstate drivers, or more frequently if required by your medical examiner.
A Rhode Island CDL at age 18 allows intrastate (within Rhode Island) driving only. Interstate operation — crossing into Massachusetts, Connecticut, or other states — requires the driver to be at least 21 under federal FMCSA regulations.
If you're hauling bulk liquids you'll need an N (Tank) endorsement. If hauling placarded HazMat such as petroleum products, you'll need an H endorsement plus the TSA background check. Many port-area tanker jobs require the X (Hazmat + Tank) combination endorsement.
Rhode Island has numerous posted commercial vehicle restrictions on state routes and bridges — including many older Providence-area bridges with strict weight postings. Trucks are also restricted from some state routes entirely. Always verify your planned route against RIDOT commercial vehicle restrictions before dispatching.
Browse commercial trucks for sale from dealers in Rhode Island on TruckRadar.
Rhode Island CDL fee is $72 for original and renewal. Knowledge tests are administered by the RI DMV at no additional charge. Skills test fees vary by third-party provider, typically $100–$200. Verify current amounts at dmv.ri.gov before scheduling.
Disclaimer
The information on this page is compiled from publicly available government sources and is provided for general informational purposes only. TruckRadar is an independent search engine — we are not affiliated with any government agency and this content does not constitute legal or compliance advice. Regulations change frequently; always verify current requirements directly with the official source before making compliance decisions.
Official source: Rhode Island RI Official DMVLast reviewed: April 8, 2026