Checked against official Rhode Island sources on Oct 8, 2026
Rhode Island CDL practice test
Every state needs at least 80% on each CDL written test, and Rhode Island follows the same federal rule. Below are the fees, ages and rules we checked against the official Rhode Island source, and a free practice test.
FirstTry CDL is not affiliated with any DMV, FMCSA or government agency. Practice questions are exam-style questions built from the official CDL manual, not actual test questions.
Rhode Island CDL facts
| What | What Rhode Island says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| CDL classes | Rhode Island uses Group A (combination vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more and a towed vehicle over 10,000 pounds GVWR), Group B (single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more) and Group C (smaller vehicles that carry 16 or more people including the driver or haul placarded hazmat). | Official page |
| Where CDL business is done | Commercial transactions are only done at the CDL Office at the Cranston DMV. | Official page |
| Knowledge test fee | The knowledge test costs $23.50, and $10.00 for each additional test. Fees on the page include a $3.50 technology surcharge. | Official page |
| New CLP fee | A new Commercial Learner's Permit costs $73.50. A CLP update or duplicate costs $23.50. | Official page |
| CDL renewal fee | A 5 year CDL renewal costs $103.50. A renewal for age 70 and older (2 years) costs $49.50. CDLs can only be renewed 45 days before they expire. | Official page |
| Other CDL fees | Transfer of an out of state license costs $59.50. A duplicate or update costs $23.50. An in-state chauffeur costs $5.50 and an out of state chauffeur costs $28.50. | Official page |
| Knowledge test retest wait | If you fail an exam, you must wait seven days before retaking that exam. | Official page |
| CLP validity | A CLP is valid for one year at most and cannot be renewed. When it expires, all knowledge exams must be retaken and fees paid again. | Official page |
| Medical exam before CLP | A successful DOT medical examination must be completed before a CLP is issued. | Official page |
| Minimum ages | At 18 you may get a CDL for intrastate (within state) travel only. You must be 21 for interstate travel. | Official page |
| Driving history rules | You must have been a licensed driver for at least two years when you apply. You cannot have three or more moving violations in 12 months within the past two years, a suspension for a moving violation or a reckless driving or eluding conviction within three years, or any drug or alcohol conviction within five years. | Official page |
| Knowledge test location and hours | Knowledge exams are taken at the Cranston DMV from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm, by appointment only. At minimum a CLP applicant must pass the General Knowledge exam. | Official page |
| Hazmat testing | The Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement requires ELDT and a TSA Security Threat Assessment before testing. | Official page |
| Skills test parts | You must pass all 3 parts of the skills test: Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Control Skills Test and Road Test. | Official page |
| Skills test site and booking | All CDL skills tests are done at 400 Romano Vineyard Way, North Kingstown, by appointment only. Full, Modified and Road Test reservations can be booked online only. You may have only one appointment booked at a time. | Official page |
| Wait after CLP before skills test | A CLP must be held for at least 14 days before you take the CDL skills test. | Official page |
| Skills test cancellation | Cancel or reschedule at least 48 hours before the test to avoid paying another fee. Skills test fees are non-refundable. | Official page |
| Vehicle for the skills test | You need valid registration (and trailer registration if used), an active inspection sticker and proof of insurance. The vehicle must arrive empty. If you arrive loaded, you will not be tested and you forfeit the fee. | Official page |
| Entry-level driver training | ELDT is required for a first Class A or Class B CDL, a Class B to Class A upgrade, and a first S, P or H endorsement. It must be done with a registered provider before the skills test or the hazmat knowledge test. | Official page |
| Human trafficking training | Starting June 13, 2025, CDL programs must include industry specific training on recognizing, preventing and reporting human trafficking. | Official page |
| Non-domiciled CDL status | Effective December 12, 2025, and until further notice, the Rhode Island DMV cannot issue any non-domiciled CDLs. This includes new issuance, transfers, updates, duplicates, renewals, knowledge tests and skills testing. | Official page |
Fees and rules change. Confirm on the official Rhode Island CDL page before you go. Read the official Rhode Island CDL manual.
CDL test formats
We show the national defaults for question counts and time limits. Check the official Rhode Island manual for anything that differs.
| Test | Questions | To pass | Typical time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 50 | 40 (80%) | About 60 minutes |
| Air Brakes | 25 | 20 (80%) | 25 to 30 minutes |
| Combination Vehicles | 20 (25 questions in some states) | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| Hazardous Materials | 30 | 24 (80%) | 30 to 40 minutes |
| Tanker | 20 | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| Passenger | 20 | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| School Bus | 20 (25 questions in some states) | 16 (80%) | About 25 minutes |
| Doubles/Triples | 20 | 16 (80%) | About 20 minutes |
Practice any of them: all CDL practice tests.