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Rhode Island · Permit test

Getting an RI CDL: the commercial learner’s permit

Every commercial driver’s license (CDL) class needs a written exam and a skills test. The first step to an RI CDL is a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) from the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and you study the Commercial Driver License Manual for it.

  • 1 yearLongest a commercial permit lasts
  • 7 daysWait after a failed knowledge exam
  • 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.Knowledge exam hours in Cranston
See commercial permit stepsFree practice test

Updated November 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

Who can apply

Under the state’s CDL rules, you must:

  • Be 18 to drive only within Rhode Island, or 21 to drive between states
  • Have been a licensed driver for at least 2 years, not counting time suspended
  • Not have had 3 or more moving violations within 12 months, in the past 2 years
  • Not have had a suspension for a moving violation, reckless driving or eluding conviction in the past 3 years
  • Not have had a drug or alcohol conviction in the past 5 years

You also prove U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residence with original documents, plus Rhode Island residency. Holders of some work visas can get a non-domiciled CDL instead.

The RI CDL permit test

At the least, you pass the General Knowledge exam. Each class and endorsement can add exams. They’re given at Cranston headquarters, by appointment only. Bring the CDL application (form CDL-1) and the CDL Test Authorization. Some exams add steps:

  • A hazardous materials (H) endorsement needs entry-level driver training (ELDT) and a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security threat assessment before the exam
  • Passenger (P) and school bus (S) exams need the chauffeur, passenger or school bus application

A U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) medical exam comes before the permit is issued.

Is there an RI CDL practice test?

The DMV’s CLP page doesn’t list one. It points you to the Commercial Driver License Manual, in its modernized version, so study that for each exam you need. The 20 questions on this site are for the car permit test, not the CDL.

Permit length and the skills test

A commercial learner’s permit can’t be renewed. When it runs out, you retake every knowledge exam and pay the fees again. Some licenses and endorsements need ELDT before the skills test, and the commercial skills test is at 400 Romano Vineyard Way in North Kingstown.

DMV offices and hours →
Sources: Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles and 1 more. Checked November 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

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