Looking to pursue a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Rhode Island? The Ocean State maintains specific requirements that all aspiring commercial drivers must meet. From age restrictions and medical certifications to mandatory training programs and testing requirements, understanding CDL license requirements Rhode Island is essential for your success. Whether you’re aiming for a Class A, B, or C license, mastering Rhode Island’s CDL requirements is your first step toward a rewarding career in commercial transportation.
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What are CDL license requirements Rhode Island?
CDL license requirements in Rhode Island include age standards, proof of US/Rhode Island citizenship, CDL history check, medical certification, Entry-level Driver Training, and CDL knowledge and skills test.
Let’s dive into the details!

Age standards
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), CDL applicants have to be at least 18 years old to operate commercial vehicles within the state, and 21 to drive out of state.
Proof of identity/citizenship/residency
When applying for the Commercial Driver’s License in Rhode Island, or any states in the US, you have to show proof of being a legal US or Rhode Island citizen. To prove the US or Rhode Island citizenship, several documentations that are acceptable for you to submit are:
- A valid, unexpired U.S. passport.
- A certified copy of a birth certificate issued by a State Office of Vital Statistics or an equivalent agency in the individual’s state of birth, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
- A Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) issued by the U.S. Department of State.
- A Certificate of Naturalization issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
- A Certificate of Citizenship issued by DHS.
- A valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card issued by USCIS or INS.
In case you can not prove your legal presence in the US or in Rhode Island, you must provide one of these two documentations
- An unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by USCIS, or
- An unexpired foreign passport accompanied by an approved I-94 form, documenting the applicant’s most recent entry into the United States.
Medical certification
Unless exempt, you are required to hold a valid medical examiner’s certificate to operate a commercial motor vehicle, as outlined in 49 CFR 391.41. Government employees, such as federal, state, county, or city personnel – operating government-owned vehicles are exempt from this requirement. Failure to meet this obligation will result in the downgrade of your license.
The medical certification is to ensure that you are physically ready to successfully perform the commercial driving task. Specifically, there are some qualification related to vision, hearing, and blood pressure for CDL applicants to be qualified as follow:
Vision
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) visual requirements, CDL applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Visual acuity of at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without corrective lenses.
- Distant binocular acuity of at least 20/40 in both eyes, with or without corrective lenses.
- A horizontal field of vision of at least 70 degrees in each eye.
- The ability to distinguish the colors of traffic signals and devices, including red, green, and amber.
Hearing
Applicants must be able to detect a forced whispered voice in their better ear from at least five feet away, with or without the use of a hearing aid. If tested with an audiometric device, the applicant’s better ear should not exhibit an average hearing loss greater than 40 dB at frequencies of 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, and 2000 Hz, with or without a hearing aid.
Blood pressure
CDL applicants must meet specific blood pressure standards during the DOT physical:
- Normal: Below 140/90 mmHg; certified for up to 2 years.
- Stage 1 Hypertension: 140/90–159/99 mmHg; certified for 1 year.
- Stage 2 Hypertension: 160/100–179/109 mmHg; temporary 3-month certification to reduce blood pressure.
- Stage 3 Hypertension: 180/110 mmHg or higher; no certification until controlled below 140/90 mmHg.
Vision, hearing, and blood pressure are core tests, but additional exams may be required based on health history. Ensure you are physically prepared to qualify for the Medical Examiner’s Certificate.
Continue reading about CDL blood pressure here!
Entry-level Driver Training
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, CDL candidates applying for the first time have to complete the Entry-level Driver Training (EDLT). This training course is to ensure that you are comprehensively trained both in theory and practical to be a CDL driver.
It is worth noting that you must choose a certified training center whose training programs are qualified by the FMCSA.
CDL knowledge and skills test
Once you successfully submit all the required documents, now it is time to take the last steps: passing the CDL knowledge and skills test to officially receive the CDL in Rhode Island.
CDL knowledge test
The CDL knowledge test is organized to test your knowledge in commercial vehicles as well as in how to operate it legally and safely. This test includes:
- General knowledge test: 50 multiple-choice questions covering general vehicle and driving knowledge. A minimum of 40 correct answers is required to pass.
- Air Brakes (if applicable): Required if your vehicle has an air brake system. You need at least 20 correct answers out of 25 to pass.
- Combination Vehicle (if applicable): Required for those operating combination vehicles. To pass, you must answer at least 16 of 20 questions correctly.
Additionally, you may need to take endorsement tests depending on your vehicle type, such as:
- H Endorsement: Hazardous Materials.
- N Endorsement: Tank Vehicle.
- P Endorsement: Passenger.
- S Endorsement: School Bus.
- T Endorsement: Double/Triple Trailers.
Practice Rhode Island CDL Knowledge Test now!
CDL skills test
The CDL Skills Test is the final step in obtaining your CDL. It consists of three parts:
- Pre-trip inspection: You’ll demonstrate your ability to inspect your vehicle for safety, checking components like tires, brakes, lights, and emergency equipment.
- Basic vehicle control: You’ll complete maneuvers such as straight-line backing, offset backing, and parallel parking, testing your control of the vehicle in a controlled area.
- On-road driving: You’ll drive in real-world conditions, showing your ability to navigate streets, make turns, follow traffic signals, and drive safely.
To succeed, practice inspections, control maneuvers, and familiarize yourself with local roads. Passing these tests confirms you’re ready to drive a commercial vehicle safely.
FAQs
1. How to get CDL in Rhode Island?
To get a CDL in RI, you should first need to gather all the required documents for CDL application. Once your submission is done, now it’s time to take the CDL knowledge and skills test to receive the CDL.
Continue reading How to get CDL in Rhode Island!
2. How much does it cost to get your CDL in Rhode Island?
The cost to get a CDL in Rhode Island can vary depending on your decision in choosing ELDT training or DOT physical center. Generally, it typically costs around $3000 to $7000 including all the fees from DOT physical, ELDT, testing and licensing.
Final thought
Comprehensive preparation for the CDL application in Rhode Island is crucial to secure your position in a commercial driving career. Therefore, the very first step is to know and stay informed about the CDL license requirements Rhode Island – from age standards, proof of identity/citizenship, medical certification to the ELDT course and CDL tests. Hope this blog post is helpful; otherwise, you can leave questions below for further discussion.