Planning to get your Commercial Driver’s License in Rhode Island? Understanding the total costs involved is essential for your budgeting and career planning. From initial permit fees to training programs and testing expenses, obtaining a CDL in the Ocean State involves several financial components. In general, you can expect to spend around $3000 to $7000 to get a CDL in Rhode Island. While prices vary depending on the license class and additional endorsements you choose, investing in your CDL can lead to promising career opportunities in the commercial driving industry.
Now let’s explore the breakdown of costs for getting your CDL in Rhode Island!
How much does it cost to get a CDL in Rhode Island?

It typically costs around $3000 to $7000 to get a CDL in Rhode Island depending on several factors like the DOT physical center or the training schools you choose. This cost varies dramatically as each site offers different costs for their services.
Application fee |
$12.5 |
DOT physical |
$90 – $250 |
Entry-level Driver Training |
$2000 – $6000 |
CDL Knowledge test |
$10 |
Commercial Learner’s Permit |
$72.50 |
Licensing fee |
$4.5 for intrastate chauffeur $27.5 interstate chauffeur |
CDL Skills test |
$102.50 |
Application fee
The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles charge the CDL candidates $12.5 for each application.
DOT physical cost
Passing the DOT physical is critical for CDL applicants to receive the medical certificate to be qualified. This examination is to ensure you are physically ready for the commercial driving task.
DOT physical test costs can vary as different health centers will offer different prices for their services. Typically, it ranges from around $90 to $250 that is affordable for all the aspiring drivers.
Entry-Level Driver Training cost
Entry-level Driver training is a training that is required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Completing this training means that you are now qualified to take the CDL knowledge and skills test.
The cost of ELDT is pretty high due to its training program which includes both theory and behind-the-wheel. In Rhode Islands, it costs around $2000 to $6000 for applicants to be trained comprehensively.
Testing fee
Remember the two tests you have to pass to receive the Rhode Island CDL? That’s right. Those are CDL knowledge and skills tests, and their fee are as follows:
- CDL knowledge test: $10
- CDL skills test: $102.50
Also, there is a fee of $10 for each endorsement added to your license. In addition, if you apply for the Hazardous Materials endorsement, you will be required to undergo a threat assessment conducted by The Hazardous Materials Endorsement Threat Assessment Program. Fee for this assessment is $86.50.
Physical licensing fee
In order to receive a physical CDL license, you have to pay another $38,5 after completing all the steps required.
FAQs
1. How much is a CDL license in RI?
CDL license in Rhode Islands is $38.50 itself. However, if you are finding the cost for the whole process in getting a CDL license, it is around $3000 to $7000 including every cost from DOT physical, Entry-level Driver Training, testing and license fees.
2. How much is it to get my CDL permit in Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, obtaining a new Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) costs $72.50. Acceptable payment methods include cash, money orders, personal checks, bank checks, and credit cards (MasterCard, Discover, Visa, and American Express).
Final thoughts
Understanding the cost in getting a Commercial Driver License is crucial for anyone dreaming of obtaining it. Generally, you can expect to spend around $3000 to $6000 including all the necessary fees from training to testing to get a CDL in Rhode Island. Now you have answer for the question how much does it cost to get a CDL in Rhode Island, should anything be confusing, do not hesitate to leave questions below for further discussion.