Rhode Island CDL Practice Test

Rhode Island CDL Resources

Here are more resources related to getting your CDL in Rhode Island:

• Learn what is required for getting your CDL in Rhode Island

  Rhode Island CDL Requirements

• Download the Rhode Island CDL manual for free right here.

  Rhode Island CDL Manual

• Find Paid CDL Training In Rhode Island

  Paid CDL Training In Rhode Island

How to Get a CDL Permit in Rhode Island

Applicants must apply for a CDL instruction permit before receiving a Commercial Driver's License. You will receive the instruction permit after completing your written exam. The Applicant must show a valid Medical Card to obtain a permit if they are Self-Certified in a non-excepted status.

CDL Permit Requirements

To apply for a CDL the cost is $11.50, the cost of a permit is $41.50, and each test is $10. For those applying for a passenger or school bus endorsement, a chauffeur application is required with a fee of $26.50.

• Provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residence
• Complete a Medical Examiners Certificate if required
• Be at least 21 years old. However, you can receive a license valid for intrastate (within state) travel at age 18.
• Hold a valid operator's license for at least two years, with no suspensions or revocations.
• Proof of identity, including Social Security Number and date of birth
• Complete a chauffer application form and completed BCI report if applying for a Passenger or School Bus endorsement.
• Criminal Background check is required for HAZMAT, School Bus, and Passenger endorsements.
• Fingerprint processing for HAZMAT endorsement (fee of $86.50)

Testing locations and hours

Applicants 18 years of age and older must come to the DMV headquarters, 600 New London Ave, Cranston to take a computerized knowledge exam prior to issuance of a learner’s permit. If you are under the age of 18 and have completed an approved curriculum at a driving school, applicants may bring their certificate of completion to the DMV headquarters and take the computerized knowledge exam.

Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., and the office will be closed for to observe state holidays.

General Knowledge Exam

To prepare for the General Knowledge Exam, it is recommended you take a certified course in CDL Training as well as CDL Practice Tests in Rhode Island. Use the official Rhode Island Commercial Driver's Manual as a study guide. The manual covers the following topics, which will be on the exam:

• Driving Safely - Covers vehicle inspection, basic control of your vehicle, shifting gears, fires, crash procedures, skid control and recovery, seeing hazards, controlling speed, managing space, driving in various conditions including night, fog, winter, hot weather, mountains and more.
• Transporting Cargo Safely - Covers inspecting cargo, weight and balance, securing cargo, and cargo needing special attention.
• Transporting Passengers - Covers when a passenger endorsement is required, vehicle inspection, loading and trip start, on the road, after trip vehicle inspection, prohibited practices, use of brake door interlocks.
• Air Brakes - Covers the parts of an air brake system, dual air brake, inspecting air brake systems, and using air brakes.
• Combination Vehicles - Covers driving combination vehicles safely, combination vehicle air brakes, antilock brake systems, coupling and uncoupling, and inspecting a combination vehicle.
• Doubles and Triples - Covers pulling double and triple trailers, coupling and uncoupling, inspecting doubles and triples, doubles and triples air brake check.
• Tank Vehicles - Covers inspecting tank vehicles, driving tank vehicles and safe driving rules.
• Hazardous Materials - Covers the intent of the regulations, hazardous materials transportation, communication rules, loading and unloading, bulk packaging marking, driving and parking rules, emergencies and glossary.
• School Bus - Covers danger zones and use of mirrors, loading and unloading, emergency exit and evacuation, railroad-highway grade crossings, student management, antilock braking systems, and special safety considerations.

Military Exemptions

The skills test portion of the State CDL Testing process may be waived for individuals who have experience driving commercial motor vehicles for military purposes. Military personnel must meet the following requirements:

• Currently possess a Rhode Island driver’s license
• Complete an Application for CDL Skills Test Waiver Military form
• Military Letter (page 2 of application) must be completed by Commanding Officer or appropriate administrative office within the last 30 days
• Clean driving record for the past 2 years
• Currently employed or have been employed within the last 12 months in a military position (requiring CMV operation)
• Exempted from the CDL licensing requirements due to active duty military status
• Have been operating a CMV in the military for at least the last two years (or two years immediately preceding discharge from the military)

CLP Test

The CLP Test in Rhode Island is a computerized test taken at the DMV headquarters, exams are administered in English, Spanish and Portuguese. These tests are available during normal business hours and no appointments are necessary. Additional questions will be asked for the following endorsements to be added to a CDL (some endorsements are not eligible to be included on a CLP):

• H - Hazardous
• N - Tank
• P - Passanger
• S - School Bus
• T - Double and Triple Trailers
• X - Combination of Tank and Hazardous Materials

Facts About Commercial Learners Permit in Rhode Island

• A CLP is considered a valid CDL for behind-the-wheel training
• While you possess a CLP, you are only permitted to drive with a full CDL holder in the vehicle, and driver's must stay on public roads.
• CLP holder must hold a valid driver's license from the same state as the CLP until the applicant possesses a valid CDL
• Driver's must possess a CLP for 14 days before applying for a full CDL.
• Applicants who fail the knowledge exam must wait a minimum of 8 days before retaking the test.