Rhode Island CDL Practice Test and Test Prep (2026)
Rhode Island gives CDL tests through Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (RI DMV). Here is what you will be tested on, which of our practice quizzes match each test, and what the skills test involves in Rhode Island.
Knowledge tests for a Rhode Island permit
- General Knowledge (minimum for all applicants) — practice General Knowledge (60 questions)
- Combination Vehicles (Class A) — practice Combination Vehicles (30 questions)
- Air Brakes (if applicable) — practice Air Brakes (40 questions)
- Any endorsement tests you need (P, S, H, N, T)
Permit minimum age: 18 (in-state driving) or 21 (interstate). Holding period before the skills test: 14 days. Permit validity: 365 days.
Rhode Island endorsement tests and practice
- Hazmat (H) practice
Rhode Island notes for this endorsement
Hazardous materials. Requires ELDT and a completed TSA Security Threat Assessment before testing, plus the hazmat knowledge test. Rhode Island is NOT a TSA self-managed state, so the background check runs through the standard federal process: pre-enroll on TSA's HME program and complete fingerprinting at a TSA/IdentoGO enrollment center (RI has IdentoGO locations). TSA advises enrolling at least 60 days ahead; the assessment must be completed no more than 1 year before adding or renewing the endorsement.
- Tanker (N) practice
Rhode Island notes for this endorsement
Tank vehicles. Tank vehicles must arrive empty for the skills test.
- Passenger (P) practice
Rhode Island notes for this endorsement
Passenger. Requires an Application for Chauffeur, Passenger & School Bus Endorsements (and its listed documents) before testing, plus ELDT for a first-time endorsement.
- School bus (S) practice
Rhode Island notes for this endorsement
School bus. Requires the Chauffeur/Passenger/School Bus endorsement application and ELDT for a first-timer; you must study manual Section 10 and know all procedures in the School Bus Safety Course from CCRI.
- Doubles/triples (T) practice
Rhode Island notes for this endorsement
Double/triple trailers (knowledge test only; CDL holders).
The Rhode Island skills test
Components: Vehicle Inspection Test (VI), Basic Control Skills Test (BCS), Road Test (RT).
Test vehicle: You must supply your own commercial vehicle representative of the class you seek; the RI DMV does not provide one. The vehicle needs valid registration (and trailer registration if applicable), an active inspection sticker, and proof of active insurance. You must arrive in an empty vehicle — loaded vehicles forfeit the exam fee; all tank vehicles must be empty, and hazardous tankers must be empty, cleaned, purged, and accompanied by a certificate. Hard copies of your CLP and operator license must be presented (no paper copies).
Where and how to book: Knowledge exams are given only at the Cranston DMV CDL Office (8:30am–1:30pm, by appointment). All CDL skills tests are performed by the RI DMV at 400 Romano Vineyard Way, North Kingstown, RI, by appointment booked online only. Three booking types exist: Full Test (VI, BCS, RT), Modified Test (BCS, RT) if you already passed the VI, and Road Test only. You may hold only one appointment at a time, and must book the correct test type or you will not be tested. Test-site line: (401) 667-2882.
Waits and retests: Because Rhode Island is a small state that runs all CDL testing through a single knowledge-test office (Cranston) and a single skills-test site (North Kingstown), appointment availability can be limited — no state-published wait-time figure. A skills test must be canceled or rescheduled at least 48 hours before the appointment to avoid paying another (non-refundable) skills-test fee. If you fail a knowledge exam you must wait 7 days before retaking it.
Practice the inspection part with our pre-trip inspection guide. Research dated 2026-07-20; confirm testing details with Rhode Island.
All practice tests
- General Knowledge (60 questions)
- Air Brakes (40 questions)
- Combination Vehicles (30 questions)
- Hazardous Materials (H) (30 questions)
- Tank Vehicles (N) (25 questions)
- Passenger (P) (25 questions)
- School Bus (S) (25 questions)
- Doubles/Triples (T) (20 questions)
Ready to apply? See the full Rhode Island CDL requirementsor build your Rhode Island checklist.