CDL Requirements in Rhode Island

To operate a commercial vehicle, drivers must hold a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL). Each state still differs somewhat in its qualifications for earning a CDL. In Rhode Island, students can receive CDL training at New England Tractor Trailer Training School’s (NETTTS) campus in Pawtucket, RI.

NETTTS offers CDL training alongside additional resources, like career services support. This helps students to have the tools they need for success after earning their CDL. Students complete hands-on training on our fleet of trucks and tractor-trailers, as well as a driving and shifting simulator. Learn more about Rhode Island CDL requirements and how to start your journey at NETTTS.

How Much Training Do I Need?

The amount of training you need depends on the kind of CDL you intend to achieve. NETTTS offers the following CDL Training programs:

• Class A CDL: This license permits you to drive commercial vehicles with a gross weight of 26,000 or more pounds and a towing capacity of 10,000 or more pounds.
• Class B CDL: This license lets you use commercial vehicles with a gross weight of more than 26,000 pounds and a towing capacity of no more than 10,000 pounds.

You may need additional training if you want to hold certain licenses. For example, those with a Class A or Class B CDL must take Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) through a school on the FMCSA provider registry. ELDT helps to set a nationwide standard for CDL education.

You may also consider specific training if you upgrade from a Class B CDL to a Class A, or add certain endorsements, like hazardous materials, passenger, or school bus endorsements. Along with our CDL training courses, NETTTS is an Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) provider on the FMCSA registry.

Before getting a CDL, you must first apply for a CDL instruction permit. To earn one, you must pass a written exam. The commercial learner’s permit (CLP) exam is completed in multiple parts. Students must take and pass the general knowledge exam before moving on to other portions. Permits are valid for up to one year from the date it was issued.

Health and Vision Requirements

Before applying for a CDL and taking the knowledge test, students must submit a valid, up-to-date Medical Card to their DMV. They must also complete a medical exam performed by a certified medical examiner, which is offered at our campus in Pawtucket, RI. This DOT medical exam is a standard set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

The medical exam looks at many aspects of a driver’s health, including:

• Vision
• Hearing
• Blood pressure
• Blood sugar
• Drug use
• Current medications

Medical Cards will eventually expire and must be renewed before they do. Truckers should always have updated Medical Cards on file at the DMV.

The medical certificate is also where drivers self-certify. Self-certification informs RI DMV of the type of driver you aim to become after earning your CDL. Students can choose from the following options:

• Interstate non-excepted: These drivers travel across state lines and must meet Federal Department of Transportation (DOT) medical requirements.
• Intrastate non-excepted: These are truckers who drive only within state lines and must meet state medical requirements.

What to Expect When Taking the CDL Test

Students can apply for and take their CDL exam at their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and that test can be scheduled as students approach their graduation. Students complete the CDL test in multiple parts. The first part is the knowledge test, where students must answer questions regarding the general knowledge of truck operation and road safety. The next portion is the CDL skills and road test, which students take in three parts:

• Pre-trip inspection: This part of the exam tests the driver’s ability to inspect vehicles, and students must identify and explain vehicle components.
• Basic vehicle control: This portion ensures students can control vehicles when maneuvering, like straight line backing, alley dock backing, or offset right or left backing.
• Road test: This test is like a traditional road exam, where students drive trucks on roads and streets with an examiner to see how they perform in normal traffic.

Upon passing all exams, students earn their CDL. Drivers must renew their CDL every five years. Drivers must have their current license and a DMV renewal form to renew. They may also need their Social Security card and a renewed medical certificate.