Commercial Driving License (CDL)
Steps to Obtain a CDL or Endorsement for Entry-Level Drivers
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Pass Knowledge Exam(s)
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Applicant passes knowledge exam(s) at the Cranston DMV (8:30am – 1:30pm by appointment only)
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Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement requires ELDT and TSA Security Threat Assessment before testing
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Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements require a Chauffeur Applicationbefore testing
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Get the Commercial Learners Permit (CLP)
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After passing required knowledge test(s) the CLP is issued
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DOT Medical Certification, birth document, and proof of residence required at issuance
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Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
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Applicant completes ELDT courses with a training provider (see FMCSA website for more information)
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Pass all 3 parts of the Skills Test: the Vehicle Inspection Test, the Basic Controls Test, and the Road Test
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Get the Commercial Driver License (CDL)
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CDL and Endorsements are issued at Cranston DMV only
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Rhode Island Eligibility Requirements for a CDL or CLP (per RI DMV Rules and Regulations 280-RICR-30-05-1)
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At 18 years of age, you may receive a CDL for intrastate (within state) travel only. You must be 21 years of age to be eligible for interstate (crossing state lines) travel.
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At the time of applying, the applicant must have been a licensed driver for a minimum of two (2) years. Time periods during which the applicant’s driving privileges were suspended shall not be used in computing the two (2) year minimum.
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Within a two (2) year period prior to submitting the application, the applicant must not have been convicted of three or more moving violations within a twelve (12) month period.
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Within a three (3) year period prior to submitting the application, the applicant’s driving privileges must not have been suspended for a moving violation or convicted of reckless driving or eluding law enforcement.
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Within a five (5) year period prior to submitting the application, the applicant must not have been convicted of any drug or alcohol violations.
Proof of Status Requirement
The Rhode Island DMV requires all CDL drivers to provide Proof of Status as a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident when applying for a CDL, renewing a CDL, updating a CDL or transferring a CDL from another state. This is required by 49 CFR 383.71. You must also have proof of Rhode Island Residency. See the checklist attached to the Application for Commercial Driver's License (CDL-1) for what is acceptable.
Acceptable Documentation for U.S. Citizen (Originals only, no copies):
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A valid unexpired U.S. passport (If your passport has been issued within the last 6 months, an additional Identity Document may be required, as your passport may not verify in the national database).
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A certified copy of a birth certificate issued by a State Office of Vital Statistics or 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.
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Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) issued by the U.S. Department of State.
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Certificate of Naturalization issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
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Certificate of Citizenship issued by DHS.
Acceptable Documentation for Lawful Permanent Resident (Originals only, no copies):
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Unexpired Permanent Resident Card, issued by USCIS or INS.
If you are unable to provide Proof of Status as a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Residence, you must provide:
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Unexpired Employment Authorization Card or document issued by USCIS showing H-2A, H-2B, or E-2 status.
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Unexpired foreign passport (not from Canada or Mexico) and an unexpired Form I-94/I-94A.
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Applicants under this section will receive a "non-domiciled" CDL.
Commercial Driving License (CDL) Transactions
The Cranston DMV is the only location for in person CDL transactions and is by appointment only.
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Online CDL transactions:
Note: CDL licenses can only be renewed 45 days prior to expiration and require a completed application.
