Commercial Learner’s Permit and Exams

Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and Exams

Getting a CDL involves several steps. There are medical requirements and residency requirements besides knowledge and skills requirements.

• The first step is to read the Commercial Driver License Manual – Modernized Version. This is available online or by coming in person to the CDL Office to pick up a hard copy.

• The second step is to decide which type of vehicle and what kind of driving you want to get the license for.

• There are 3 classes of CDLs, each with endorsements for specialized vehicles like school buses, tank trucks, tractor trailers, etc. Each type of CDL and endorsement requires you pass a written exam and skills test. It is important to pass all the required tests or risk having restrictions on your license.

• Applicants for certain CDLs and CDL endorsements are required to complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) before taking the CDL skills test or hazardous materials endorsement knowledge test.

Once you've finished getting informed and making decisions you are ready to begin testing.

Requirements for testing:

• Complete an Application for Commercial Driver's License (CDL-1) and a CDL Test Authorization

• At minimum a CLP applicant must pass the General Knowledge exam

  •  Depending on the class of license or endorsements additional exams may be required

• Knowledge exam(s) are taken at the Cranston DMV from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm by appointment only 

• Hazardous Materials (H) Endorsement requires ELDT and TSA Security Threat Assessmentbefore testing

• Passenger (P) or School Bus (S) exams require an Application for Chauffeur, Passenger, & School Bus Endorsements and the documents listed on that form before testing

• If you fail an exam, you must wait seven days before retaking that exam

• A successful DOT Medical Examination must be completed before CLP issuance

• CLPs are valid for one year maximum and are non-renewable

  • Upon CLP expiration, all knowledge exams must be retaken, and fees repaid

Rhode Island Eligibility Requirements for a CDL or CLP (per RI DMV Rules and Regulations 280-RICR-30-05-1)

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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):

• 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).

• 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.

• Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) issued by the U.S. Department of State.

• Certificate of Naturalization issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

• Certificate of Citizenship issued by DHS.

Acceptable Documentation for Lawful Permanent Resident (Originals only, no copies):

• 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:

• Unexpired Employment Authorization Card or document issued by USCIS showing H-2A, H-2B, or E-2 status.

• Unexpired foreign passport (not from Canada or Mexico) and an unexpired Form I-94/I-94A.

• Applicants under this section will receive a "non-domiciled" CDL.