State of Rhode Island: Division of Motor Vehicles
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Home > Licenses & IDs > Commercial (CDL) & Chauffeurs
Commercial (CDL) & Chauffeurs
All CDL transactions are done at the DMV headquarters in Cranston.
New Medical Certification Requirements
- As of January 30, 2012, all CDL holders will be required to show their Medical Examiners Report for all transactons.
- Prior to January 31, 2014, all CDL holders must self-certify to the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) the type of commercial motor vehicle operation they drive in or expect to drive in with their CDL.
- New Medical Certification Requirements: A Guide for Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Holders
Eligibility Requirements for a CDL
- You must be at least 21 years old. However, you can receive a license valid for intrastate (within state) travel at age 18.
- You must have had a regular Rhode Island driver's license for at least two years, with no suspensions or revocations.
- You must earn a medical examiner’s certificate.
Applying for a CDL
- You must bring a Social Security card and your Rhode Island driver's license.
- You must complete an Application for Commercial Driver's License.
- You must provide proof of passing both the written exam and road test.
- You will receive a temporary license valid for 60 days.
- A hard copy will be mailed to you. If you do not receive it within 30 days, please contact the Division of Motor Vehicles at (401) 462-4368.
CDL Manual
Rhode Island's Commercial Driver's License Manual.
CDL Permit
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.
CDL Tests
- The written test is given at the DMV headquarters in Cranston.
- Before taking the road exam, you must pass the written portion of the CDL test. If you fail, you must wait five days before taking the test again. If you pass, you must apply for the permit necessary to take the road exam.
- The road test is administered by the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI). For more information, call (401) 825-1146.
Chauffeur License
A license issued to drive a limousine, taxi, or small van carrying under 14 passengers is denoted as an "R" restriction on your regular operator's license. You must complete and review:
Fees
- Costs are listed in the DMV Fee Table