Master the Rhode Island
CDL Written Test
Get ready to pass your Rhode Island CDL exams on the first try. From General Knowledge to specialized endorsements, our comprehensive preparation package is designed to help you study and succeed today.
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Start Your Commercial Driving Career
Pass your CDL exams on the first try, guaranteed.
What's your CDL goal?
Select your license class or endorsement to generate your personalized study plan.
Your Path to Commercial Driving
Questions are manually curated by the DMV Question Bank content team using the Rhode Island CDL Handbook (2026). Each module is mapped to real permit test topics so you practice with questions that closely mirror the actual DMV test.
Class A General Knowledge
GK-A Practice Test
Core written test for all Class A drivers — safety, cargo, and emergency procedures.
Air Brakes
AB Practice Test
Required for any vehicle with air brakes. Avoid the air brakes restriction on your license.
Combination Vehicles
CV Practice Test
Required for Class A drivers — trailer coupling, safety, and skid control.
Pre-Trip Inspection
PT Practice Test
Memorize the verbal walkthrough checklist of parts, belts, leaks, and gauges.
Interactive Test: Class A General Knowledge
Practice 10 real CDL permit exam questions below. Change test category from the list above.
No questions found for this category.
Where to Take Your CDL Test in Rhode Island
Schedule your written permit exams or behind-the-wheel road skills test at CDL-equipped testing facilities in major Rhode Island locations.
To receive your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) or take your final skills road exam, you must visit an approved Rhode Island DMV commercial licensing office. CDL knowledge exams and skills tests can be taken at testing facilities across the state, including major cities such as:
Important: Not all local DMV offices are equipped to conduct commercial skills testing or behind-the-wheel road exams. We highly recommend booking an appointment online and verifying that your chosen location supports commercial driver licensing before visiting.
CDL Questions Answered
Quick answers to the most common questions about the Rhode Island CDL exams.
How do I obtain my Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in Rhode Island?
Fulfilling the Rhode Island CDL requirements involves several key milestones. First, ensure you hold a valid non-commercial driver's license. Next, you must pass a DOT physical and receive a Medical Examiner's Certificate. Following that, you'll need to pass the required written knowledge exams at a local DMV location to earn your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP). Finally, complete the mandatory Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) before scheduling and passing your CDL skills road exam.
Is the FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) class required before I get a CLP?
No. You do not need to take or finish the ELDT course prior to taking the written tests for a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) in Rhode Island. However, before you can book your final commercial behind-the-wheel skills road exam, the DMV will verify that you have completed both the theory and behind-the-wheel portions of an approved ELDT program.
What distinguishes Class A from Class B CDL permits in Rhode Island?
Class A licenses authorize you to drive combination vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the vehicle being towed is over 10,000 pounds (e.g., tractor-trailers, flatbeds). A Class B license is for operating single heavy vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, or towing trailers under 10,000 pounds (e.g., box trucks, dump trucks, cement mixers, passenger buses).
How many questions should I expect on the Rhode Island CDL permit tests?
The number of questions depends on the specific modules. The General Knowledge permit exam features 50 questions (requiring 40 correct to pass). The Air Brakes test has 25 questions (requiring 20 correct), and the Combination Vehicles exam consists of 20 questions (requiring 16 correct). Most endorsement exams, including Hazmat and School Bus, contain 20 to 30 questions. All tests require an 80% passing score.
Does the CDL written exam test the Pre-Trip Inspection?
No. The Pre-Trip Inspection is a practical test performed in-person with a DMV/DPS examiner as part of your skills road exam. However, it requires a lot of memorization of engine, suspension, and braking components. Our CDL Pre-Trip inspection question bank helps you study and memorize exactly what mechanical points to inspect and the specific defects to vocalize to your examiner.
Official Rhode Island DMV Resources
Direct access to the official Rhode Island DMV portals, applications, and guidelines to assist with your Commercial Driver's License journey.
Rhode Island CDL Handbook (PDF)
Download or view the official 2026 Commercial Driver Handbook directly from the Rhode Island DMV.
Apply for a Rhode Island CDL
Review CDL requirements, check fees, fill out driver applications online, and discover state-specific permit rules.
Medical Examination Report Info
Access Medical Examiner requirements, find certified doctors, and learn how to submit your MER (Form MCSA-5876).
Schedule a DMV Appointment
Book an appointment online for your written CDL knowledge test or commercial behind-the-wheel skills test.