CDL Truck Driver in Rhode Island
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for RI. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Rhode Island.
Jobs (RI)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a cdl truck driver in Rhode Island
To become a CDL Truck Driver in Rhode Island, applicants must obtain an FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) certificate and pass the CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test. The licensing body is the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The application fee is $250, and the skills test costs $103.50. Applicants must be at least 18 years old for intrastate driving or 21 for interstate commerce and hold a valid DOT medical certificate. Rhode Island offers reciprocity for valid out-of-state CDLs, provided the applicant meets specific documentation and residency requirements.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Rhode Island. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Rhode Island requirements
| Licensing body | Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) |
| State license | Required |
| Education | FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) |
| Exam | CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test ($104) |
| Application fee | $250 |
| Renewal | Every 5.0 years |
| Notes | Applicants must be 18+ for intrastate or 21+ for interstate commerce. A valid DOT medical certificate is required. Applicants must have been a licensed driver for a minimum of two years. A clean background check is mandatory. As of December 12th, 2025, the Rhode Island DMV cannot issue non-domiciled Commercial Driver Licenses. Starting June 13, 2025, industry-specific training on the recognition, prevention, and reporting of human trafficking will be required for CDL programs. |
workspace_premium Rhode Island license tiers
Rhode Island offers multiple tiers of cdl truck driver licensing:
| Tier | Hours required |
|---|---|
| Class A | N/A |
| Class B | N/A |
| Class C | N/A |
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleRhode Island license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk