Rhode Island's CDL manual and DMV CDL Practice Tests

for all endorsements

Rhode Island's CDL Manual

Commercial Driver Handbook

In Rhode Island, commercial driver licenses are required for drivers who operate vehicles that are designed or used to transport passengers or property. To apply for a Commercial Driver's license in Rhode Island, applicants will need to submit an application to the RI DMV, with regulations set in place by both the DMV and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You must be at least 18 years old for an intrastate license and 21 for operations in interstate commerce or hazardous material endorsement. More information can be found at the Rhode Island DMV site. Your CDL may be disqualified or suspended for violations committed in both commercial and non-commercial vehicles. Violations include:

  • DUI/DWI offense and refusing to submit to a BAC test
  • Violating out-of-service orders
  • Hit and runs
  • Felonies involving a vehicle
  • Speeding and reckless driving
  • Driving a commercial vehicle without a CDL
  • Driving without the proper endorsements

DMV CDL Practice Tests

General Knowledge

The general knowledge test is the first of several tests that you will have to complete in order to get your CDL. The questions cover general information about commercial vehicles, driving, and vehicle inspections. The test has a total of 50 questions, and requires at least 40 correct answers to pass.

Air Brakes

You must have an Air brake endorsement on your driver's license to drive a vehicle equipped with an air brake system. This test will test your knowledge of the function, parts, and braking distance of air brakes. The test will consist of 25 questions, and at least 20 correct answers are needed to pass.

Combination

The combination endorsement allows you to drive a vehicle with a power unit and one trailer. This test will cover the "ins and outs" of operating articulated vehicles. The exam consists of 25 questions, and requires at least 20 correct to pass.

Hazardous Material

The Hazardous Material endorsement allows the driver to operate a vehicle containing items such as poisons, explosives, flammables, etc. You will also have to pass the TSA Hazardous Material Threat Assessment to get this endorsement. There are 30 questions, 24 correct required to pass.

Tanker

The Tanker endorsement allows the driver to operate a vehicle weighing more than 26,000 pounds designed to transport any liquid or gaseous material within a tank that is permanently or temporarily attached to the vehicle. There are 20 questions, 16 correct required to pass.

Doubles / Triples

The Doubles/Triples endorsement is required for drivers to pull 2 trailers (doubles) or 3 trailers (triples) connected to a single power unit. There are 20 questions on this test, and 16 correct answers are required to pass.

Passenger

Bus drivers must have a commercial driver's license with a passenger endorsement in order to operate a vehicle which seats 16 or more, including the driver. There are 20 questions on this test, and 16 correct answers are required to pass.

School Bus

School Bus Endorsement is required for any driver who operates a school bus. After the permit tests the training can be only completed by a local school district. There are 20 questions on this test, and 16 correct answers are required to pass.

Pre Trip Inspection

The Pre-Trip exam is an oral exam where you are expected to check the vehicle parts to insure it is safe for road use. The amount of parts you need to check increase with the size of the vehicle, and by type of vehicle.